Puglia is dotted with several beautiful and historic towns and villages. While some travellers prefer coming back to a rural spot after a day’s sightseeing, there’s a distinct advantage to staying in one of Puglia’s towns. As well as being in the thick of things, you can also stroll to a local bar or restaurant, rather than navigate the remote roads around your Masseria. Plus the region’s decent public transport means you may not even need a car. Puglia is long and relatively narrow, stretching more than 300km from north to south, with highlights that include the glorious Baroque Lecce (known as the 'Florence of the South'), Martina Franca, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Otranto, Gallipoli, Trani, Polignano a Mare and Galatina. With so many options to choose from our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best hotels in Puglia's towns ranging from chic boutiques to all-out luxury stays. With something for most tastes and budgets, why not browse through our collection to start planning your next getaway?
For location, location, location
- The Patria Palace in Lecce is right in the heart of the old town, surrounded by lovely facades outside and lovely frescoes and stucco work inside. This is a grand traditional stay.
- Also in lovely Lecce, the Risorgimento Resort is a stylish contemporary five-star hotel with an elegant restaurant, a spa and a roof garden. The ideal choice for a luxury getaway.
- Elegant Santa Chiara offers a historic stay in the heart of Lecce. Traditional throughout, expect high ceilings and ornate antiques. A lovely roof terrace is ideal for a post sightseeing drink. With MUST museum next door and the Cathedral nearby this is a well-positioned stay.
- Relais Valle dell'Idro is an elegant hotel boasting a stunning rooftop solarium with panoramic views of the sea and smart, modern rooms, located just a five-minute walk from the centre of Otranto and offering easy access to local beaches. A chic, romantic choice.
For a boutique stay
- Palazzo Mosco Inn is a charming little boutique hotel with views of the Gallipoli's marina. Romantic rooms have mosaic floors, iron bedsteads, balconies, and some have four-poster beds. With a lovely rooftop terrace, bar and sitting room area — this property is oh-so-chic.
- Paragon 700 is the only red palazzo in the white city of Ostuni. This stunning newcomer to Puglia's boutique hotel scene offers a timeless place where elegance and history are found in each one of the beautifully finished rooms and suites. To top it off there's a gourmet restaurant and a pool.
- Don Ferrante is a seriously stylish conversion of an ancient fort overlooking the Adriatic in Monopoli. Individually designed rooms have travertine vaulted ceilings and elegant furnishings. There's a little rooftop plunge pool for cooling off and a myriad of terraces for sitting and soaking up the stunning views.
For a Trulli
- Trulli e Puglia is an enchanting and unique property in Alberobello. Each room is set in one of the historic conical stone houses (all UNESCO protected). Boasting a cafe and a wine bar — pick this property for traditional Italian charm.
For foodies
- The La Sommità Relais Culti is a ten room hotel in the ancient white town of Ostuni, with minimalist decor, a spa, and a plunge pool. Boasting a small Michelin starred restaurant and a superb wine list, this is a great option for foodies.
For contemporary chic
- 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.
For self-catering
- Mercantile Suites is the place to live out fantasies of stylish Italian living. Made up of 2 two-bedroom self-catered apartments situated in Bari's Old Town, the prime location, traditional yet modern minimalist style and sparkling sea views from the terrace make this feel like a film-set.
For a beach break
- The Corte Palmieri in Gallipoli has 22 stylish and sun-drenched rooms, converted from a fascinating old building with plenty of charm and original features. With special rates at some of Gallipoli's best beach clubs and a shuttle to and fro, this offers the best of both worlds.
- Palazzo Del Corso is a five-star property on Gallipoli's peninsula. Enjoy elegant, traditional interiors with four-poster beds and balconies. Magnificent views from the rooftop terrace and an excellent seafood restaurant. Like the Corte Palmieri, the Palazzo del Corso also benefits from preferential rates and shuttle service to and from the best of the town's beach clubs.
- 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. There are several beaches a short walk away.
- Ostuni Palace Hotel is a refined hotel that features modern comforts and high-end service. Book this stay for the airy traditional rooms, wonderful restaurant, rooftop terrace and private beach located just a few kilometres away.
For great value
- For a great value beach break try the Palazzo de Mori in Otranto, a stylishly spartan B&B with ten rooms just above the old port it boasts spectacular views. A romantic little spot to enjoy the beach and be close to all the major sights.
- Casa Litara is situated in Cutrofiano, a historic town halfway between Gallipoli and Otranto. This charming B&B offers four stylish rooms in a beautifully restored period house. Plus there's a lovely little courtyard garden and a pool.
- Relais il Mignano is a 16th-century palace situated in the heart of Nardò. Stunningly renovated rooms keep their original charm while the simple design throughout gives a contemporary air. A rooftop terrace and hot tub are ideal for unwinding with a drink. A luxury stay, offered at exceptionally good rates.
For families
- L'Orangerie d'Epoque in Puglia has just three pretty rooms and a gorgeous garden. The two rooms that have kitchenettes and direct garden access plus the largest suite that sleeps four are all good options for a family break.
- La Riviera in Gallipoli also has suites sleeping up to four, along with private balconies overlooking the sea and a beautiful collection of art and antiques.
Still not sure which to book?
