We will be in the Apuglia region for 1 month in the fall. I’m looking at Brindisi, Bari or Lecce.
Which town/ city would be a good home base?
Also, what is the most economical and reliable rental car company in the area?
Thanks!
Willow
Posted by
Washington DC
28742 posts
Puglia is a long, skinny region. Even with a rental car, I wouldn't want to have just a single base for a month.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16331 posts
From the Gargano Peninsula in the north, to Santa Maria di Leuca at the tip of the “heel” it’s almost 6 hour drive, just to give you an idea of how long Puglia is. I would choose at least a couple of bases if not more, since you are staying so long. With a car I would avoid to stay in cities. Bari is very congested. Also Lecce, which is a popular destination, has a ZTL(limited traffic zone where only residents with permit can drive) in the historical city center, so you need to choose your accommodations accordingly.
In the Gargano peninsula I like Vieste and Peschici. Alberobello and Locorotondo (just 10 min apart) are pretty towns. Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni, Otranto are also beautiful and popular. Lecce of course is a popular city. Gallipoli is also beautiful and trendy. Matera, although not technically in Puglia, deserves a visit. Do some research, decide what to see, then look at at map and find a couple of locations that logistically make sense to see as many places as possible.
Check www.autoeurope.com (a broker) for rental car deals. They work with the major rental companies. See if they have a long term lease available also, although for a month it may not be long enough for a much lower price.