Holiday in Puglia: Bucket List 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of sun-soaked Italian landscapes, charming whitewashed villages and food that makes your heart sing, then a holiday in Puglia should be on your radar. This isn’t just any trip – it’s a chance to slow down, wander without a plan and soak in the softer side of travel. Think cobbled streets, olive groves, turquoise waters and evenings that stretch lazily over local wine.
I’ve put together a bucket list of 20 must-visit places and must-do experiences for your holiday in Puglia 2025.
The Ultimate Bucket List 2025
My Puglia holiday – soft travel
1. Explore the Trulli of Alberobello
I have to start with Alberobello. These quirky cone-shaped houses are unlike anything I’ve seen before. I wandered the quiet streets and felt like I had stepped into a storybook. Staying overnight in a trullo was a dream. Waking up to the morning light streaming through the stone walls made me feel so peaceful. If you are planning a holiday in Puglia, I highly recommend spending a night here to fully soak in the charm.
2. Getting lost in Ostuni, the White City
Ostuni quickly became my favourite town. I loved the way the whitewashed buildings reflected the sunlight and how every corner felt like a hidden treasure. I found a small café and watched the world go by while sipping a perfect espresso. Walking slowly through the streets, I felt truly relaxed, which is exactly why a soft travel approach suits Puglia so well. On your holiday in Puglia, don’t rush here, take your time to wander and let the town reveal itself.
3. Lounging on Pescoluse’s beaches
Pescoluse surprised me with its soft white sand and clear, shallow waters. I spent hours just lying on the beach and swimming gently in the turquoise sea. It’s one of the most relaxing experiences I had and I can honestly say it’s a must for any holiday in Puglia. Bring a good book, let the waves lap at your feet and take a break from everything.
4. Wine Tasting in Valle d’Itria
I loved visiting Valle d’Itria and tasting the wines directly from the vineyards. The rolling hills are stunning and the winemakers were so welcoming. I tried primitivo and negroamaro wines while watching the sun set over the olive groves. On my holiday in Puglia, this was one of those experiences where I just paused and savoured the moment. It felt luxurious yet simple, which is why I recommend it so much.
5. Matera
Even though Matera is technically just outside Puglia, I couldn’t resist a visit. Walking through the Sassi cave dwellings felt like stepping back in time. I loved imagining life here centuries ago and taking photos of the narrow stone streets. A holiday in Puglia can easily include a day trip here and it’s a truly unique experience that will stay in your memory.
6. Strolling through Lecce
Lecce stole my heart with its baroque architecture and elegant piazzas. I spent hours just wandering, taking in the carved stone facades and tiny artisan shops. There’s a slow rhythm to this town that makes it perfect for soft travel. I loved pausing for gelato in a quiet square, feeling like I had the city all to myself. If you’re planning a holiday in Puglia, Lecce is a must-see for culture and charm.
7. Savoring Burrata in Andria
Food is such an important part of Puglia and tasting fresh burrata in Andria was one of my favourite experiences. I walked into a small shop and the creamy cheese melted in my mouth like nothing I’ve ever had. Pair it with a glass of local wine and you have the perfect slow moment. On a holiday in Puglia, indulging in local specialties like this is a true joy.
8. Sunset at Torre Sant’Andrea
I will never forget the cliffs and natural rock formations at Torre Sant’Andrea. Watching the sun sink into the Adriatic from this viewpoint was magical. I stayed for what felt like hours, just breathing the salty air and listening to the waves. For anyone seeking serenity, this spot is unbeatable. It’s exactly the kind of moment I want on a holiday in Puglia: quiet, breath-taking and completely restorative.
9. Cycling through Ostuni Countryside
I rented a bike one morning and pedalled through the rolling hills and olive groves surrounding Ostuni. The sun warmed my back, the scent of the earth filled my lungs and I felt completely free. This is a way to see the region slowly and intimately. I highly recommend taking a couple of hours or even a full day for this; it’s both exercise and meditation.
10. Discovering Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is postcard-perfect. I wandered the cliffside streets, peeking over the edges to see turquoise waters below. The town is lively yet relaxed, with small cafes where I stopped for an espresso and watched the boats bob in the bay. A holiday in Puglia isn’t complete without seeing this seaside gem: it’s romantic, charming and endlessly photogenic.
11. Relaxing at Torre Lapillo
Torre Lapillo has some of the clearest waters I’ve ever seen. I spent a full afternoon here with a small towel, a hat and a book. There’s something about the quiet stretch of sand and gentle waves that just resets your mind. This is the kind of experience that defines a soft travel holiday in Puglia. I left feeling refreshed and grateful for the slow pace.
12. Exploring Castel del Monte
I loved visiting Castel del Monte, the octagonal castle perched on a hill. Its architecture is fascinating, and climbing up to the castle offered panoramic views over the countryside. Walking the castle grounds, I imagined life in the Middle Ages. For history lovers or anyone curious about Puglia, this is a must-add to your holiday in Puglia bucket list.
13. Sunset Dinner in Monopoli
Monopoli has a lively yet relaxed seaside vibe. I had dinner at a small trattoria overlooking the harbour and watched as the sky turned pink. The seafood was fresh, the wine local, and the moment unforgettable. I recommend timing your dinner for sunset on a holiday in Puglia – it’s one of those experiences that sticks with you long after you leave.
14. Hiking in Alta Murgia National Park
For a change of pace, I went hiking in Alta Murgia National Park. The open landscapes, limestone formations, and quiet trails felt like another world. Hiking here is gentle enough for soft travel but still gives you that sense of adventure. If you’re seeking a connection with nature on your holiday in Puglia, this park is ideal.
15. Watching the Tranquil Waters of Lake Lesina
Lake Lesina was a surprise highlight. The calm waters and birdlife made me feel like I had discovered a secret corner of the world. I spent a morning walking along the shore and just absorbing the stillness. On a holiday in Puglia, moments like this are essential; they remind you why you came: to slow down, breathe, and enjoy life.
Wrapping up my holiday in Puglia
Puglia is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to travel slowly, enjoy the small moments and soak up incredible landscapes, architecture, and cuisine. From wandering trulli streets to tasting the creamiest burrata, each experience reminded me to pause and appreciate the simplicity around me.
If you’re planning a holiday in Puglia in 2025, use this bucket list as your guide, but leave room for your own discoveries. There’s a magic in wandering without a strict plan, listening to the locals, and letting the pace of Puglia slow you down.
Every town, beach, and vineyard offers a chance to reconnect – with nature, with food, and with yourself. This is what soft travel is all about. Puglia isn’t just a destination; it’s a gentle embrace that stays with you long after your journey ends.
