My Guide for Planning Your Puglia Road Trip (and What Not To Do!)

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you planning a trip to Puglia? Then this is everything you need to know about driving in Puglia, including car hire, driving tips and where to go.

With seaside towns frozen in time and a laid-back way of life you just can’t find anywhere else in the world, Puglia is just made for a road trip. Follow the coast from north to south and you’ll find yourself in the heel of Italy, passing olive groves that seem to stretch on forever, whitewashed hill towns, and beaches that beg for “just one more stop”. Your days quickly become a blur of narrow marble streets, spontaneous espresso breaks, gorging on gelato and eating more orecchiette (the local Puglian pasta) than you ever thought possible.

Puglia is a place I hold really close to my heart. I’ve road-tripped here twice now – once in 2018 and again in 2025 – and both trips are up there with my best holidays. Driving here is part of the adventure. Roads are generally quiet, the scenery does most of the heavy lifting, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore places you’d never reach by public transport. I’d say it’s relaxed, rewarding, and occasionally a little chaotic – but that’s all part of the Italian charm.

It’s very easy spending your time in places like Monopoli and Ostuni, but then you miss out on places like Lecce and Otranto further south. That’s why I think hiring a car in Puglia is a must, so you can get to those little tucked away places you only read about in the guide books (or here for that matter).

If you’re planning your own road trip through Puglia, then this is the blog post for you. In it, I’m going to walk you through exactly what it’s like driving in this part of southern Italy – from the reality of navigating small town streets and coastal roads, to what you can expect on motorways and rural backroads.

Having driven in Puglia more than once now, I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite places in Italy for a road trip. It’s scenic, surprisingly relaxed, and incredibly rewarding if you like travelling at your own pace. I’ve got a feeling you’re going to enjoy driving here just as much as I did.

Quick overview

• Airports: Bari for the north and the Valle d’Itria, Brindisi for Lecce and the Salento.
• Driving: on the right, and roundabouts go anticlockwise.
• Bari to Otranto: about 200 km, or 2 hours 20 minutes without stops.
• Tolls: none on the SS16 and SS613, the main roads for this road trip.
• Fuel: around €2.05 a litre for petrol and €2.25 for diesel.
• Licence: a UK photocard licence is fine. Licences from outside the EU, such as US ones, need an International Driving Permit.
• Biggest trap: ZTL camera zones in the old towns.
• Best months: May, June, September and early October.
• Emergency number: 112.

Hiring a car in Puglia (and what to watch out for!)

Firstly, if you’re driving in Puglia, you’re going to need a car. At Bari Airport, most of the big names have desks inside the terminal, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. Italian firms Maggiore and Locauto are there too, while Goldcar’s office is just outside, next to the rental car parks.

When it comes to paperwork, a UK photocard driving licence is all you need. If your licence was issued outside the EU, for example in the US, you’ll need an International Driving Permit to go with it. Bring your passport too. Check the deposit rules before you book. Some companies only accept a credit card in the main driver’s name, which isn’t something you want to find out at the desk.

I booked with Discover Cars as I always find they collate the cheapest options if you’re looking to save money. Obviously if you’re booking with one of the well-known companies like Avis then you’ll pay more, but you are paying for peace of mind that they’ll take care of you.

One thing you really need to watch out for is where you’re actually picking up your hire car. When I hired with Rental Premium (a local budget company), they claimed to be based at Bari Airport, but in reality the office was a short 10 minute drive away. My advice is always to check the most recent Google reviews to confirm the exact pickup location before booking. Ideally, you want the car at the airport itself – anything else just adds an unnecessary extra journey.

Secondly – and this is advice I can’t stress enough – take a full video of your hire car when you collect it. When I returned the car, Rental Premium (who I’d honestly avoid like the plague) suddenly “found” a scratch on a hubcap that 100% wasn’t caused by me. After a lot of back and forth, I ended up paying €140 for damage I didn’t do. I’d taken photos, but not a full walkaround video, which would have avoided the whole situation. Learn from my mistake – future you will be grateful.

One final note: I had excess insurance with carhireexcess.co.uk, and they refunded the full amount once I submitted the paperwork. I didn’t expect to get anything back, so I was genuinely impressed by their service. If you’re driving in Italy, especially through narrow streets, that extra insurance is well worth it. This isn’t sponsored or anything, they’re just a company I recommend.

What’s it like driving in Puglia?

Puglia is long rather than wide, stretching roughly 400km from north to south, but most of the places you’ll want to visit are fairly close together. Once you’re in the Valle d’Itria or along the coast, distances feel very manageable. Driving between towns like Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca often takes 20-30 minutes, which makes it perfect for slow, scenic exploring.

One of my favourite things about driving here is how many beautiful places there are to stop off at. Tiny villages, roadside viewpoints, quiet beaches and random masserias (local fancy farmstays/agriturismo hotels) just seem to appear as you go. Having a car means you can explore at your own pace rather than sticking to a rigid itinerary.

