My husband and I are retired seniors who are looking to do an 8-10 day trip to Puglia. We will be coming from Roma (via train) and will not be renting a car (we do not drive). What do you think the best base for our visit would be, Bari or Lecce? We're planning to visit those two towns as well as Metera, Alberobello, Ostuni. We are looking to go on to Florence from the base town, so that would might figure into this decision. Thank you for your help!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15574 posts
I recommend you start by reading this recent Trip Report from Jean who has just traveled to the area using only public transit. You might not want to move as fast as she does but it gives you a good feel for the area.
Posted by
723 posts
OP FG,
We once based in Lecce, which meant easy access to the trains to Gallipoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Polignano et al. We made Trani as our second base and it all worked well.
Btw, rockstar Alex Lifeson (guitarist for Rush) is staying in Ostuni at this moment.
Bari obviously will be your transit hub for the train to Matera.
Good luck.
I am done. The end.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1759 posts
Bari to Matera is either about an hour or more like 2 hours depending on how and when you make the trip, Bari to both Ostuni and Lecce is about an hour and a half, Bari to Alberobello is a bit more than an hour. So, as much as I like Lecce, Bari is the more practical base for you. Bari to Florence is almost 7 hours by train, 3 hours by plane including an hour layover in Rome.
Posted by
North Italy
500 posts
Bari makes a good base also because of the east coast train line. Apart from the places you mention it's also easy to get to Trani, Monopoli, Poligano etc. We spent a week there one April: https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/11/puglia-bari-in-april-trip-report.html