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Where to Stay in Puglia: The Ultimate Valle d’Itria vs. Salento Comparison

Planning a trip to Puglia and wondering where to stay? After spending weeks exploring both the Valle d’Itria and Salento, I’ve got the scoop on which region best matches your travel style. From bustling towns to serene beaches, let me help you find your perfect base in this enchanting region.
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The only real problem with visiting Puglia is that you’re going to be sad that you can’t properly explore the entire region in one single trip! Trust me, we spent a month and a half exploring Puglia and we still didn’t feel like we’d had enough time there. 

In order to properly maximize your trip, you’ll want to make sure you spend the most time in the part of Puglia that suits your needs and travel style best.

As you research, the two main areas you’re likely to come across – and that you’ll have to decide between – are the Valle d’Itria and Salento.

Whether you’ve already booked flights or you’ve just started researching, if you’re not sure where to stay in Puglia – fear not! I’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to read my comparison between the two main parts of Puglia, including everything you need to decide the best place to stay in Puglia for you.

Delve into Italy

Where to Stay in Puglia:
Valle d’Itria vs. Salento

REAL TALK: Puglia, like literally so many parts of Italy, can come under strain from overtourism. I beg you, BEG YOU, to not be an asshole when you’re traveling around Italy (or anywhere). I mostly like to assume that if you’re here on my blog, I can trust that you want to help preserve, rather than spoil, the integrity of wherever you’re traveling… but still. I would feel irresponsible if I didn’t still give a little reminder that if you plan to make the locals lives hell, you should stay home!

Choosing where to stay in Puglia can be a delightful challenge, especially when comparing its two most popular regions: Valle d’Itria and Salento. They share a lot of similarities, but also have a unique characters that offer such different travel experiences.

Let’s break down the key differences between Valle d’Itria and Salento to help you decide which region is the best place to stay in Puglia for your trip.

small towns in salento puglia italy

Valle d’Itria: Rolling Hills, Iconic Trulli & Timeless Charm

The Valle d’Itria is like the heart of Puglia—rolling hills covered in olive trees, winding country roads, and those adorable trulli houses (you’ll see them on every postcard!). This region lies between Bari and Brindisi, making it super accessible if you’re flying into Bari Airport. In terms of where to stay in Puglia if you want a countryside vibe, Valle d’Itria is a dream come true.

Salento: Sun-Kissed Coasts and Baroque Elegance

At the southern tip of Puglia, Salento offers an even more Mediterranean feel (if that’s possible) with sun-drenched beaches and coastal landscapes. Here, Lecce acts as the cultural hub, with its stunning baroque architecture. Gallipoli and Otranto add a breezy beach-town vibe that’s hard to beat. Salento is a haven for beach lovers and those seeking a quieter, rustic atmosphere.

P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!


Overall Atmosphere & Vibe

Valle d’Itria

This is the slightly livelier of the two regions. While still quaint, the Valle d’Itria has more going on than Salento, especially in towns like Alberobello and Martina Franca.

At times, that can mean pockets of this part of Puglia feel touristy – nothing like Rome or Florence, but definitely on the beaten track, with many restaurants and shops catering to the tourist crowds that flock to this more accessible part of the region.

At the same time, this is an area where you’re more likely to find non-Italian food options if you get tired of pasta (couldn’t be me, but I don’t judge!), as well as English-speaking restaurant and hotel staff.

Valle d’Itria is a great option if you want the peace and quiet of Southern Italy but still like to spend at least some of your vacation in a mode that’s more “on-the-go”.

Salento

Salento feels way more off-the-beaten-path. It’s primarily made up of small, rustic towns where you won’t find huge crowds of tourists (and not as many classic “tourist attractions,” either). 

This is where to stay in Puglia if you want a truly quiet and relaxed vacation, which will more than likely be very beach-focused. Here, you can just soak up the sun and enjoy slow Italian living at its finest.

In this part of Puglia, you’ll either want to speak a little bit of basic Italian (a couple of Babbel units would do the trick!) or be the type of traveler who feels comfortable navigating language barriers. That said, I promise the challenge is worth it: The Salentini are some of the kindest and most welcoming people we’ve ever met!


Towns and Sights to See

Valle d’Itria

This is where to stay in Puglia if you want to visit charming towns and explore cultural sites. 

From the iconic trulli houses in Alberobello to the whitewashed hilltop views of Ostuni, Valle d’Itria offers lots of variety. It’s also an excellent destination for anyone wanting to taste a slice of authentic village life in smaller towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo.

From this region, you’re also perfectly located for day trips to places like Matera and Grottaglie (my favorite little off-the-beaten-track ceramics town). Plus, the valley’s proximity to Bari makes this city a must-visit day trip destination!

