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 travels through this underrated corner of Italy.

Bari: Grit, Charm, and Adriatic Blues

Our journey began in Bari, Puglia’s bustling port city and cultural hub. The Old Town—Bari Vecchia—is a maze of narrow alleys, crumbling facades, and life unfolding on every street corner. Locals roll fresh orecchiette pasta right outside their doors, and ancient churches hide around every corner. The contrast between the gritty working harbour and the elegance of the seaside promenade gave Bari a layered, cinematic feel — perfect for street photography with depth and character.

I loved being out with my camera in the early morning hours, as the Adriatic light hit the limestone walls with a soft, diffused glow.

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/1100 | f/4 | ISO 400*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/550 | f/2.2 | ISO 20*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/125 | f/5.6 | ISO 20*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/50 | f/1.6 | ISO 125*

Lecce: The Florence of the South

Nicknamed “The Florence of the South,” Lecce is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The golden pietra leccese (Lecce stone) soaks in the sunlight, glowing warmly against a backdrop of intricate facades, Roman ruins, and quiet courtyards. Shooting here was like stepping onto an elaborate film set — ornate balconies, dramatic arches, and weathered stone made every frame feel timeless.

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/5600 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/5400 | f/3.5 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/2700 | f/2.5 | ISO 250*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/3200 | f/4 | ISO 1600*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/4700 | f/3.8 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/40 | f/2.8 | ISO 400*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/390 | f/2.2 | ISO 32*

Martina Franca: Elegance in the Hills

Perched high above the Valle d’Itria, Martina Franca exudes refined charm. The whitewashed lanes and grand palazzos create an elegant, airy atmosphere. Its Baroque details feel understated yet sophisticated — perfect for capturing minimal, high-contrast frames. Despite its grandeur, the town pulses with daily life: markets, cafés, and locals lingering in the shade.

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/4700 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/4300 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/5000 | f/2.8 | ISO 400*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/30 | f/1.6 | ISO 640*

Monopoli: Coastal Colours and Fishing Boats

Few coastal towns strike the balance of authenticity and postcard beauty like Monopoli. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, ancient city walls meet the sea, and quiet stone beaches stretch along the shoreline. With its soft, natural light and pops of Mediterranean blue, Monopoli is a dream for those cinematic, almost painterly compositions.

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/4000 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/4200 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*GoPro HERO10 Black - 1/1050 | f/2.5 | ISO 100*

Polignano a Mare — Cliffs, Caves, and Coastal Drama

If Puglia knows how to deliver a dramatic backdrop, Polignano a Mare is Exhibit A. Perched on limestone cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic, this seaside town feels like it was made for wide-angle shots and postcard moments.

The famous Lama Monachile beach, tucked between soaring cliffs, is one of Italy’s most photogenic swim spots, while winding alleys lead to hidden viewpoints where the horizon steals the show. After dinner, my wife and I ended up coming back here with a few cold beers to enjoy the surroundings and listen to the crashing waves rolling into the cove. Highly recommend!

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/3700 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/7400 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

Otranto: Where History Meets the Sea

At the tip of Puglia’s heel sits Otranto, a town where dramatic coastlines meet rich history. The 11th-century cathedral, with its haunting mosaic floor, whispers tales of conquest and resilience. But beyond the old town walls lies endless sea views — rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and sunlight that dances across the water, perfect for those wide cinematic shots.

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/210 | f/1.4 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/55 | f/1.4 | ISO 400*

Taranto: Industrial Edges and Ancient Echoes

Taranto contrasts the polished charm of other towns with its raw, industrial energy. Once a major naval stronghold, parts of Taranto feel forgotten — decayed facades, working docks, and narrow alleys filled with graffiti and life. Yet in its grit lies authenticity — a side of Puglia that’s unpolished but deeply cinematic.

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/3000 | f/5 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/160 | f/18 | ISO 640*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/2000 | f/4.7 | ISO 400*

Alberobello: The Fairytale Trulli Town

No Puglia trip is complete without a stop in Alberobello, a town straight from folklore, where UNESO-listed Trulli — conical, whitewashed stone huts — cluster across the hillside like something out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. Photographing here feels surreal; it’s architectural storytelling at its best. Every rooftop, alley, and hand-carved detail offers texture and charm.

I will say - be prepared for lots and lots of tour groups roaming around. The tiny streets get pretty packed at peak hours of the day, so bear that in mind when planning your visit.

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/8000 | f/3.5 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/3500 | f/3.8 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/1000 | f/4.8 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/4000 | f/3.6 | ISO 400*

Locorotondo: The Perfect Hilltop Frame

Locorotondo, known for its circular old town and whitewashed brilliance, feels peaceful and pristine. Its hilltop location offers panoramic views over the Valle d’Itria, and its quiet streets seem frozen in time. The simplicity of white walls meeting blue skies made for crisp, minimal frames — cinematic in their clarity.

Strolling around the main piazza before dinner gave us such an authentic experience as we watched locals socialize, laugh and play football, all under the warm glow of the sunset.

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/90 | f/3.6 | ISO 800*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/140 | f/7.1 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/300 | f/7.1 | ISO 2000*

Ostuni — The White City on the Hill

Rising above olive groves and rolling countryside, Ostuni is impossible to miss — a brilliant maze of whitewashed houses cascading down the hillside, earning it the name La Città Bianca, the White City. Walking its winding alleys feels like wandering through a dreamscape — every corner glowing under the southern sun, every doorway framed by stone and shadow. With its hilltop perch and endless Adriatic views, Ostuni serves drama, minimalism, and texture — all perfect ingredients for striking, layered frames.

*iPhone 12 Pro Max - 1/7000 | f/1.6 | ISO 32*

Matera: Ancient Stones, Timeless Frames

Crossing into Matera feels like stepping onto the set of an ancient epic — and for good reason. This city of stone, carved into the cliffs of Basilicata, has been immortalized in films from The Passion of the Christ to the latest Bond movie.

The Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings stacked along the ravine, create one of the most dramatic, otherworldly landscapes in Italy. It’s a photographer’s dream — every angle, texture, and shadow feels cinematic, raw, and rich with history. If you decide to hike down in the valley and up the ridge so you can get a panoramic view of the city, bring lots of water with you. The path is well-marked and groomed, but on a hot day it’s still a trek to get all the way to the top.

My wife surprised me with a day trip here on my birthday and it remains the most memorable way I’ve ever celebrated.

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/7500 | f/2 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/4400 | f/4 | ISO 400*

*Fuji X-H1 + Fuji XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS - 1/340 | f/5.6 | ISO 200*

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/640 | f/4 | ISO 400*

Gallipoli — Sunset City of the Sea

On Puglia’s Ionian coast, Gallipoli feels like it’s floating — a fortified old town perched on an island, tethered to the mainland by a single bridge. Gallipoli pulses with energy: fishing boats unloading the day’s catch, narrow streets buzzing with life, and beaches that light up at golden hour. We didn’t spend a ton of time here, but walking around the city and exploring the Castello Di Gallipoli was worth the trip.

*Fuji X-H1 + Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 - 1/4700 | f/4 | ISO 400*

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 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.

Trulli Stunning: Cinematic Scenes from the Heart of Puglia

Our Odyssey in Crete: Cinematic Captures of the Island of the Gods