Trulli Stunning: Cinematic Scenes from the Heart of Puglia
Italy has no shortage of postcard-perfect regions, but Puglia, tucked away in the sun-soaked heel of the boot, offers a raw, cinematic beauty that feels worlds apart from the tourist-packed hotspots up north. A few years ago, my wife and I set out to explore Puglia’s winding streets, ancient coastlines, and whitewashed towns—capturing not just the landscapes, but the light, textures, and timeless atmosphere that make this region so special.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite images from Puglia, along with photography tips for anyone planning their own visual adventure through this underrated corner of Italy.
Bari: Grit, Charm, and Adriatic Blues
Bari was our starting point, and like many port cities, it’s full of contrasts. The Old Town—Bari Vecchia—is a maze of narrow alleys, crumbling facades, and local life happening right on the street. I loved being out with my camera in the early morning hours, when the Adriatic light hits the limestone walls with a soft, diffused glow.
Photography Tip: Don’t be afraid to shoot handheld in low light. The X-H1’s in-body stabilization let me capture street scenes before sunrise without losing sharpness. Also, keep your eyes peeled for locals making orecchiette pasta outside their homes—a candid moment worth capturing.
Lecce: The Florence of the South
Lecce stunned me with its ornate Baroque architecture. The intricate facades and sun-drenched piazzas practically begged for wide-angle shots, especially during golden hour when the sandstone buildings glow with honey tones.
Photography Tip: Use contrasting light and shadow to emphasize the details in Lecce’s stone carvings. Shooting late afternoon provides depth and character to your images—perfect for adding drama to architectural compositions.
Martina Franca: Elegance in the Hills
This town, perched in the Valle d’Itria, offers a more refined, aristocratic charm. Think polished piazzas, wrought-iron balconies, and elegant archways. It’s quieter than its neighbours, which makes it ideal for thoughtful compositions.
Photography Tip: In towns like Martina Franca, slow down and explore symmetry. I often frame my shots around doorways and arches to create balanced, timeless images.
Monopoli: Coastal Colours and Fishing Boats
Monopoli’s harbour is a dream for coastal photography. Colourful boats bob in turquoise waters, locals mend nets, and the ancient sea walls glow at sunset. It’s a working port that still feels authentic.
Photography Tip: Early morning or blue hour works wonders here. The stillness of the water creates mirror-like reflections—ideal for capturing that classic Puglian seaside mood.
Otranto: Where History Meets the Sea
This fortified coastal town blends medieval history with sweeping sea views. I spent hours wandering the castle walls and peering down at the waves crashing against the cliffs.
Photography Tip: Use leading lines—the castle walls, winding lanes, or even the rocky coastline—to guide the viewer’s eye through your frame. A polarizing filter helps cut glare and saturate the Mediterranean blues.
Taranto: Industrial Edges and Ancient Echoes
Taranto surprised me. It’s more rugged and less polished than other towns, but that rawness makes it fascinating. Between the fishing boats, crumbling stone arches, and hints of industry, there’s an atmospheric, gritty beauty here.
Photography Tip: Look for contrast. I loved capturing the tension between old and new—historic facades reflected in modern glass, or rusted fishing equipment beside ancient walls.
Alberobello: The Fairytale Trulli Town
Alberobello’s UNESCO-listed trulli houses feel straight out of a storybook. Their whitewashed walls and conical stone roofs are iconic, but capturing them without the tourist crowds requires patience.
Photography Tip: Arrive early or stay late for clean, people-free shots. I found twilight particularly magical here—the soft blue light and glowing windows bring a dreamlike quality to your images.
Locorotondo: The Perfect Hilltop Frame
Our final stop, Locorotondo, lives up to its name with its circular old town perched on a hilltop. The narrow lanes, white facades, and sweeping valley views made it one of my favourite places to shoot.
Photography Tip: This is prime territory for panoramic compositions. Don’t just focus on the town itself—step back and frame Locorotondo within the surrounding vineyards and olive groves for a sense of place.
Final Thoughts
Puglia’s cinematic landscapes, historic towns, and golden Adriatic light make it a dream for photographers. The key is to slow down, wander off the beaten path, and let the region’s character reveal itself through your lens.
If you’re planning your own photographic journey to Puglia, I hope these images and tips inspire you to capture the essence of this incredible region.
Stay tuned for more photo stories from my travels, and feel free to connect if you have questions about photographing Puglia or want to see more of my work.