There most definitely are more “things to do” in this region. From cooking classes to museum visits, you’ll be able to easily entertain yourself on a rainy day, while all types of tours – from walking to e-bikes – will make sure you leave Puglia a little more knowledgeable about this part of the world.

Salento

Salento’s towns feel more local and laid-back. While Lecce, Gallipoli, and Otranto are the big hitters, you’ll also find plenty of smaller, sleepy villages that are perfect for wandering (I especially recommend Nardò!). 

Undoubtedly, this is where to stay in Puglia for beaches. If you choose to base yourself in Salento, you should plan for long, blissful days on the beach followed by charming, quaint evenings enjoying the quiet buzz of local life in the endless number of small villages dotted through the Salentino countryside.


Beaches

Speaking of beaches, there isn’t actually much of a north-south (Valle d’Itria vs. Salento) divide in Puglia. Instead, you’ll notice an east-west distinction due to the Adriatic Sea on the eastern coast and the Ionian Sea on the western coast.

Adriatic Coast

The Adriatic side is rockier and more rugged, offering dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and charming pebbly beaches. From the Valle d’Itria, you’re a quick drive to Adriatic beaches like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, where you’ll find stunning views of daring cliff divers as well as trendy beach clubs. Further south in Salento, the Adriatic coast around Otranto has crystal-clear waters and beautiful swimming spots like Baia dei Turchi and the famous Grotta della Poesia (again, famous for cliff diving!).

Ionian Coast

Known for its soft, sandy beaches and warm, shallow waters, the Ionian coast has that classic beach vibe. In Salento, this is where you’ll find the “Maldives of Salento” beaches – picture-perfect stretches of white sand and turquoise water. Staying in Salento gives you easy access to spots like Punta Prosciutto, Pescoluse, and Torre San Giovanni, which are perfect for lazy beach days.

beaches in salento puglia italy

Food & Dining

Now, onto one of my favorite parts—food! Puglian cuisine is famously rustic, and each region offers its own unique experience.

Valle d’Itria

This area is known for some unique bites that aren’t as common down in Salento. If you’re a fan of street food, you have to try panzerotti—fried dough filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, and sometimes other fillings. It’s an absolute treat and a local favorite!

The focaccia barese here is another must-try. While you might find it down south, it’s really perfected up in the Valle d’Itria, where it’s topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil, giving it an amazing flavor and texture. 

And let’s not forget about caciocavallo (a flavorful cheese) and capocollo (a cured pork), which are true staples in this area.

All of that said, you’ll also find a much higher concentration of fine dining restaurants in this more trafficked part of Puglia – check out Ristorante Porta Nova and Masseria il Frantoio.

things to eat in puglia food and drink panzerotti
the calzone-shaped things are the panzerotti!

Salento

If you’re after truly authentic Puglian dishes, Salento is the spot. The cuisine here feels a little more traditional and “homemade,” with rustic flavors and local ingredients. 

Some iconic dishes to try include fave e cicoria (fava bean purée with chicory), which is earthy and comforting, and ciceri e tria (a pasta dish with chickpeas, where some of the pasta is fried for added crunch!). For seafood lovers, don’t miss the chance to try gamberi rossi (red prawns served raw) fresh from the local waters—they’re sweet, tender, and a real delicacy served over pasta with stracciatella.

If you’re a big foodie, though, never fear! Salento still has more than its share of fantastic spots to try. Whether you’re feeling fancy at Farmacia dei Sani, Palazzo Daniele, or Le Macare, or you want to dive into the best execution of local classics at Murusanza or Le Stanzie (reservations required far in advance), you’ll still eat very well in this area.

things to eat in puglia food

Cost & Value for Money

For budget-conscious travelers, Salento is generally more affordable than Valle d’Itria, especially for accommodations and dining. However, Salento is less accessible without a car, so plan for rental costs.

Valle d’Itria

Prices tend to be a bit higher here, especially in popular spots like Alberobello and Ostuni. However, you’ll find a wider selection of accommodations, from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxurious masserie (traditional Puglian farmhouses).

For those who enjoy a Hilton or a Marriott, you won’t really find international chains in much of Puglia at all. That said, “international” hotel standards – i.e. an international breakfast spread, powerful air conditioning, and spa services – are more likely to translate to your liking at 4-star and 5-star accommodation in this part of Puglia than further south.

Note that while you don’t need to budget for a car in the Valle d’Itria, we still think you’ll have the best time if you do!

Salento

Salento is cheaper overall, but you’ll almost certainly need to rent a car to explore properly. For tips to maximize value and minimize stress, check out my full guide to renting a car and driving in Italy!

When it comes to hotels, there are fewer luxury spots to stay in Salento, but the ones that do exist offer a lot more than you could get for the same price elsewhere in Italy.

