Southern Italy is full of history, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. With just three days to explore, we decided to get ourselves an Airbnb in Bari and set out to see as much of the surrounding area as possible:
From the ancient cave dwellings of Matera to the charming white streets of Ostuni, each place had something special to offer. Along the way, we found amazing viewpoints, enjoyed some of the best food we’ve ever had, and were stunned by the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves along the coast. Renting a car made getting around easy for us, but the local driving culture definitely took some getting used to. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in this beautiful region!
Our Top 5 Tips for First-Time Visitors:
1. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so plan your trips accordingly.
2. Be prepared for loads of hilly streets and bring your most comfortable pair of shoes.
3. If possible, don’t rush yourself. Each town has its own charm, so take time to soak it all in.
4. Renting a car is your best option for easy transportation, but be prepared for aggressive local driving.
5. Parking gets tricky in most towns, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to avoid some stress.
Our Itinerary
With just one weekend to explore, we wanted to experience a mix of history, culture, and great food without feeling rushed. Staying in Bari was the perfect base, allowing us to take easy day trips to some of the region’s most stunning destinations. Here’s how we spent our time:
Saturday (Day 1): Exploring Matera & Watching Football in Bari
After picking up our rental on Friday evening and making some breakfast the next morning, we were already on the way to our first and most anticipated stop of the weekend: Matera. We parked just a few minutes on foot from the city center (Parking Sant’Isidoro) and began wandering through its maze-like streets, where every turn revealed another stunning view of one of the oldest cities on earth.
The Sassi district, with its cave homes and historic churches, felt like stepping into another era. We took our time soaking up the atmosphere, stopping at various viewpoints and taking a ton of pictures. The contrast between the warm tones of the stone buildings and the dramatic landscape made for some incredible sights. One of the spots we would definitely recommend was the tunnel view from Gradoni Sant’Antonio.
At lunchtime, we stopped for a quick but amazing panini at Al Brucio, a small shop near Piazza San Francesco (more on that in our food section). After refueling, we decided to take a longer route, walking around the old town along the main road from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso to the Convento di Sant’Agostino. This gave us a different perspective of Matera, with even more views of the surrounding cliffs and cave formations. After picking up a sweet treat from a local bakery, we retraced our steps through the winding streets before heading back to our car.
Matera was easily the highlight of the trip – an incredible mix of history, architechture, and breathtaking scenery.
After leaving Matera, we made our way back to Bari for a different kind of expererience – watching SSC Bari play at the Stadio San Nicola. Built for the World Cup 1990, the stadium has a rather unsual looking design from the outside, but once you’ve made your way inside, the energy of the home crowd definetly made it an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, with a passionate core of fans singing lots of chants throughout the match. Even if you’re not into football, attending one of these games is a great way to soak in the local culture. Tickets are easily accessible through the online ticket shop and start at around 15€ – depending on the match you want to attend.
Sunday (Day 2): Chasing the Sun & Coastal Charm
With an unpredictable weather forecast, we decided to keep things flexible and chase the best chance to see the sun. Our first stop was Polignano a Mare, and it didn’t disappoint. Wandering through its charming streets, we soaked in the atmosphere before heading down to Lama Monachile, the town’s famous rocky beach. Watching the stormy waves crash into the cliffs made for an unforgettable scene – absolutely mesmerizing.
After about an hour of exploring, we checked our weather app again and saw that Ostuni was the only place still promising some sunshine, so we hit the road. Known as La Città Bianca (The White City), Ostuni is perched on a hill and stands out with its whitewashed buildings and winding alleyways. The town has an almost Greek island feel, with bright facades and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, our spontaneous planning meant we couldn’t find any open restaurants, but we made the best of it by grabbing some pastries from a small local bakery.
As the afternoon faded, we made our way back to Bari, driving along the coastline just as the sun was setting – easily another highlight of the day. Once in the city, we parked at Gestipark Battisti, one of the more affordable parking spots we found that didn’t require leaving the keys. From there, we wandered through Bari’s lively streets before heading to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where we had what was hands down the best Pizza of our lives (more on that later). We ended the evening with a final stroll along the promenade, enjoying the fresh sea breeze before heading back to our Airbnb.
Sunday (Day 2): Chasing the Sun & Coastal Charm
With an unpredictable weather forecast, we decided to keep things flexible and chase the best chance to see the sun. Our first stop was Polignano a Mare, and it didn’t disappoint. Wandering through its charming streets, we soaked in the atmosphere before heading down to Lama Monachile, the town’s famous rocky beach. Watching the stormy waves crash into the cliffs made for an unforgettable scene – absolutely mesmerizing.
After about an hour of exploring, we checked our weather app again and saw that Ostuni was the only place still promising some sunshine, so we hit the road. Known as La Città Bianca (The White City), Ostuni is perched on a hill and stands out with its whitewashed buildings and winding alleyways. The town has an almost Greek island feel, with bright facades and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, our spontaneous planning meant we couldn’t find any open restaurants, but we made the best of it by grabbing some pastries from a small local bakery.
As the afternoon faded, we made our way back to Bari, driving along the coastline just as the sun was setting – easily another highlight of the day. Once in the city, we parked at Gestipark Battisti, one of the more affordable parking spots we found that didn’t require leaving the keys. From there, we wandered through Bari’s lively streets before heading to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where we had what was hands down the best Pizza of our lives (more on that later). We ended the evening with a final stroll along the promenade, enjoying the fresh sea breeze before heading back to our Airbnb.
Monday (Day 3): A Final Morning in Bari
Our last day in southern Italy wasn’t as eventful as the others, but the weather made up for it – the sun finally broke through the clouds, giving us a perfect morning to wrap up our trip.
