When to Visit Puglia and How Long To Stay For A Dreamy Trip
We’re not saying the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany isn’t beautiful. But we are saying that if you want to eat focaccia so good it makes you emotional, explore storybook towns without crowds, and actually feel like you’re in Italy (not just a tourist trap), then Puglia should be at the top of your list.
But here’s the thing: planning a trip here and figuring out the best time to visit Puglia isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. Puglia looks small on the map, but it’s way bigger than it seems. And if you go during the wrong season or don’t give yourself enough time, you might walk away thinking it’s “just okay.” (Spoiler: it’s not.)
This is your no-fluff, honest guide to deciding when to go and how long to stay in Puglia — based on our own 10-day road trip and the many mistakes we made along the way.
Culture Craving Couple contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! You can see our disclosure policy.
TL;DR: Go in Spring or Fall — and Stay 10 Days Minimum
If you just want a quick answer: visit in April, May, September, or October and plan to stay 10 days minimum. That gives you time to explore beyond the touristy towns, eat actual local food, and not feel like you need a vacation after your vacation.
Breaking Down The Best Time to Visit Puglia
Puglia is one of the sunniest regions in Italy, but that doesn’t mean every month is ideal. Summer gets brutally hot and packed with tourists (yes, even here), and winter isn’t the cozy Italian dream people imagine.
Here’s what we recommend:
April & May:
Everything is in bloom, prices are still low, and it’s warm enough to explore without overheating. Restaurants and shops are open, but crowds haven’t arrived yet. Chef’s kiss.
September & October:
Our personal favorite time. The sea is still warm enough to swim, harvest season is in full swing (hello wine and olive oil), and the tourists have thinned out. We were there in early October and it was perfect — still swimming, but no elbowing people for beach space.
PRO TIP: We thought October was a HIGH contender for the best month to visit Puglia!
When to Avoid:
June–August is peak season. It’s hot, expensive, and very crowded. Puglia is where Italians go to vacation, so you’re competing with both locals and tourists. Also avoid mid-August (Ferragosto) — it’s basically Italy’s national vacation week, and everything is chaos.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Not ideal unless you just want to chill and do absolutely nothing. You won’t be able to visit some of the best towns in Puglia for beaches and some restaurants and shops close.
So, none of that beautiful outdoor café life you came to Italy for.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
- March: Chilly mornings, nice afternoons. Things are just starting to reopen.
- April–May: Warm, fresh, and crowd-free. Highly recommended.
- June–August: Hot. Busy. Pricey. Not worth it.
- September–October: Still warm, still beautiful. The sweet spot.
- November–February: Quieter but colder. Less going on.
How Long to Stay in Puglia
Now that we’ve scared you out of going in July (you’re welcome), let’s talk about how much time you actually need in Puglia.
Minimum:
7 days if you just want to hit the highlights (Bari, Polignano, Lecce, and maybe Matera). But be warned — you’ll be moving fast.
Recommended:
10 days is the sweet spot. You can explore the north, center, and south without rushing, stay in multiple towns, and actually enjoy the slower pace that makes Puglia special.
Ideal:
2 weeks if you want beach time, wine tasting, cooking classes, and days where “get gelato and wander aimlessly” is your entire to-do list. It also gives you room for a few day trips — like to Matera or lesser-known gems like Casamassima or Ceglie Messapica.
Quick Planning Tips:
- Don’t stay in one place. Use 2–3 different bases like Bari (north), Ostuni (center), and Lecce (south). If you HAVE to do one place, we think Bari is the best option to stay in Puglia.
- Don’t try to do it in a weekend. Puglia is not a “hop off the train and see it all” kind of place.
- Do rent a car. It’s the only way to see the real Puglia — the sleepy towns, the cheese farms, the wine roads.
We always use Discover cars for rental car bookings. We love that you can see ALL carriers next to each other to compare pricing.
>> Compare prices and check availability now <<
Don’t Rush It — Puglia’s Worth the Time
If there’s one Puglia tip we want to leave with you, it’s this: Puglia is not a quick-stop destination. The region is bigger than it looks, slower in all the best ways, and absolutely packed with places you don’t want to rush through. Give yourself 10 days (or more), go in the spring or fall, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best food, wine, and views Italy has to offer — without the stress.
Now that you know when to go and how long to stay, you’re probably wondering… how much is this dream trip going to cost? We’ve got you. We tracked everything we spent during our trip — from car rentals to cheese plates — and broke it all down in one easy post right here to help you determine if Puglia is expensive!
Are you planning a trip to Puglia? When are you going? What are you most excited about? Leave us a comment — we’d love to help!
