Putignano is renowned for its lively Carnival celebration, making it a must-visit destination in Puglia. While many tourists flock to the region in the summer, skipping a trip to Putignano would be a missed opportunity.
This charming town offers more than just its famous annual event, and it’s a hidden gem often overlooked by Instagram-famous villages nearby.
For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Putignano, with its enchanting old town, natural wonders, and quintessential village charm, is undoubtedly one of the top towns to explore in Puglia.
In this concise guide, discover the best activities and accommodations in Putignano.
Explore Putignano: Puglia’s Best Kept Secret in 2024
- Visit During Carnaval.
- Walk the Old Town (Centro Storico).
- Find Carnaval Characters Throughout Town.
- Explore the Caves.
- Go Thrift Shopping.
- Tour the Neighboring Beautiful Towns.
- People Watch With a View at the Main Square.
Where Is Putignano, Italy?
Putignano is situated in the enchanting region of Puglia in southern Italy. Positioned on the heel of Italy’s iconic “boot,” Puglia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring a captivating coastline bordered by two seas, scenic countryside, and charming towns nestled inland.
Specifically located in the province of Bari, one of Puglia’s six provinces, Putignano is conveniently situated within an hour from the region’s largest city, Bari, which also hosts the international airport.
Why You Should Visit Putignano
Many of the enchanting towns in the Itria Valley (Valle d’Itria in Italian) have rightfully earned their spots on the typical Puglia itinerary. If you’ve started planning a trip to Puglia, names like Alberobello, Locorotondo, and maybe Martina Franca may sound familiar.
The smaller town of Putignano is positioned at the edge of Valle d’Itria, it boasts the same charm as its neighbors minus the downsides of mass tourism. Currently, Putignano remains a well-preserved hidden gem, with its historic and picturesque city center offering an authentic experience free from ubiquitous €1 magnets found on every corner. As Puglia gains popularity, finding such untouched gems like Putignano becomes a rare delight.
Visiting Putignano is undoubtedly alluring for those seeking an authentic Puglian town experience away from the tourist crowds.
What to Do in Putignano
Visit During Carnaval
Without question, Putignano is most famous for its ancient Carnival (or Carnavale). This tradition holds the impressive title of being the oldest Carnival in Europe, dating back to the year 1394. If that’s not remarkable enough, it’s also one of the longest-lasting.
The Carnival kicks off shortly after Christmas Day in December and continues its festivities until late February of the following year. Extravagant displays, intricate masks, and handcrafted characters stand out as some of the Carnival’s notable features that attract visitors to the town annually.
Putignano’s Carnival isn’t just an event; it’s a defining aspect of the town’s identity, and a visit during this festive time is bound to captivate anyone’s attention.
Walk the Old Town (Centro Storico)
Similar to any town or village in Italy, the historic center (or Centro Storico) holds the most enchantment and is perfect for exploring on foot. Putignano’s old quarter is meticulously preserved within the city’s former defensive walls, shaped like a circle.
Wander through the old city, and you’ll discover winding streets to meander, beautiful churches to admire, and an abundance of vibrant window sills adorned with flowers. The architecture in Putignano is distinctive, showcasing many impressive stone entranceways, often adorned with arches.
Amidst the serene corners of the historic neighborhood, you’ll find numerous eateries, cozy cafes, and small shops. Uncover fragments of ancient architecture scattered through the streets, like remnants of old walls and other intriguing structures. Notable landmarks to visit within Putignano’s Centro Storico include:
- Chiesa Rettoria S.Maria La Greca
- Chiesa Madre Parrocchia San Pietro
- Chiesa Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
- Cisterna AQP Acquedotto
- Civic Museum
Find Carnaval Characters Throughout Town
During a leisurely stroll through the town center, engage in a delightful game of spotting Carnival displays and characters from previous years. Putignano has strategically placed papier-mâché giants throughout the entire city, extending beyond the center. You might encounter a gigantic panda at the children’s playground or be surprised by the famous jester character around a sharp corner. Even if you’re not visiting during Carnival, discovering these unexpected creatures provides a taste of the vibrant colors and joy that fills Putignano each year during the festival.
Explore the Caves
Grotta del Trullo stands out as one of Putignano’s most unique attractions, often flying under the radar. Caves are inherently fascinating, but this one, discovered in the 1930s, adds an enchanting twist—it’s accessible through a trulli home.
This natural wonder boasts fossils, captivating calcareous formations, and offers guided tours for less than $10. Located just outside Putignano’s center, it provides a captivating experience.
