We will be traveling in late May next year. We plan on spending 3 days in Milan and then traveling to Bologna by train. After that we will be going to Puglia. Would it be better to rent a car in Bologna or train to somewhere like Bari and rent a car there. Most of the things that I have read seem to recommend a car while going thru Puglia. Also, our granddaughter wants some beach time down south. Any thoughts on Gallapoli or other places in Puglia. Thanks, Bob
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
218 posts
We spent two weeks in Puglia last year from May 30, including June 6-9 in Gallipoli. We loved the small beach right in the old town of Gallipoli- nice sand, warm water, beautiful sunsets and not crowded at that time of year. The town itself was nice, but not much going on there, even though everything seemed to be open. Otranto, on the other side of the Salento peninsula seemed a little more active and also had a nice beach (but without the sunsets). Prior to Gallipoli we based in a small village near Alberobello for several days, and visited such places as Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni & Locorotondo. The first two of these are well known for their beaches, but they were crowded even at the end of May. There are however many public beaches and beach clubs all along the coast south of Bari. We started our Puglia trip by picking up a car at the Bari airport, and ended it with an overnight train from Lecce to Milan. The train from Bologna to Bari will take six to seven hours, but driving will take even longer, and is more exhausting. I would recommend the train in general and an overnight train if you’re up for it- it saves a day of travel and the cost of one night’s hotel. If you are focused on Gallipoli, go all the way to Lecce by train and pick up a car there. However, I think there’s more to see and do in the part of Puglia between Bari and Lecce, including the places I mentioned above.
Posted by
OP
Goldsboro, NC, USA
8 posts
Thanks so much to both of you for your responses. A lot of good suggestions that I will use in my planning.
Posted by
North Italy
371 posts
I would train down and rent the car from Bari. I love Puglia and since I live in north Italy and prefer to have my car with me, I've driven up and down lots of times. Yes it's not a bad motorway and I find somewhere different and interesting to stop over but it's just something I have to do to get to Puglia.
How long will you stay in Puglia?
We started visiting in 2019 and have been back each year. Our first ever visit was in 2005 and I must say the season has lengthened considerably. Last week in September last year we were in Gallipoli for a day and it was packed out....In Porto Cesareo the season is shorter but still plenty of people and all restaurants open that week while yes, driving north from there it is quiet.
You'll be going in May and beach clubs are slower to open than to close but 2nd June is now a public holiday in Italy so the vast majority open by then meaning you should have a good choice end May.