Ostuni vs. Lecce vs. Monopoli — Which Puglian Town Is Right for Your Next Stay?

The Ultimate Guide from Locals Who Actually Live Here

Planning a trip to Puglia and not sure where to land? You're not alone. With whitewashed hill towns, glittering coastlines, and cobbled streets that smell of espresso and sea breeze, this region has a way of making every village feel like the one.

We’re Silvia and Giampiero — the founders of Borgomadre, our family-run villa retreat in the heart of the region. We didn’t fall for Puglia, we built a life here. From the ancient olive groves to the seaside trattorias, this landscape is part of who we are — and we’ve spent years helping guests uncover the version of Puglia that feels like theirs.

One of the questions we get asked most often? “Should I stay in Ostuni, Lecce, or Monopoli?”

The truth? You can’t go wrong — but you can go smarter, depending on what kind of traveler you are. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes each of these Puglian gems so special, what to expect, and how to find your perfect match — plus why basing yourself at Borgomadre gives you the best of all three.

Why Travelers Are Falling in Love with Puglia

Puglia has become one of Italy’s most beloved regions — not through big headlines, but through quiet word of mouth. Those who come tend to return, and those who stay longer often dream about never leaving.

What makes it so magnetic? The answer is in the details. Long mornings that drift into slow lunches. The scent of rosemary and wild thyme on a coastal breeze. Towns that seem carved from white stone and golden hour.

This part of southern Italy offers more than postcard views. It gives travelers a genuine connection to land, culture, and tradition.

Here’s what keeps people coming back:

• Beaches that range from hidden rocky coves to soft, Caribbean-like stretches

• Hilltop towns with centuries-old churches, cobbled lanes, and family-run trattorias

• One of the richest culinary traditions in Italy, with food that tells a story of season, place, and pride

• A thriving wine scene, with local grapes like Primitivo, Negroamaro, and the rising star Susumaniello

  
  

Ready to explore the towns at the heart of this region? Let’s start with Ostuni — the White City that seems to glow in every photograph.

Ostuni: The White City That Shines from Every Angle

Ostuni, often called La Città Bianca, is one of those places that seems tailor-made for postcards — but lives up to every inch of its beauty in person. Perched high above the Adriatic coastline, this whitewashed hill town gleams in the sunlight, offering sweeping views of olive groves, the sea, and the surrounding Valle d’Itria.

The magic of Ostuni, Puglia lies in its brilliant mix of elegance and earthiness. You’ll wander through a maze of cobbled alleys, past archways draped in bougainvillea, and stumble on family-run trattorias that serve handmade orecchiette and seafood pulled from the coast just miles away.

Best for:

• Travelers who love a blend of history, beauty, and walkable charm

• Shoppers looking for artisan ceramics, linens, and antiques

• Couples looking for golden-hour photo ops on quiet balconies

• Food lovers in search of Michelin-level meals or honest, rustic dishes

Top things to do in Ostuni:

• Visit the 15th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its rose window centerpiece

• Explore the weekend markets and local boutiques tucked into limestone alleyways

• Take in sunset from the city walls with a spritz in hand

• Book a dinner at Osteria del Tempo Perso — an Ostuni classic

  
  

While it’s easy to visit Ostuni as a day trip, many travelers end up wishing they’d stayed longer. It’s a town that slows you down in the best way and where every corner feels like a secret.

Lecce: Southern Italy’s Baroque Masterpiece

If Ostuni is all sun-drenched charm, Lecce is its sophisticated southern cousin — a city of ornate facades, hidden courtyards, and a vibrant cultural soul. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce, Italy blends architectural grandeur with an effortlessly relaxed pace.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something to admire: intricate stonework carved from the local pietra leccese, bell towers catching the light, and piazzas that buzz with locals sipping espresso or aperitivi under striped umbrellas.

Best for:

• Art and architecture lovers who appreciate details and drama

• Those seeking a livelier, city-like atmosphere with boutique shopping

• Travelers interested in museums, galleries, and live performances

• Foodies who want both traditional cuisine and contemporary twists

Top things to do in Lecce:

• Explore the Basilica di Santa Croce — a jaw-dropping baroque wonder

• Visit the Roman amphitheatre tucked into the city’s heart

• Wander through art galleries or catch a concert at Teatro Politeama

• Try a pasticciotto from Natale Pasticceria (trust us on this one)

• Stay out late: Lecce’s streets stay alive well after dark, especially in summer

Though Lecce is larger and more urban than other towns in this list, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The city carries its history with grace, and yet there’s always something new happening, whether it’s a local food festival, artisan market, or experimental theatre show.

