Best Towns to Stay in Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria

Southern Italy, with its sun-drenched landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, offers travelers an authentic Italian experience far from the tourist crowds of the north.

Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria, the three regions forming the “heel” and “toe” of Italy’s boot, are a treasure trove of unique experiences. Last year, these regions collectively welcomed over 15 million visitors, a testament to their growing popularity among discerning travelers. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the best towns to stay in these enchanting southern regions.

Table Of Contents

The Top 5 Best Towns to Stay in Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria
Two Towns to Avoid in Southern Italy
Conclusion

The Top 5 Best Towns to Stay in Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria

1. Lecce: The Florence of the South (Puglia)

Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and vibrant cultural scene. This Puglian gem offers a perfect blend of history, art, and contemporary Italian lifestyle.

Best Places to Stay in Lecce

For Solo Travelers: Urban Oasis Hostel. Located in the heart of Lecce, Urban Oasis Hostel offers modern dormitory and private rooms. Its social areas and organized events make it perfect for solo travelers looking to meet fellow adventurers.
Budget-Friendly: B&B Palazzo Bignami. This charming B&B in a restored palazzo offers affordable rooms just steps away from Lecce’s main attractions, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Couples Escape: Palazzo Bozzi Corso. This luxury boutique hotel, housed in a 18th-century palace, offers romantic suites with frescoed ceilings and a rooftop terrace, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Family-Friendly: Hilton Garden Inn Lecce. Located just outside the historic center, this hotel offers spacious family rooms, a pool, and a shuttle service to the city, making it ideal for families with children.
Group Travel: Patria Palace Hotel Lecce. This elegant hotel in the heart of Lecce can accommodate larger groups and offers a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
High-End Luxury: La Fiermontina Urban Resort. This luxurious resort, set in a 17th-century private home, offers high-end accommodations, a sculpture garden, and a pool, perfect for those seeking an exclusive experience.

2. Matera: The City of Stones (Basilicata)

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as “Sassi.” This unique city offers visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts.

Best Places to Stay in Matera

For Solo Travelers: Ostello dei Sassi. Located in the heart of the Sassi district, this hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms in a traditional cave dwelling, perfect for solo travelers seeking an authentic experience.
Budget-Friendly: Affittacamere Sassi. These budget-friendly rooms in the Sassi area offer a chance to stay in a traditional cave dwelling without breaking the bank.
Couples Escape: Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA. This luxurious cave hotel offers romantic rooms carved into the rock, a spa, and stunning views of the Sassi, ideal for couples seeking a unique romantic getaway.
Family-Friendly: Residence San Giorgio. These spacious apartments in the Sassi district offer kitchen facilities and family rooms, making them perfect for families wanting to experience living in a cave dwelling.
Group Travel: Locanda di San Martino – Hotel e Thermae. This unique hotel, built into the rock, can accommodate groups and offers an underground thermal spa, making it ideal for friend gatherings or family reunions.
High-End Luxury: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. This exclusive hotel offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with its luxuriously restored cave rooms and breathtaking views of the Gravina canyon.

3. Tropea: The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian (Calabria)

Tropea, perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, is one of Calabria’s most picturesque towns. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic center, and sweet red onions, Tropea offers a perfect mix of seaside relaxation and cultural exploration.

Best Places to Stay in Tropea

For Solo Travelers: Ostello Bella Tropea. This friendly hostel in the heart of Tropea offers both dorm and private rooms, along with organized activities, making it ideal for solo travelers looking to meet people.
Budget-Friendly: B&B Residenza Miramare. Located near the historic center, this B&B offers affordable rooms with sea views, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Couples Escape: Hotel Villa Vittoria. This romantic boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with sea views and a panoramic terrace, ideal for couples seeking a romantic seaside getaway.
Family-Friendly: Villaggio La Pace. Located just outside Tropea, this resort offers family bungalows, a pool, and easy beach access, making it perfect for families with children.
Group Travel: Hotel Tropis. This large hotel can accommodate groups and offers a pool, restaurant, and shuttle service to the beach, ideal for friends or family traveling together.
High-End Luxury: Infinity Resort Tropea. This exclusive resort offers luxurious rooms with private pools, a spa, and stunning sea views, perfect for those seeking a high-end coastal retreat.

4. Alberobello: The Trulli Town (Puglia)

Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers visitors a fairy-tale-like experience. These cone-shaped buildings create a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Best Places to Stay in Alberobello

For Solo Travelers: Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso. This “scattered hotel” offers rooms in various trulli throughout the town, giving solo travelers a chance to live like a local.
Budget-Friendly: Trullidea. These budget-friendly trulli accommodations offer an authentic experience without the high price tag.
Couples Escape: Trulli e Puglia Resort. This romantic resort offers beautifully restored trulli accommodations with modern amenities, perfect for couples seeking a unique getaway.
Family-Friendly: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri. Located just outside Alberobello, this hotel offers family rooms, a pool, and easy access to the trulli district, making it ideal for families.
Group Travel: Tipico Resort. This resort can accommodate larger groups in its trulli and modern rooms, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary accommodations.
High-End Luxury: Borgo Canonica. This exclusive resort offers luxuriously restored trulli with private pools and a gourmet restaurant, perfect for those seeking a high-end trulli experience.

5. Reggio Calabria: Gateway to Sicily (Calabria)

Reggio Calabria, the largest city in Calabria, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its beautiful waterfront promenade and the famous Riace Bronzes, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region and nearby Sicily.

Best Places to Stay in Reggio Calabria

For Solo Travelers: B&B Attico 71. This centrally located B&B offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace, perfect for solo travelers looking to explore the city.
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Sirium. Located near the train station, this hotel offers affordable rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Couples Escape: Altafiumara Resort & Spa. Situated just outside the city with stunning views of the Strait of Messina, this resort offers romantic rooms and a spa, ideal for couples.
Family-Friendly: É Hotel. This modern hotel offers spacious family rooms, a pool, and is conveniently located for exploring both the city and the surrounding areas.
Group Travel: Grand Hotel Excelsior. This large hotel in the city center can accommodate groups and offers meeting facilities, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.
High-End Luxury: Capo Peloro Resort. Located on the northeastern tip of Sicily but easily accessible from Reggio Calabria, this luxurious resort offers high-end accommodations and stunning views of the Strait of Messina.

Two Towns to Avoid in Southern Italy

While Southern Italy is filled with charming destinations, there are a couple of places you might want to skip:

Taranto (Puglia): Despite its rich history, Taranto struggles with industrial pollution and lacks the charm of other Puglian towns. The city’s beaches are often polluted, and the historic center, while interesting, is in a state of decay.
Crotone (Calabria): While Crotone has some interesting archaeological sites, the city itself is rather industrial and lacks the picturesque qualities of other Calabrian coastal towns. The beaches near the city are often crowded and not as pristine as those found elsewhere in the region.

Conclusion

Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria offer a treasure trove of experiences for the discerning traveler. From the Baroque splendor of Lecce to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, from the coastal beauty of Tropea to the unique trulli of Alberobello, these regions provide a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

By choosing the right place to stay, you’ll enhance your journey through these captivating southern Italian regions. So pack your bags, book your accommodation, and prepare to be enchanted by the diverse allure of Southern Italy. Your Mediterranean adventure is about to begin!

Visiting other parts of Italy? Check out our other ‘Best Towns and Neighborhoods to Stay’ pages for a deeper look into the different regions and cities across Italy!