The Secret to Seeing Puglia Without a Car

Often us Aussies do not get the fact that in Europe you really don't need a car. It can be much more of a negative than a positive. Puglia can be a little less easy to navigate without a car — however, the secret is choosing the right place to stay.

Puglia is a large region, and while trains connect many of its main towns and cities, not every village or countryside experience is easy to reach by public transport.

Rather than booking accommodation in a different town every night, we recommend choosing a well-connected base and exploring from there.

You unpack once, settle in and use the train network to discover the surrounding area. Aussies love this as we want a more immersive holiday rather than a whistle-stop tour with 40 people on a bus. Yet we still want more value for money, as our dollar is not always the strongest of currencies.

Better to stay in one place longer. No constantly moving luggage. No worrying about where to park. No trying to decipher restricted traffic zones, known in Italy as ZTLs, or paying for a hire car that sits unused while you're exploring on foot.

Instead, you can enjoy your morning coffee, walk to the station and head off on your next Italian adventure.

Where Should You Base Yourself?

There are several excellent options, depending on the style of holiday you're looking for.

Bari – The Transport Hub

Bari is Puglia's main city and an important transport hub. It has an international airport, major train connections and a wonderful historic centre.

Spend time wandering through Bari Vecchia, the old town, where you may see local women making orecchiette pasta by hand in the streets. Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, explore the waterfront and enjoy focaccia fresh from a local bakery.

From Bari, you can travel by train to destinations including Trani, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, although the exact route and train operator matter.

Bari is a practical option for travellers who want plenty of transport connections, city life and a good choice of restaurants and accommodation.

Monopoli – Coastal Charm

Monopoli is a lovely seaside town with a historic centre, a picturesque harbour, narrow streets and plenty of places to enjoy seafood and an evening passeggiata.

Its railway station makes it a useful base for exploring parts of the Adriatic coast, including Polignano a Mare and Bari.

You can spend your mornings exploring the old town, your afternoons by the sea and your evenings enjoying a relaxed Italian dinner.

Monopoli is popular, particularly during summer, but it can still make a wonderful base for travellers who want a coastal atmosphere without driving every day.

Molfetta – A Different Side of Puglia

Now, this is where things get interesting!

At Aussie2Italia, we love looking beyond the obvious choices, and Molfetta is a great example. Located north of Bari on the Adriatic coast, Molfetta is a working seaside town with a fishing harbour, historic streets, local restaurants and a strong connection to everyday Puglian life.

It offers a different experience from staying in one of the region's best-known tourist hotspots.

You can wander the old town, enjoy fresh seafood, watch the activity around the harbour and settle into the rhythm of a town where local life continues beyond the tourist season.

Molfetta also has a railway station, making it possible to explore Bari and other destinations along the coast by train.

For Australians who want to experience a more local side of southern Italy while keeping transport simple, Molfetta is well worth considering.

It's also the inspiration behind our Aussie2Italia approach to Puglia: choose a practical base, explore independently and enjoy the region without needing a car.

You can find more about our trip directly [here](https://www.wetravel.com/trips/puglia-beyond-the-trulli-program-aussie2italia-2964430166?_wbc#about-this-trip).

The Best Day Trips Around Puglia by Train

One of the great advantages of basing yourself in a well-connected town is that you can explore several destinations without changing hotels.

Here are some of our favourite places to consider.

Bari – Food, History and Local Life

If you're not staying in Bari, allow a day to explore the city.

Wander through the old town, discover the local food scene, visit historic churches and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Don't rush through Bari just because it isn't a small coastal village. It has plenty of character and offers a fascinating introduction to everyday life in Puglia.

Trani – A Beautiful Seaside Town

Trani is famous for its striking cathedral beside the sea, historic harbour and elegant waterfront.

It's a wonderful place to wander without a strict schedule. Explore the old streets, enjoy a coffee overlooking the water and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

It's also a good reminder that some of Puglia's most memorable experiences come from simply spending time in a town rather than racing through a list of attractions.

Polignano a Mare – The Famous Clifftop Town

Polignano a Mare is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water and beautiful old town overlooking the Adriatic.

It's undeniably photogenic, which means it can become very busy, especially in summer. Visit early if possible, explore the streets before the biggest crowds arrive and allow time to enjoy the views.

The railway station is within walking distance of the historic centre, although you'll need to walk through town to reach the main viewpoints and beach areas.

Monopoli – Harbour Walks and Seafood

Spend time exploring the old town, the harbour and the small lanes that lead towards the sea.

Monopoli is ideal for a slower day, with time for a swim in suitable weather, a long lunch or an evening aperitivo.

If you enjoy exploring on foot, it's a lovely place to let the day unfold naturally.

Need help with planning? [Click here](https://www.wetravel.com/trips/planning-italy-bespoke-option-aussie2italia-5409232824?_wbc#about-this-trip).