Four villages to visit in Puglia around Bari

Puglia, a region located in the very south of Italy, is often underappreciated for the beauty of its villages. The atmosphere is quite unique, and tourists are not always viewed favorably by the locals, but it is truly here that you can immerse yourself in pure Italian traditions. It’s worth noting, however, that during the summer, temperatures can be very high, and the beaches are either difficult to access on foot, crowded, or very narrow. Nonetheless, what really makes this region worth visiting are the small villages accessible from Bari by car or public transport, either by bus or train. Built on cliff edges or inland amidst vineyards, with little whitewashed houses, take the time to wander through the streets and soak in the atmosphere of these villages.

Four typical villages of Puglia to visit

In this article, you will find information about these four typical villages of Puglia that are truly worth a visit!

Polignano A Mare
Monopoli
Locorotondo
Alberobello

Les quatres villages à visiter aux alentours de Bari dans les Pouilles — Map of the Villages in Puglia

Polignano A Mare

Polignano A Mare is a small village built on the side of cliffs, right by the sea. The old town is surrounded by fortifications, which adds charm and authenticity to the village. The entrance is through a large archway that leads to the main square. As in every village, get lost in the narrow streets where you can admire charming little houses, often decorated with beautiful plants. However, what truly makes this village worth the visit are the views from its cliffs, which stretch for several kilometers along the sea. Walk along the coast from the village, and you will discover, between the buildings, new viewpoints of the cliffs. One of these viewpoints even offers a glimpse of a restaurant built directly into the rock of the cliff.

🛥️ Book a boat tour now to explore the caves!

At the edge of the town, an old bridge overlooks a crowded beach but still offers a beautiful viewpoint.

Plage de Polignano A Mare située à deux pas du centre ville — Beach of Polignano A Mare

You can also enjoy these three other complementary maritime activities to discover Polignano A Mare in a different way. Traveling with a group? You can even opt for a private boat.

Where to eat in Polignano A Mare?

For lunch, I recommend leaving the old town and heading to the Pescaria trattoria , which offers many quick dishes made with fresh seafood, such as octopus. The line may seem quite long at first, but it actually moves fairly quickly.

🚄 Polignano A Mare - Bari [30min - 2,70€ - Trenitalia ]

🚄 Polignano A Mare - Monopoli [5min - 1,10€ - Trenitalia ]

Monopoli

Located by the sea, Monopoli initially gives the impression of a small fishing village. Also adorned with fortifications, what makes this village charming is the small harbor, filled with little blue boats, located at the entrance to the city walls. Once you enter the town, you'll first encounter the lively central square, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Then, just like in the other villages, get lost in the narrow streets of the town. Notably, there are small alleys beautifully decorated with flags in the colors of Italy.

This village also houses a beautiful cathedral, which you can admire only from the outside.

Experience Monopoli differently with a culinary tour of the city – book here!

Where to get an Ice Cream in Monopoli ?

To indulge, a great ice cream shop is located in the main square, offering delicious treats at a very affordable price.

🚄 Monopoli - Bari [25/40min - 3,40€ - Trenitalia ]

🚄 Monopoli - Polignano A Mare [5min - 1,10€ - Trenitalia ]

Locorotondo

This tiny village, accredited by "The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy," is located inland and is truly one of my favorites in Puglia. There's not much to visit, but the atmosphere in the historic center is really unique, and the narrow streets lined with white façades have a lot of charm. Some restaurants have even set up in these tiny alleys, offering a refreshing break during lunchtime.

If you're traveling with a group, enjoy a private tour with a French-speaking guide to discover all the secrets of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Explore Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare, and Ostuni from Bari with a guide – Book here! 🏛️🌊✨

🚌 Locorotondo - Bari [1h20 - 5,20€ - Ferrovie del Sud Est]

🚌 Locorotondo - Alberobello [15min - 1,10€ - Ferrovie del Sud Est]

🚄Locorotondo - Alberobello [12min - 1,10€ - Trenitalia]

Alberobello

From Locorotondo, you can head directly to Alberobello, the village famous for its iconic Trulli—small white houses with conical stone roofs scattered throughout the Bari region.

Originally built for small farmers or laborers, the Trulli of Alberobello have now become a major tourist attraction, so be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer. However, the overall view of the Trulli gathered in one neighborhood is truly worth it, as it’s something you won’t see anywhere else.

🏛️✨ Choose a 2-hour guided tour to uncover all the secrets of this unique city – Book here!