Puglia help.

Hi Jem, that’s been a very common question lately on the forum, Here’s the search results for the last year. Enjoy your time! I’m in Puglia right now.

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=1y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Puglia

I presume you are traveling between the end of May and early October if you want to swim in the Adriatic Sea (no Oceans east of the Iberian peninsula).

Starting from the north, I recommend the Gargano peninsula. I generally stay in Vieste, and from there you can take day trips to Peschici, another quaint town. These are hotels where I stayed (the first one less expensive, but great property)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nMDLi1SefuW6pr1s6?g_st=ic
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqyXwb6L6JtXoBtZ9?g_st=ic
These are beaches where I went:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rvj3jYf6bunSeZdq8?g_st=ic
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fTstK6j82TGWYqJQ7?g_st=ic
Gargano requires some driving on curvy roads, so you can’t visit it from another base outside of it.

In central Puglia I always stayed at the same resort near Alberobello. They have great pools.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/J11Q5QxRXn3QLxCS8?g_st=ic
From a Central Puglia base you can visit easily Alberobello, Locorotondo, Monopoli, Polignano, Martina Franca and also Ostuni, further south. Everything is within 30-45 min drive. If you prefer to stay on the coast, then Monopoli or Polignano will work. Polignano has mostly cliffs. South of Monopoli there are sandy coves and beaches.

Matera (Basilicata) is a city that deserves a visit. It’s about 75 min drive from Alberobello, but it is probably best to stay at least one night. If you go in summer know that in the Sassi Area gets hot like an oven.

Further south Lecce is a beautiful city which probably deserves at least one night. Gallipoli is a nice day trip, just 40 min away. I’m not suggesting the place where I stayed in Lecce because only had street parking available. Find something wishing walking distance from the city center but with parking arrangements, no matter how much the parking fee is.

Even further south is Otranto, a fortified town on the beach. It’s only 40 min or so from Lecce or Gallipoli, if you prefer a base on the coast and don’t care to spend the night in Lecce (although Lecce is really beautiful in the evenings). In Otranto I always stay here, they have parking for a fee and an agreement with a beach club. The historical center and the fortress is within walking distance (15 min)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ot6UjrUWUEx7xWcg7?g_st=ic

What have you identified that you want to see? Make that list first, then we can make specific suggestions for bases. There is no one general answer, and while distances are not great, they are sufficient that you can’t see it all and have to prioritize.

Hi Roberto, regarding your comment about parking in Lecce. The hotel I reserved is right across from Basilica di Santa Croce. Coincidentally, I was looking at the ZTL map earlier and then looking at parking lots. I saw a parking garage called Parkejoo. Is it safe to assume that this is a good spot to park that’s near my hotel/historic center?

That parking lot is a great choice. Modern underground multistory next the Court House (Justice Palace), therefore probably also very safe. It is outside the ZTL and only 5 min walk from the Basilica, so if your accommodations are there, that is perfect.

Thank you Roberto. You can ignore my private message I sent you,

we are staying at Masseria Un Posto al Sole (through Booking.com) near Otranto and it's gotten great reviews, has a pool, breakfast and close to Lecce, Otranto and then if we want to head south and explore more of the coast! Search Masseria in the forum and I'll bet you'll get great recommendations!

We're also staying in Matera for one night and then Cisternino area for several nights.