Hi, my partner and I are planning a week in Puglia in late August without a car. A tentative itinerary being:
Arrive in Bari and travel onwards for:
2 nights in Matera
5 nights in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare as a base. We want something by the sea so we can begin and end our day with regular swims. Looking to do day trips by bus or train to Alberobello and to Lecce. Though I am wondering whether we should actually stay in Lecce for 2 nights instead? I would be grateful to hear any thoughts on how they would distribute their time. Thank you!
Posted by
5109 posts
Monopoli and Polignano put you close enough to Bari for your flight out. I’d look at the travel time to Lecce, as it may be a bit much for a day trip.
Be sure to check the airport bus schedule, as you may be able to travel directly to Matera, saving a bit of travel time.
Posted by
755 posts
We stayed in Bari and went to Lecce on the train for the day. We weren’t very impressed. I have heard that Lecce is more attractive at night and we could see how that would be true. So you might want to consider staying there.
Posted by
5109 posts
A lot closes up from about 12-5, throughout the region, so it is important to plan day trips carefully.
Posted by
Washington DC
28255 posts
I liked Lecce a lot even though Baroque architecture isn't my favorite. It's a city rather than a cute little beach town, so it makes a nice change from a lot of the typical day-trip destinations. It helped that I stayed in Lecce for about 5 nights, doing day trips from there, so I had time to wander when it as a bit cooler early and late.
August is likely to be brutal in Puglia. You may have limited opportunities to cool off when you're on a day trip away from your overnight base.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2191 posts
We stayed in Lecce for several days, and we were not impressed either. It would not be an optimal place for a day trip unless you are interested in Baroque churches, because everything (except some churches) closes down around 1 or 2 and doesn’t reopen until 6. Every store & restaurant — even gelato shop — is closed, and restaurants — even pizza — don’t reopen until 8 pm. It becomes a ghost town.
Posted by
North Carolina, USA
371 posts
lecce's old center is stunning. i was there for 4 days last june. lots to see especially the puglian baroque churches, also a great base for train trips. i visited ostuni, brindisi, otranto, galatina and gallipoli. ostuni (whitewashed hilltop town), otranto (cathedral with fantastic and whimsical mosaics), and galatina (romanesque/gothic cathedral with beautiful frescoes) are not to be missed. one of the best gelato places as well, can't remember the name but just off the entrance to the piazza. If you like, take a look at my trip photos at the following link: https://pixelsandmemories.myportfolio.com/.