So, what’s it actually like driving in Puglia? For the most part, easy and relaxed. Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and up to 110–130 km/h on motorways. It never felt rushed or intense, and once you get used to the local driving style, it’s pretty straightforward.

The main roads and motorways are generally in good condition, with smooth tarmac and clear signage, especially around Bari, Brindisi and along the coast. I was pleasantly surprised by how decent many of the roads were.

That said, not all roads are created equal. Some of the smaller country lanes – particularly around rural areas and beach access roads – can be narrow, uneven, and very very cobbly. You’ll also come across tight streets in historic town centres where parking can feel like a sport in itself. Take it slow, be patient, and expect the odd creative manoeuvre from other drivers – it’s all part of the Italian driving experience.

Overall though, driving in Puglia was super easy, and it’s hands down the best way to see the region properly.

Main driving routes in Puglia

The SS16 is the road I drove the most. It follows the coast south from Bari, past Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Fasano, then loops around Brindisi. From there, the SS613 dual carriageway takes you to Lecce. The SS16 then picks up again for the last stretch down to Otranto, and none of these roads have tolls.

If you’re heading inland to Alberobello, Locorotondo or Martina Franca, you’ll use the SS172. It’s slower, but it’s still a lovely drive.

The drive from Bari to Otranto (so the north to the south of Puglia) is about 200 km. It takes around 2 hours 20 minutes without stops, so it’s not a very big region to explore by car.

For scenic driving, the SP-239 around the Valle d’Itria is a must. Winding through trulli-dotted landscapes and cypress-lined lanes, it’s slow but utterly beautiful. Just be ready for narrow sections where you might need to give way to oncoming cars.

The drive from Bari to Otranto (so the north to the south of Puglia) is around 2h:30m without stops, so it’s not a very big region to explore by car.

Roads to be careful of: Some secondary roads in hill towns like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Ostuni can be very tight, especially when you get to the towns themselves. Even though the views are incredible, some streets are barely wide enough for two cars, and parking can be tricky. Which leads me onto parking.

Driving times in Puglia

Times are without stops. In July and August, allow extra time on the coast roads.

Driving rules in Puglia (and Italy)

Driving in Puglia follows Italian traffic laws, which are mostly straightforward:

• Drive on the right. Roundabouts go anticlockwise.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on other roads outside towns, 110 km/h on dual carriageways like the SS16, and 130 km/h on motorways. In the rain, these drop to 90 km/h and 110 km/h.
• Headlights: dipped headlights must be on outside built-up areas, even in bright sunshine.
• Alcohol: the limit is 0.5g per litre (0.05%), which is lower than in England. It’s zero if you’re under 21 or have held your licence for less than three years. Fines start at €573 and come with a licence suspension.
• Mobile phones: hands-free only, with fines from €250 to €1,000.
• Seatbelts: compulsory for everyone in the car.
• Children: anyone under 150 cm needs a child seat or booster (more on this below).
• Footwear: there’s no specific ban on flip-flops. You can still be fined if your shoes stop you controlling the car, so trainers are a safer bet.
• Emergency number: 112.

Parking & ZTL Zones

One thing to know when driving in Puglia is that many towns have ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato). These are restricted traffic zones where only residents or authorised vehicles can enter. Lecce, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Bari all have them, usually in the historic centres. If you drive into one without permission, cameras will snap your number plate and you’ll get a fine.

The fine won’t arrive straight away. It goes to your hire company first, which passes on your details and may add an admin fee. The letter can turn up months after you get home. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, message them before you arrive and ask whether they can register your number plate.

My top tip? Park on the outskirts of the old towns. Most villages have plenty of parking just outside the ZTL, often free or with a small charge, and then it’s a short, scenic walk into the heart of town. That’s what we did the majority of time when visiting places.

Also, watch for blue-lined parking spaces – these are paid parking. Yellow lines are usually for residents, and white lines are often free. Always check the signs so you don’t end up with a fine – Italian parking rules are strict, but very manageable once you get the hang of it!

Driving in Puglia with kids

We did our 2025 trip with our toddler, so here’s what you need to know about child seats in Italy. Children under 150 cm must travel in a child seat or booster that suits their height and weight. If you’re hiring one with the car, reserve it when you book. Kids can sit in the front, but if the seat is rear-facing, the passenger airbag has to be switched off.

There’s one more rule worth knowing. In Italian-registered cars, which includes most hire cars, children under four need an anti-abandonment device. It’s a small alarm that warns you if a child is left in the car. Ask your rental company whether their seats come with one, or bring your own. Most drives between towns are under an hour, which makes life much easier with little ones in the back.

Top tips for Puglia

Car parks – Most towns in Puglia have public parking, many of which are free or very cheap. In popular towns like Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, or Alberobello, parking attendants may guide you to the correct spot. In smaller villages, you might have to park on the outskirts and walk into the centre, but it’s easy to manage.