Monopoli: Coastal Charm with Soul

If you dream of waking up to the sound of the sea, strolling to a morning market, and ending the day with your toes in the sand and a glass of wine in hand, Monopoli, Italy might be your match.

This historic port town on the Adriatic coast mixes old fishing village energy with a polished, easygoing elegance. Think pastel facades, wooden fishing boats bobbing in turquoise harbors, and locals playing cards in breezy piazzas while laundry sways above narrow lanes.

Unlike glitzier Italian beach towns, Monopoli Puglia stays true to itself. It feels lived-in, loved, and quietly chic — the kind of place where everything you need is within walking distance, and everything tastes like it came from just down the road.

Best for:

• Beach lovers who want swimmable coves steps from town

• Families and couples looking for laid-back, sun-soaked days

• Travelers who enjoy markets, local culture, and sea-to-table dining

• Guests who want a base with both city buzz and coastal calm

Top things to do in Monopoli:

• Explore the Old Town, especially around the port and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

• Swim at Cala Porta Vecchia, a sandy beach just outside the historic center

• Sip espresso at Caffè Venezia, a favorite local morning stop

• Book a table at La Vecchia Taverna, beloved for its fresh fish and warm hospitality

• Watch the boats come in, with a gelato in hand, along Lungomare Santa Maria

  
  

There’s a romance to Monopoli Puglia Italy that feels timeless, but never touristy. It’s easy to imagine spending a summer here. And many people do.

How to Choose — Ostuni vs. Lecce vs. Monopoli

Each of these Puglian towns offers something distinct, and the best choice depends on how you like to travel.

For history, atmosphere, and hilltop magic: Ostuni

• Best for slower, romantic stays

• Great base for exploring the Valle d’Itria and nearby countryside

• Ideal if you’re drawn to scenic drives, olive groves, and boutique charm

  
  

For art, architecture, and cultural buzz: Lecce

• Best if you enjoy exploring on foot, with plenty to see and do

• Excellent for longer stays with a mix of food, culture, and nightlife

• A good hub for travelers looking to explore the southern Salento region

For sea views, seafood, and sandy toes: Monopoli

• Best for travelers who want to combine beach time with local living

• Ideal for families or couples craving coastal calm

• Perfect base for trips to Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, or even Bari

Still torn? You don’t have to choose just one. Many visitors plan stays that split time between the coast and countryside — soaking up seaside sun in Monopoli and retreating to the peaceful hills of Ostuni or Lecce’s lively streets.

At Borgomadre, we help guests find the rhythm that suits them best. Want to explore multiple towns without changing hotels every two days? Our villas are centrally located to make day trips easy and return-home evenings relaxing.

Where to Stay for Easy Access to All Three

No matter if you're drawn to Lecce’s baroque beauty, Ostuni’s hilltop views, or Monopoli’s coastal charm, choosing the right base can make all the difference. That’s where Borgomadre shines.

Tucked in the peaceful heart of the Valle d’Itria, our villas — Villa Clementina and Villa Cosimina — offer travelers the ideal mixture of connection and escape. You’re never more than 45 minutes from any of the three towns, yet your days unfold in total privacy, surrounded by ancient olive groves, garden paths, and endless sky.

Stay here and you can:

• Explore widely without needing to repack every other day

• Come home each evening to your own eco-heated pool and candlelit dinners under the stars

• Balance sightseeing with real restoration, from beachside lunches to slow mornings in the garden

As longtime locals, we have handpicked our favorite restaurants, vineyards, and lesser-known treasures to help you fall in love with the Puglia we call home.

If you want the freedom to experience the best of the region, without sacrificing comfort or calm, Borgomadre offers the perfect home base.

So, Ostuni, Lecce, or Monopoli?

There’s no wrong answer — just the one that feels right for you.

If your ideal day starts with strong coffee in a sun-drenched piazza and ends with dinner beneath climbing vines, Ostuni might be calling.

If you’re after a heady mix of art, energy, and architecture, Lecce delivers it with style.If your version of bliss includes fresh seafood, sea breeze, and bare feet in the sand, Monopoli will feel like home.

But here’s the secret: you don’t have to choose just one. When you stay at Borgomadre, you’re positioned to experience them all — without ever feeling rushed. Mornings in Lecce, lazy lunches in Ostuni, and sunset by the sea in Monopoli. Return to your villa with a glass of local wine in hand, and a day’s worth of stories to tell.

This is how we travel in Puglia. With time and intention.

Ready to start planning your stay?

Explore our villas and let us help you map the perfect itinerary.