Puglia unveiled, from Matera to the hidden charms of Gargano
Authentic holidays to Puglia: sun, sea and slow living
Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia, and Matera, the ancient city carved into stone and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, mark the beginning of this 8-day self-guided holiday through Southern Italy.
Your route then takes you to the Lucanian Dolomites, a rugged alpine-like massif tucked away in the heart of Basilicata, before continuing to the Gargano, Puglia's wild promontory. Here you'll walk between the ancient Umbra Forest and Monte Sant'Angelo, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
At every stage, you'll discover a world of its own: UNESCO-listed primeval beech forests, hilltop sanctuaries, charming villages, and breathtaking panoramic trails.
Perfect for those seeking authentic holidays to Puglia, this trip blends walking, culture, and relaxation-revealing the full diversity and beauty of Southern Italy, from the Gargano to the heart of Puglia.
Highlights
- Walking amongst exceptional landscapes
- 8 days of holidays to Northern Puglia
- Traditional and comfortable hotels
8 days
/ 7 nights
Price: Consult us
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Multi-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 25 September to 25 September
Day by day program
Day 1 : Arrival in Bari, welcome to Puglia !
At your arrival, pick up your rental car at the
airport.
Check in your accommodation in Bari then explore freely the
city at your leisure.
Bari, the largest city in Puglia, blends tradition and
modernity. Stroll through its narrow streets, taste the street
food, and enjoy the seafront at sunset... Bari's charm can be found
around every corner!
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Bari
Day 2 : Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Alberobello trulli
Drive to Polignano a Mare.
You start with a boat trip in Polignano a Mare, exploring its
sea caves carved into the cliffs. Then head to Monopoli, with its
charming historic center and picturesque fishing port.
The afternoon ends in Alberobello, famous for its trulli-stone houses with conical roofs listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The afternoon ends in Alberobello, famous for its trulli-stone houses with conical roofs listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Alberobello
TRANSPORT : 1h15
Day 3 : Hike around Matera and visit the city
Head to Matera, the troglodyte gem on the edge of Basilicata.
Depending on your preference, set out on an easy loop hike to the Murgia Timone viewpoint, crossing a suspension bridge along the way, or choose a longer trek through a sasso and the Gravina Valley.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the old town, with its rock-carved dwellings, cave churches, and spectacular views.
HIKING TIME : 1h20 (or 4h15)
DISTANCE : 4 km (or 11 km)
ASCENT : 121 m (or 343 m)
DESCENT : 126 m (or 343 m)
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Matera
Day 4 : The Lucanian Dolomites, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa
Head into the mountains!
Today’s hike takes you along the Seven Stones Trail,
connecting the perched villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa
in the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites. A fairytale setting of
dramatic rocks and breathtaking views.
HIKING TIME : 2h30
DISTANCE : 7.5 km
ASCENT : 589 m
DESCENT : 595 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Matera
TRANSPORT : 1h10
Day 5 : Wild Gargano - Hiking and Vieste
A change of scenery as you head east to the Gargano
promontory.
In the morning, hike to the secluded Vignanotica Beach, lined with white cliffs. In the afternoon, wander the lively, whitewashed streets of Vieste, a charming port town on the Adriatic. In the evening, why not soak up the seaside atmosphere with a seafood dinner at a beachfront trattoria?
HIKING TIME : 2h30
DISTANCE : 5 km
ASCENT : 521 m
DESCENT : 521 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Gargano
TRANSPORT : 3h
Day 6 : Between Sea and Mountains - Monte Sacro & Monte Saraceno
In the morning, climb Monte Sacro to explore the mystical
ruins of its ancient abbey, nestled in wild
surroundings.
In the afternoon, hike up Monte Saraceno, an archaeological site perched above the sea, offering spectacular views of the coastline.
In the afternoon, hike up Monte Saraceno, an archaeological site perched above the sea, offering spectacular views of the coastline.
HIKING TIME : 2h
DISTANCE : 5.5 km
ASCENT : 300 m
DESCENT : 300 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Gargano
TRANSPORT : 50 min
Day 7 : Umbra Forest & Monte Sant'Angelo - Return to Bari
Enjoy a final morning immersion in the nature of Gargano with
a walk through the mysterious Umbra Forest, evoking an ancient
fairytale.
In the afternoon, visit Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site famous for its rock-carved sanctuary.
In the afternoon, visit Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site famous for its rock-carved sanctuary.
Return to Bari at the end of the day.
HIKING TIME : 2h15
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 589 m
DESCENT : 595 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Bari
TRANSPORT : 3h
Day 8 : Departure
Depending on your flight time, drive to Bari
airport.
Return your rental car and catch your flight home.
Return your rental car and catch your flight home.
Dates and prices
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Trip Notes
Reviews of this trip
5
Elizabeth
18 Juillet 2025
Holidays to Puglia
This 8-day self-guided trip perfectly blends hiking, culture, and relaxation. From Bari and Matera to the Lucanian Dolomites and Gargano, each day offered stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites. A must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic beauty of Southern Italy.
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