Puglia is very different from the rest of Italy, partly due to its huge mix of influences — Greek, Roman, Byzantine — and partly due to its wide-ranging landscapes; from soft hills to dramatic ravines. Plus, it’s surrounded on three sides by the sea. It’s also the hottest region of Italy, almost like Greece. For an authentic and intimate stay, our Hotel Gurus recommend staying in one of the region's B&Bs. Our pick of the best B&Bs in Puglia include several converted palazzi in Lecce, genuine Trullis and some seaside treats. With something for most tastes and budgets, why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?
For a coastal stay
- With a clifftop position in the picture-perfect fishing village of Polignano a Mare, the white-washed Casa Dorsi offers spectacular views. Rooms are simple and traditionally furnished; their cosiness reflected in the very reasonable price. Some have private balconies and there’s a barrel-vaulted breakfast room.
- Also in Polignano, is B&B Antico Mondo, a charming bed-and-breakfast place with traditional rooms of tiled floors, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings. There’s a lovely roof-top terrace, too.
- Just down the coast at Monopoli, Bellavista B&B is well-named, with glorious sea views from this 14th-century building. Rooms have exposed-stone walls, pretty white furniture and all have whirlpool baths. It also has a roof terrace with a plunge pool.
- Overlooking the port of Otranto, the handsome 15th-century Palazzo de Mori is minutes from the sea. Rooms are elegant white-on-white — the best on the top floor — while the roof terrace, high above the town’s ramparts, has stunning views over the harbour.
- La Riviera offers a waterfront location and historic setting. The beautiful townhouse with private balconies overlooks the seafront and small beach. Public spaces are decorated with beautiful murals, painted ceilings, chandeliers and antiques. With great rates and easy beach access — this is an easy laid-back stay.
- Palazzo Calo is located in a historic building in the heart of Bari's Old Town, overlooking the coast. Studio B&B apartments are the height of contemporary cool. Minimalist yet maximizing space, each unit combines muted hues, modern furniture and exposed brick. A chic coastal base.
For a trulli
- Trulli e Puglia is an enchanting and unique property with each suite and bedroom set in one of the historic conical stone houses (all UNESCO protected). Boasting a cafe and a wine bar, this is an elevated B&B. Pick this property for traditional Italian charm.
- Lemoredinella B&B is a charming owner-managed Trulli B&B. Offering just three rooms, this is an intimate stay. Each room comes in its own conical-shaped building and is packed with original features. The garden houses a lovely pool. Perfect to rent out with friends or family.
For couples
- Mantatelure is a refined 16th-century mansion in a quiet corner of stunning Baroque Lecce with six elegant rooms. Guests can enjoy a freshly baked Italian breakfast, sip glasses of prosecco in the exclusive garden terrace beneath the citrus trees or relax in the hot tub. Perfect for romantic hideaways.
For a boutique
- Dilman Luxury Stay is a boutique in Bari's buzzing city centre. Elegant and stylish rooms, suites and residences are designed for stays of three nights or more. Expect Hermes amenities, spa baths and high thread-count linen in the rooms. A high-end stay.
- Palazzo de Noha is a boutique property in the heart of historic Lecce. The old building has been renovated by its art-loving owners and now also boasts a superb contemporary art gallery. Rooms are spacious and bright with a simple white-on-white style, and there's the added bonus of a roof terrace with a plunge pool.
For great value
- For superb value for money, you can't beat the charming Casa Litara. Situated in Cutrofiano, a historic town halfway between Gallipoli and Otranto famous for its ceramics, this pretty period property has been meticulously restored and now offers four stylish rooms plus a courtyard garden and pool, and all at very affordable rates!
- Masseria Cisternella is a country house set just a short walk from the beach. Each individually decorated room carries its own charm and nods to the rich history of the farm. Superb value for money.
- 200 Rooms and Terrace is an elegant B&B located in Bari's Murattiano district and run by welcoming and friendly hosts. Situated in a 1920s building, its four rooms are bright and contemporary, yet cosy and homely. The special rooftop terrace, with sit-out areas, is perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. With rooms starting around 100 Euros this is a reasonably priced stay.
For peace and quiet
- Close to the famous Trulli town of Alberobello, B&B Fascino Antico is a group of charming Trulli houses — hobbit-like, domed cottages — separated by steps and terraces and with rustic-chic interiors. Set in a large garden with a swimming pool, many houses sleep four people, so are perfect for families.
- The 18th-century palazzo of Don Totu, in quiet San Cassiano, also has a large garden with a pool. Rooms are elegantly furnished in soft colours, with occasional antiques and many with creamy exposed-stone walls or vaulted ceilings. Overall, the feeling is quietly romantic.
- In a converted tannery, on the outskirts of Maglie, Corte dei Francesi offers contemporary-style rooms that retain original features of exposed stone and vaulted ceilings. There’s a sunny terrace for al fresco breakfasts.
For Lecce
- For a luxurious B&B in Puglia, treat yourself to a stay at Palazzo Bozzi Corso, an 18th-century palace in the heart of the Renaissance city of Lecce. High-ceilinged rooms have a contemporary elegance — modern art, parquet floors — but they have not lost their grandeur. There’s a courtyard plus garden terrace for al fresco breakfasts.
- Also centrally located is Palazzo Gorgoni, one of Puglia’s best-value B&Bs with just four beautifully cool and simple rooms. Each have whitewashed plaster or exposed-stone walls, polished wood or flagged floors, and traditional furnishings.
- Ivy-and-wisteria-clad Palazzo Rollo also boasts a great location beside the Duomo’s bell tower. Rooms are traditionally furnished with tiled floors and colourful fabrics, plus there’s a rooftop terrace and elegant breakfast room.
Still not sure where to book?