Puglia Done Right: 2026 Travel Tips

Puglia is not a destination you rush through. It’s a region you settle into. In 2026, more travellers are choosing Puglia precisely because it resists the fast pace of other Italian favourites but don’t make the mistake that first-timers often do. To enjoy Puglia fully and authentically - especially if you’re travelling as a family - it helps to understand how life in this region actually works. It’s very different from places like Forte del Marmi, Taormina, and Portofino. Here’s how we recommend to experience Puglia.

Expect to Drive and Learn to Love It - If Not, Pre-Book a Driver

Puglia is geographically large spanning over 400km from Gargano to Salento, and unlike destinations such as Portofino or Florence, its highlights are spread out. Towns don’t blend into one another; beaches, countryside, and villages are connected by long, scenic roads. Driving here isn’t an inconvenience though, it’s part of the rhythm. Treat the road as part of the experience: stop for focaccia picnics, fresh cocktails in sleepy towns, and winery visits. Olive groves, dry-stone walls, quiet farmland and sudden glimpses of the sea become the spaces where the day slows down. Distances on a map may look short, but time moves differently in Puglia. Build that into your plans, and the region rewards you generously.

If your group is prone to carsickness, plan short trips ahead of time to divide the day into bites of experiences that are doable and stress-free for everyone. You can also drop the idea of a car rental and organise a driver with a comfortable van for the duration of your stay - but refrain from last-minute bookings especially if you’re aiming for the months of June to August. Everything here must be planned in advance.

The Apulian Rhythm - Siesta is Sacred

One of the biggest adjustments for visitors is the daily pause. Unlike northern Europe’s non-stop pace, between roughly 13:00 and 17:00, much of Puglia closes for riposo. We get that most people linger on late breakfasts and head out to explore at 11:30 but that does not work here. Start early or head out late in the afternoon. Shops shut, streets quieten, and the pace drops - deliberately. Rather than fighting this rhythm, lean into it. This is the perfect window for long lunches that turn unhurried, rest and downtime, spa treatments and pool time, quiet hours back at your masseria, reading that book you bought three months ago, and family time without pressure. Puglia doesn’t reward efficiency; it rewards presence.

Puglia with Kids: Less Structure, More Imagination

Forget the blockbuster museums of Venice - Puglia is sensory, outdoor and physical: it thrives on low-key adventures like beachcombing at Porto Badisco or trulli scavenger hunts in Locorotondo. Engage a local travel planner to curate bespoke days: olive farm visits, boat caves at Polignano a Mare, pizza-making in masseria kitchens, and visiting town squares in the evening rather than itineraries.

There are fewer museums, fewer formal attractions, and far less scheduled entertainment. That’s not a limitation; it’s an invitation. Embrace downtime - learning to be “bored” here builds the best memories. Travelling with a planner who understands the region can make this infinitely easier, helping you shape days that feel natural rather than forced.

Don’t Overschedule - Puglia Demands Patience

Trying to “see everything” in Puglia is the fastest way to miss the point. Daily town-hopping sounds appealing on paper, but in reality it leads to tired adults, frustrated children under the hot sun, rushed meals, and very little joy. Puglia reveals itself slowly. It’s better experienced in layers, not lists. You can charter a private yacht for the day, from Santa Maria di Leuca for grotto swims, long lunches, and sunset aperitifs - Puglia’s real treasures hide offshore.

Stay Longer, Move Smarter

When it comes to accommodation, one rule holds true: staying longer in one place almost always pays off. Unpacking once allows you to settle into the landscape, build relationships with staff and people in the nearest town, let children find their rhythm, and use your hotel or masseria as a true home base. A popular and sensible approach we recommend is day on, day off exploration, i.e. alternating outings with rest days. If you’re more adventurous splitting your stay can also work beautifully. A classic combination is 4 nights in the Valle d’Itria for countryside, trulli towns and slow mornings, and 4 nights in Salento for beaches, baroque towns and evening energy. The key is balance, not movement for movement’s sake.

Where to Stay in Puglia: A Curated Edit for 2026

Choosing the right hotel in Puglia isn’t about stars or scale — it’s about setting the rhythm of your stay. The best properties act as anchors: places you return to after long lunches, beach mornings, or countryside drives.

Here’s a considered selection of hotels and villas that consistently work well for travellers who want comfort, character, and a sense of place.