Stop signs & traffic rules – Italian stop signs are mandatory. Even if the road looks clear, you must stop. Running a stop can result in a fine, so stay alert, especially in town centres with narrow streets.

Respect the locals – As I’m sure you can imagine, local Italians can have you for breakfast whenever you make the smallest driving mistake. They’ll honk their horn, expect lots of gesticulation, and you might get shouted at. Don’t worry about it, just keep your wits about you and stay calm and courteous – it’s all part of the Puglia experience!

Petrol – Fuel is the biggest running cost on a Puglia road trip. In October 2026, Italian self-service pumps averaged around €2.05 a litre for petrol and €2.25 for diesel, so diesel is now the pricier of the two. Most petrol stations have two sets of pumps. Self means you fill up yourself, while servito means an attendant does it for you, at about 20 cents more per litre. Check the label before you fill up too. Benzina is petrol and gasolio is diesel, which is an easy one to get wrong.

Speed cameras – Italy uses lots of them, including hidden ones. Like ZTL fines, the tickets go to your hire company first and then on to you, so it’s not worth chancing it.

Places to visit in Puglia by car

I’ve written this guide on all the top places to visit in Puglia, but I’ll highlight my top 3 places here. Not everyone makes the effort to visit Otranto as it’s so far south, but I think it’s amazing.

Monopoli

Monopoli is where we fell for Puglia back in 2018, and it’s the perfect base for the coast. The old town is a ZTL around the clock. Book somewhere with parking, or leave the car on the edge of the centre and walk in. Polignano a Mare is only 10 to 15 minutes up the road, so it makes an easy day trip. It gets very busy though, so go early.

We stayed at this lovely spot for a couple of days that had a rooftop terrace overlooking the church. It was so cute! From here, each morning we would grab coffee and pastries, then wander through the streets.

There’s also a great little beach right in the centre of town, which was ideal for cooling off after a morning of sightseeing. If you’re looking for a relaxed but vibrant coastal town, Monopoli is your place.

Locotorondo

Next up is Locorotondo, one of the most charming little towns in Puglia and a place that often flies under the radar. As this place is only a 10-minute drive from Alberobello, you can easily see both in a day if you’re driving around.

This town is all about the details – whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies, colourful flowers spilling from windowsills, and tiny alleyways that twist and turn like a maze. It’s also perched on a hill, which means you’ll get sweeping views over the Valle d’Itria.

We spent a couple of nights in Locorotondo and we found it really charming. Most evenings we would wander around town, have a couple of aperitivos, before working our way through all the restaurants here. It’s the kind of town where you just slow down and soak it all in.

One place I’d really recommend is the vineyard Azienda Agricola Bufano for a drink. This is such a lovely spot overlooking the countryside, and it’s perfect for sunset. Also, we had an amazing meal at Kiatz – that was probably our favourite restaurant in Locorotondo.

Ostuni

Known as La Città Bianca (the White City), Ostuni is a glowing hilltop town that looks absolutely stunning from afar – and even more so up close.

We arrived just before golden hour and watched the sun set over the olive groves that stretch all the way down to the sea. It’s one of those views that sticks with you.

The town itself is a beautiful maze of whitewashed buildings, staircases, and hidden courtyards, and it’s got a great mix of boutique shops, cafés, and rooftop bars. Make sure you check out the cathedral – it’s got a unique rose window and a bit of a Gothic vibe.

As Ostuni is built on a hill, you can’t drive your car here (not that I wanted to – the streets are super skinny). Instead, a lot of the hotels have little tuk-tuks that transport people around. They are so cute and make for a fantastic photo. The town is small enough to walk though.

My one-week route through Puglia

As much as I love Otranto, I am very aware that most people spend all their time in northern Puglia on their first trip to the region. As such, here is what I’d suggest if you had one week in Puglia.

Monopoli > Polignano a Mare > Ostuni > Locotorondo > Alberobello

I would stay in Monopoli for 3 days and explore Polignano a Mare on a day trip. Polignano is super busy, so it’s nice basing yourself nearby. From there, I would drive to Ostuni for 2 days. I really love Ostuni, it’s awesome and I think I had the best pasta of my life there. Finally, I would spend the last 2 days in Locotorondo and explore nearby Alberobello. They’re only 10/15 minutes apart, and again, it’s nice basing yourself in the quieter town of Locotorondo.

Got 10 nights? Then I’d swap the order so you finish in the south. Start with three nights in Monopoli, then two in Locorotondo and two in Ostuni. From Ostuni, it’s an hour to Lecce, which deserves at least one night as it’s even better after dark. Finish with two nights by the sea in Otranto, then fly home from Brindisi, about an hour and a half away. Just check the one-way fee if you’re picking up in Bari and dropping off in Brindisi.

I really hope this blog post has helped you plan your road trip in Puglia. As ever, if you have any questions let me know in the comments below!