After breakfast, we packed our bags, checked out of our Airbnb, and drove back into Bari’s old town to make the most of our final hours. With just two hours to spare before our flight, we wandered through the historic streets, soaking in the city’s atmosphere one last time. One of the most interesting spots was La Via delle Orecchiette, where local women set up tables along the street to hand-make the region’s famous orecchiette pasta. The old town’s maze-like alleys, stone archways, and lively piazzas made for a great final walk before heading to the airport.
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. We drove to the airport, returned our rental, and boarded our flight home – already thinking about our next adventure.
Extended Stay Ideas
With only three days in southern Italy, we had to be selective with our itinerary, but there’s so much more to explore in the region. A few places on our list – like Alberobello and Lecce – didn’t work out due to the weather. If you have more time, both are well worth a visit.
Beyond Puglia, Bari makes for a great starting point for a longer road trip. Whether you head south to Sicily or west to the Amalfi Coast and Naples, the region offers endless opportunities for adventure. Here are some great additions if you have extra days to spare.
Alberobello – The Fairytale Town of Trulli
Alberobello was one of the places we had hoped to visit, but unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. Still, it’s easily one of Puglia’s most unique destinations and would be high on our list if we plan a second trip.
Famous for its trulli – whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs – Alberobello looks like something straight out of a storybook. These historic structures, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make the town one of the most iconic spots in the region. From what we’ve heard, the Rione Monti district is the most picturesque area, with winding streets lined with hundreds of trulli, many of which now house small shops, cafés, and museums. For a great panoramic view, the Belvedere Santa Lucia is said to be the best spot to take in the town’s distinctive rooftops.
Lecce – The Florence of the South
Lecce was another city we had hoped to visit, but as you know by now, the weather didn’t cooperate. Often called the “Florence of the South”, it’s famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, lively piazzas, and historic charm.
The Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce are two of its most impressive landmarks, while the Roman amphitheather in the city center offers a glimpse into its ancient past. Lecce is also known for its café culture and local specialties like rustico leccese, a savory pastry filled with mozzarella, béchamel and tomatoes.
Colosseum, Rome
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Roadtrip Ideas from Bari
Bari is a great starting point for a road trip through southern and central Italy. With well-connected highways and scenic routes, you can easily explore beyond Puglia and experience some of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
One option is heading south to Sicily, following the Calabrian coastline before taking the ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina. From there, you can explore cities like Palermo and Catania, visit the impressive Valley of the Temples, or even hike Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Another great route leads west toward Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The drive takes you through Salerno before continuing to charming towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, all waiting to be explored. From there you can continue northbound through Pompeii, where you can visit ancient ruins before continuing to Naples, a city full of history and amazing pizza. We’ve done this road trip ourselves – check out our Instagram & TikTok for more details!
Best Foodspots
One of the best parts of travelling through southern Italy is, without a doubt, the food. From quick bites to full meals, every stop on our trip had something delicious to offer. We’ve already mentioned a few standout spots along the way, but here’s a closer look at the places that made our trip unforgettable – whether it was the perfect panini in Matera or the best pizza we’ve ever had in Bari.
The region is especially known for its seafood, but since we’re not really into it, we can’t give you an honest opinion on that. However, if you’re a fan, you’ll find plenty of options to try, from fresh fish to traditional octopus dishes.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Bari’s flaming Pizza
If you’re looking for an unforgettable pizza experience in Bari, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the place to go. Located in the heart of the city, this legendary pizzeria is an extension of the original Naples location, which has been serving its world-famous pizza since 1870. Known for its simplicity and quality, the brand has even earned a Michelin star, proving that great pizza doesn’t have to be complicated.
We tried the Margherita alla Fiamma, which quite literally arrived at our table set on fire, adding a bit of drama to an already delicious meal. Alongside it, we had a classic Margherita, both of which were exceptional – especially considering the size and the price of just 11€ and 8€. The ambiance was equally impressive, with a traditional Italian feel, lively atmosphere, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked pizza filling the air.
Al Brucio – Panini in Matera
Located on Via del Corso 114, between Chiesa del Purgatorio and Piazza San Francesco, Al Brucio is a tiny panini shop that isn’t even on Google Maps – yet. We originally had another restaurant in mind, but since it was closed, we wandered around and found this spot instead.
They serve fresh, high-quality paninis in countless variations. We chose number 23 (Basilischi), packed with aged Parma ham, stracciatella mozzarella, pesto, and olive oil – all for just 8,50€. A perfect midday snack before (or while) exploring the rest of Matera.
Cooking at Home – A Great Alternative
Eating out in Italy is always a treat, but sometimes, cooking at home can be just as rewarding – especially with the incredible ingredients you’ll find in local markets and grocery stores. Fresh pasta, regional cheeses, high-quality olive oil, and sun-dried tomatoes make for an easy yet delicious meal. If you’re into seafood, you’ll find plenty of freshly caught fish, mussels, and shrimp to cook up an authentic southern Italian dish.
Whether it’s a simple cacio e pepe, a fresh Caprese salad, or homemade bruschetta, picking up local ingredients and preparing a meal yourself is a great way to experience Italian cuisine – without the restaurant bill.
Wrap-Up
Southern Italy offers a great mix of history, stunning landscapes, and amazing food. From the ancient streets of Matera to the coastal beauty of Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, we managed to see a lot in just a few days. The food was another highlight, whether it was a legendary pizza in Bari or a fresh panini in Matera. That said, the region feels quite different outside peak season, with some areas looking run-down and quieter as expected. Driving can also be a challenge, so planning ahead is key. Overall, it’s a unique and worthwhile destination, but if you visit the right places the first time, one trip is probably enough.