A few kilometers east, you’ll encounter Grotte di Castellana, an extensive cave system. Formed from an ancient river, this network extends an impressive 200 feet (61 meters) deep and almost 2 miles (3 km) long. While Puglia often lures visitors to its beaches, don’t overlook the extraordinary caves in the region, especially the expansive Castellana caves.
Lastly, explore Monte Laureto, a stunning cave that houses an ancient church. With its cinematic ambiance, descending the cave steps to discover the chapel is a uniquely atmospheric experience. Accessible from a parking lot shared with a hospital, this attraction is a must-visit in Putignano, especially on Sundays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Go Thrift Shopping
In Putignano, forget about luxury brand stores found in Milan. Instead, immerse yourself in a unique shopping experience, exploring vintage and one-of-a-kind treasures.
While the town offers thrift stores and flea markets, our top pick is Mercatino, a renowned Italian franchise. For enthusiasts of interior design and retro items, this store is a gem.
Spend an hour discovering original ceramics, priceless trinkets, paintings, and an extensive array of rattan furniture. Opting for souvenirs from these places is highly recommended over the typical cheap figurines sold at tourist kiosks.
Read Also: The Seaside Town Of Savelletri, Puglia
Tour the Neighboring Beautiful Towns
Choosing where to stay in Puglia as a base can be challenging due to the many attractions spread throughout the large region. For travelers interested in exploring the charming hamlets of the Itria Valley, staying in Putignano is ideal.
Positioned strategically, it offers easy access to dreamy towns like Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and even Cisternino. If you still want beach time, Putignano is just 20 km away from the iconic Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare or Monopoli, with their stunning beaches.
- Putignano to Alberobello: 13 km / 8 mi
- Putignano to Locorotondo: 22 km / 14 mi
- Putignano to Monopoli: 20 km / 12 mi
People Watch With a View at the Main Square
Located just outside of the Centro Storico is a large public town square. We found ourselves here during the early evening hours, after riposo (the Italian version of a siesta), when the town comes back to life.
People gather for their passeggiata, enjoy an aperitivo, and children play a game of football before dinner.
The square is adorned with incredible Carnival photos from previous years, providing a glimpse of Putignano’s tradition. From the deck, enjoy a tranquil and panoramic view of the valley and farmland below.
Where to Stay In Putignano
Apartments
L’Angolo di Gaudì, casa Milà
CALMAPIANTA
Ulivi Bianchi Luxury Home in Puglia
Villas & Trullis
Trulli Terra Magica
Trullo Labellavita
Trulli Parco Grande
Hotels
Petrantiche – Albergo Diffuso
Dimora Intini (located nearby in Noci)
Corallo Eco Wellness Hotel (located nearby in Noci)
How to Reach Putignano
Driving & Parking
If you’re flying to Puglia, chances are you’ll land at Bari’s international airport. From Putignano, Bari is just a short 40 km (25 mi) drive by car. We strongly recommend exploring Puglia by driving, as public transportation in southern and rural Italy isn’t the most efficient.
Putignano is well-connected by major roads from all directions, and reaching it by car is straightforward, even for novice road trippers. Another advantage of visiting Putignano by car is the hassle-free parking. Parking in Putignano is mostly free or considerably less expensive compared to popular destinations like Alberobello.
By Train & Bus
Putignano is in close proximity to other major towns and the big cities of Bari and Monopoli. This means it’s easily reached by train and bus. The station is also a short 10-minute walk from Putignano’s town centre.
From Bari’s airport, you must catch the connecting bus to Bari Centrale station. The bus tends to run more frequently than the train, but time-wise, they are equal, and the journey from Bari to Putignano takes just under 1.5 hours. As expected, public transportation is very affordable, and a one-way ticket will cost less than €5.
Getting around among the towns of Itria Valley, such as Locorotondo and Alberobello, to reach Putignano is very straightforward. There is at least one departing option every hour during normal daytime hours, either by bus or train. In short, using public transportation to reach Putignano, especially during peak season, is an easy and inexpensive method.
Putignano Travel Resources
travel insurance TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
where to book flights FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Agoda
car rental iconn CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars
train icon TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
accommodation icon ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago
esim icon ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
booking activities TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator.
FAQs
Is Putignano worth a visit?
Putignano, known for its lively Carnival celebrations and rich history, is definitely worth a visit. The town boasts charming streets, historic architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that attracts visitors year-round. Don’t miss the fascinating Church of San Domenico and the beautiful Palazzo del Governatore.
What is the best base to tour Puglia?
Bari or Lecce are excellent bases for touring Puglia. Bari offers easy access to the region’s northern attractions like Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” provides a central location to explore the Salento Peninsula and its stunning coastline. Both cities offer great accommodation options and transportation connections for exploring Puglia.
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