Lucera

  • Why go: Elegant, historic, authentic, and completely non-touristic.

  • Highlights:

    • Roman Amphitheater — one of the best preserved in Southern Italy

    • Swabian-Angevin Fortress — dramatic views over the Tavoliere plain

    • Cathedral of Santa Maria

  • Local tip: Get a gelato or granita and stroll along the main street or through La Villa (the local park).

    What to eat: Taralli, pizza pugliese, puccia (olive bread), and pane di Altamura (traditional naturally leavened Italian sourdough bread).

  • Why go: The gateway to the Gargano — coastal, lively, full of local energy.

  • Highlights:

    • Swabian-Angevin Castle

    • Seafront promenade

  • Local tip: Perfect base to explore the whole peninsula.
    Grab a fried seafood cone at the port for a true local experience.

Manfredonia

  • Why go: UNESCO site, one of the most spiritual places in Europe.

  • Highlights:

    • Sanctuary of Saint Michael, carved into the rock

    • Whitewashed medieval alleys

  • Local tip: Visit in the early morning to avoid the groups and feel the mystical atmosphere.

Monte Sant’Angelo

  • Why go: Worldwide pilgrimage site dedicated to Padre Pio.

  • Highlights:

    • Modern Padre Pio Church by Renzo Piano

    • Places connected to the Saint’s life

  • Local tip: Combine it with Monte Sant’Angelo — the two shrines are only 25 minutes apart.

  • Perfect One-Day Itinerary
    Morning: Monte Sant’Angelo
    Afternoon: San Giovanni Rotondo
    Dinner: Back in Manfredonia or Mattinata

San Giovanni Rotondo

Mattinata

  • Why go: Calm, whitewashed town surrounded by olive trees and turquoise coves.

  • Highlights:

    • Charming old town

    • Amazing viewpoints like Monte Sacro

  • Local tip: The most iconic beaches of the Gargano are all located here (see Beaches section).

  • Why go: The “Queen of the Gargano” — lively, scenic, and full of charm.

  • Highlights:

    • Old town perched over the sea

    • Stairway of Love

    • Lighthouse & harbor

  • Local tip: Aperitivo with a panoramic view. Magical.

Vieste

Peschici

  • Why go: A white cliffside town with some of the best sunsets in Puglia.

  • Highlights:

    • Old town

    • Incredible terraces overlooking the bay

  • Local tip: Book dinner at a cliffside restaurant — unforgettable sunset.

  • Why go: Cute seaside town and best departure port for the Tremiti Islands.

  • Highlights:

    • Old town

    • Long, calm beaches

  • Local tip: Great area to buy local citrus — the orange scent is famous here.

Rodi Garganico

Tremiti Islands (1 Full Day)

  • Why go: Crystal tropical-looking sea, caves, cliffs, history — truly unique in Italy.

  • How to get there: Boats from Rodi, Peschici, Vieste, or Termoli.

  • What to see:

    • San Domino → beaches, coves, turquoise water

    • San Nicola → fortress and panoramic viewpoints

  • Local tip: Rent a small boat to explore the bays.
    Bring water shoes — many rocky areas.

Bari

  • Why go: The cultural capital and best travel hub.

  • Must-sees:

    • Basilica di San Nicola (walk the old pilgrim streets)

    • Bari Vecchia at sunset — magical and lively

    • Lungomare Nazario Sauro for a morning stroll

  • Local tip: At night, grab panzerotti in Bari Vecchia where grandmas still make pasta outside their doors.

Polignano a Mare

  • Why go: Iconic cliffside village over turquoise water.

  • Must-sees:

    • Lama Monachile beach (best early morning)

    • Terrazza Santo Stefano for that postcard view

  • Local tip: Skip high-season lunch in the old town — instead grab a simple caffè speciale (coffee with lemon zest, sugar & cream).

Monopoli

  • Why go: A charming, relaxed coastal town.

  • Must-sees:

    • Wander the whitewashed old port

    • Swim at Cala Porta Vecchia

  • Local tip: Base yourself here instead of Polignano for better prices and quieter evenings.

Alberobello & Itria Valley

(Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Cisternino)

  • Why go: Fairytale trulli villages and rolling olive-tree landscapes.

  • Must-sees:

    • Alberobello (go at sunrise or after 7pm—avoid tour buses)

    • Cisternino for bombette dinners

    • Locorotondo for wine tastings

  • Local tip: Stay in a trullo with a pool.

  • Why go: White city on a hill with views of the sea.

  • Must-sees:

    • Aperitivo at sunset in Piazza della Libertà

    • Get lost in the alleyways — no agenda needed

  • Local tip: Best beaches are not in Ostuni — drive 20 minutes toward Rosamarina or Pilone.

Ostuni

(La Città Bianca)

Lecce

  • Why go: Baroque architecture + vibrant nightlife.

  • Must-sees:

    • Basilica di Santa Croce

    • Piazza Duomo (go at night — unreal lighting)

  • Local tip: Lecce is best as a 2-night base to explore Salento

(The Florence of the South)