Baglioni Masseria Muzza

Best for: Polished luxury near the coast

Baglioni brings a refined, international lens to a traditional masseria setting. It’s a good choice for travellers who want high-end comfort, professional service, and proximity to the sea — without sacrificing the quiet atmosphere that defines Puglia.

Masseria Torre Maizza (Rocco Forte Hotels)

Best for: Couples, golfers, and understated elegance

Intimate, calm, and impeccably run, Torre Maizza is ideal for travellers who appreciate discretion and design-led simplicity. With access to golf, spa facilities, and the Adriatic coast, it works well as a relaxed base rather than a destination in itself.

Masseria Torre Coccaro

Best for: Traditionalists and slow-living enthusiasts

One of Puglia’s original luxury masserie, Torre Coccaro retains a strong sense of authenticity. It’s less polished than newer openings, but deeply atmospheric — particularly appealing to travellers who value heritage and warmth over perfection.

The Two-Bedroom Suite, Masseria Torre Maize (Rocco Forte)

Epoca Collection Villas

Best for: Families, groups, and travellers seeking autonomy

Private villas remain one of the smartest ways to experience Puglia - particularly with children or multi-generational groups. Epoca Collection’s portfolio offers character-rich homes with services layered in discreetly, allowing guests to live at their own pace while still enjoying professional support.

Palazzo Daniele

Best for: Design lovers, slow travellers, and culturally curious guests

Palazzo Daniele is less a hotel and more a living, breathing house of ideas. Set in the deep south of Salento, it attracts travellers who value architecture, contemporary art, and a slower, more reflective way of being. Ideal for those who have already experienced Puglia’s classics and are ready for something more intimate and intellectually grounded.

Masseria Montenapoleone

Best for: Families and travellers seeking relaxed, all-round comfort

Warm, approachable, and easy to live in, Masseria Montenapoleone offers a welcoming take on Puglian hospitality. It works particularly well for families and longer stays, combining generous outdoor spaces, informal service, and a setting that encourages guests to settle in rather than move constantly.

VISTA Ostuni

Best for: Design-forward travellers exploring Ostuni

A newer addition to the region, VISTA Ostuni shows promise with its contemporary approach and location near the White City. While it’s worth watching closely, it’s best positioned as an option for travellers already familiar with Puglia who enjoy discovering emerging properties.

Borgo Egnazia

Best for: First-time visitors, families, and travellers who want everything to flow effortlessly

An icon of modern Puglian hospitality, Borgo Egnazia offers structure without rigidity and scale without chaos. It’s particularly well suited to families, thanks to its facilities, space, and intuitive service — while still delivering strong design, food, and wellness credentials.

Masseria Cinquepozzi

Best for: Families seeking understated elegance and calm with the ultimate comforts

Masseria Cinquepozzi is a beautifully restored countryside retreat that embodies Puglia’s softer side - intimate, refined, and deeply connected to its landscape. With its restrained design, attentive yet unobtrusive service, and peaceful setting, it’s ideal for travellers who want to slow down completely and experience Puglia without distraction.

What To Do With Kids in Puglia: Some Recommendations

Puglia with children works best when you balance slow days with simple, outdoor activities that don’t require much explanation - or patience. A few well-chosen stops can go a long way, including:

Birichino Club - A relaxed outdoor nature space near Ostuni where children can run, play, climb and explore freely - ideal for burning off energy without overstimulation.
Mini golf & go-kart tracks (various locations across the region) - Easy, low-commitment activities that work well in the late afternoon or early evening, especially on travel days.
Giardini Pistola - A family-friendly green space combining gardens, play areas and casual food options - perfect for a low-pressure outing that keeps everyone happy.

The key is not to over-plan. One simple activity per day is usually enough. The rest of the time, beaches, pools, countryside walks and town squares do the work for you.

Timing Matters

Puglia shines outside peak summer. Late May–June and September are ideal: warm, vibrant, but not overwhelming. July and August are lively and beautiful, but very hot and busy - best for travellers who enjoy energy and long evenings. Shoulder seasons suit families and anyone seeking a gentler pace. Choosing the right timing is as important as choosing the right hotel.

Puglia isn’t a destination you consume. It’s one you inhabit, even briefly. Done right, it doesn’t fill your days with sights - it empties them of noise. And that’s exactly why people return.

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