If keeping costs down is a priority and you’re okay with renting a car, Salento could offer better value!


Accessibility & Travel Logistics

The logistics of getting around can also play a big role in your decision about where to stay in Puglia.

Valle d’Itria

Thanks to its proximity to Bari Airport, the region’s largest, Valle d’Itria is easier to access. With multiple daily flights from Rome, Milan, and really most other Italian airports, as well as good direct connections to most European countries, Bari can even be accessed relatively easily from North America via a 1-stop layover in Rome, Frankfurt, Paris, or any number of European cities.

This region is also more connected by public transportation, so it’s possible to explore without a car. There is one central train line that connects Bari to Lecce via stations in many of the Valle d’Itria’s main towns, and you can also coach buses point-to-point between many places you might like to visit here.

If you’re looking to stay in Puglia without a car, Valle d’Itria might be a better fit due to its transit options. 

lecce salento puglia italy

Salento

You can fly into Brindisi Airport most easily, but it’s also doable to fly into Bari and drive down to Salento (which is what we’ve done two years in a row).

Brindisi Airport is smaller, with fewer direct connections from the rest of Europe – though they do exist!

As I’ve mentioned, you’ll almost certainly need a car to fully explore Salento. If you’re comfortable driving, Salento will reward you with coastal views and hidden beaches, but it’s definitely a bit more remote.

beaches in salento puglia italy

Personal Priorities & Travel Style

Choosing between Valle d’Itria and Salento for where to stay in Puglia ultimately depends on what you’re looking for:

  • Valle d’Itria: A balanced base with plenty of sightseeing and beach options, ideal for a mix of relaxation and activity.
  • Salento: A rustic escape with fewer tourist spots, perfect for beach lovers and those who value simplicity and peace.

If your ideal Puglian holiday involves exploring small towns, dining out, and immersing yourself in local culture, Valle d’Itria is a fantastic choice. For a secluded retreat by stunning beaches, Salento is the best place to stay in Puglia for an authentic and peaceful experience.


FAQs About Where to Stay in Puglia

Which part of Puglia is best?

It really depends on what kind of experience you’re after!

Valle d’Itria is perfect if you’re drawn to picturesque countryside, charming hilltop towns like Locorotondo and Ostuni, or the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello. It’s a great choice for those who love sightseeing, exploring unique architecture, and sampling traditional Puglian foods with a bit of variety.

On the other hand, Salento is ideal for beach lovers and anyone seeking a relaxed, coastal vibe. Known for its stunning “Maldives of Salento” beaches, baroque architecture in Lecce, and historic seaside towns like Gallipoli and Otranto, Salento is where to stay in Puglia if you’re craving sun, sand, and an authentic, slower-paced Italian experience.

What is the best town to base yourself in Puglia?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Puglia as a base, Ostuni in Valle d’Itria is a fantastic choice. Known as the “White City,” Ostuni has a wide range of accommodation options, plenty of restaurants, and quick access to the main highway, making it easy to explore all of Puglia. It’s the ideal spot if you’re planning where to stay in Puglia for a week, as you can easily reach Valle d’Itria’s top towns, scenic countryside, and both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.

In Salento, Lecce is an ideal base if you prefer a lively town with beautiful baroque architecture, lots of dining options, and easy access to some of the region’s best beaches.

However, if you’re looking for a truly local experience, my personal favorite is Matino – a small town with an authentic Salento vibe. Matino is close to the beaches of Gallipoli but feels wonderfully removed from the tourist crowds, making it a perfect option for where to stay in Puglia as a base if you want a true taste of Puglian life.

Where to stay in Puglia as a base for first time?

For first-time visitors wondering where to stay in Puglia as a base, the Valle d’Itria is an excellent choice. This region is highly accessible, with easy connections to Bari Airport and decent public transport links, making it convenient for those not planning to drive. Towns in the Valle d’Itria, like Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca, also tend to have a higher concentration of English-speaking locals, which can make navigating and connecting with locals easier for newcomers.

The Valle d’Itria offers a perfect blend of picturesque towns, countryside charm, and access to both coasts, allowing you to experience the best of Puglia without the need for extensive travel. It’s an ideal area to explore Puglian culture at a relaxed pace and is well-suited to those visiting for the first time.


P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Are you ready to choose between the Valle d’Itria and Salento?

I hope you found this post helpful as you choose the best place to stay in Puglia for you! 

If you’re still trying to plan the perfect trip to Puglia, check out the Puglia archives here, and if you’re looking for more on Salento specifically, you’ll find it here.

Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram

And if you’re kind of feeling done with the whole planning process, check out my Google Maps. They’ll give you all my best tips from the blog, plus exclusive extras that didn’t make it to the blog. Streamline your planning and have the best recommendations on you at all times, IRL.

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