We , two senior travelers, plan to spend 9 or 10 days touring Puglia in September. We will be coming after a few days in Switzerland, plan to fly into Bari and rent a car. We don’t like cities and don’t plan to lie on the beach. We love small towns, the countryside and would like short hikes or biking.
I have been considering the following itinerary: three nights in Matera after our long trip from Switzerland, two nights Ostuni, two in Taranto and two in Monopoli. Then fly to Rome for our flight home.
I would consider eliminating one of these bases and either staying in Trani or adding a day to two of the stops.
Suggestions please.
Posted by
5709 posts
Could you share why you selected Taranto?
Taranto would be on the list of someone who is interested in the museum, but if that is not a passion of yours, then you could probably either visit as a day trip or exclude it. It was a gorgeous place at one time, but an industrial plant came along. I love faded grandeur, so I would include it on a third visit to the region.
Ostuni and Monopoli are close enough together that you could choose one base. Are you flying from Bari or Brindisi (I would compare to train)?
Posted by
OP
9 posts
So sorry for the confusion. I meant Otranto. I wanted to stay there to see the southernmost part of Puglia. And yes Ostuni and Monopoli are close. A friend had stayed in both of those Townes and recommended them. Which of the two would be best?
In view of my stated interest, do you think Trani would be a good base?
Posted by
5709 posts
Ah, that makes sense.
Do you need to be close to Bari before your flight?
Both Monopoli and Ostuni are very popular. Monopoli is right on the sea, otherwise it's a toss-up. You could probably even just choose one base. I would do three and three, but not 2-2-2. Google Maps is fairly reliable for drive time estimates--I map out all the drives I would be doing, and choose a base that puts me in the car the least. You could also just start looking at accommodations and see if that inspires something.
Posted by
North Italy
464 posts
I agree with Valadelphia's advice. Two-night stops waste too much time considering the distances.
Trani is one of my favourite places and considering your interests I would choose Trani over Monopoli.
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-i-love-trani.html
How about 2N Trani also to relax 3N Otranto 2N Ostuni 2N Matera?
Posted by
399 posts
Spent November 2024 mostly in Puglia after coming from Amalfi coast, Maratea, Tropea and then heading to Matera, Lecce, Polignano al Mare and Naples. S, F, 70+, solo and public transpo only.
Matera was nice and Saturday Market although small (in November) was delightful. The cafe in the back of the permanent market was my go to place for cappuccino and croissant. I think 2 nights would be sufficient although could do 3 after your trip from Switzerland. Ostuni was delightful but one day is sufficient. Trani, nice and Otranto as well. I opted for Polignano al Mare which is very small but lovely. After going to Monopoli still glad I stayed in PAM but Monopoli loaded with history, larger and more alleys and areas to wander through. Watched lots of youtube videos but shorts (not walking tours as I do not like to look at someones rear end). Gave me a good sense of how much to see in each place. No mention of Lecce which is magnificent.