In the Footsteps of James Bond: Southern Italy Road Trip from Matera to Puglia

Sassi di Matera — UNESCO Heritage and « No Time to Die » Film Set

Matera is the ideal starting point for this cinematic road trip. This ancient city in Basilicata is home to the Sassi, two historic cave-dwelling quarters — Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso — carved directly into the limestone cliffs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, they are among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on the planet, dating back to the Paleolithic era.

For No Time to Die, director Cary Fukunaga chose Matera as « Civita Lucana »: « The monochrome nature of Matera already gives it the appearance of a great necropolis, » he explained. The scenes show Bond (Daniel Craig) and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) in romantic sequences followed by a spectacular chase in an Aston Martin DB5 and a Triumph motorcycle.

Must-See Filming Locations

• Via D’Addozio — tunnel exit in the Sassi (arrival scene)
• Via Bruno Buozzi — Bond parks the Aston Martin DB5 at the intersection with Rione Pianelle
• Piazza San Pietro Caveoso — spectacular DB5 skid
• Via Gradoni Duomo — motorcycle jump in front of the Cathedral
• Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli — best panoramic viewpoint over the Sassi

Ponte Acquedotto — 90 Meters Above the Void

Just 30 minutes from Matera, Gravina in Puglia gained international fame thanks to No Time to Die. The iconic opening sequence shows Daniel Craig sprinting across the Ponte Acquedotto — a breathtaking aqueduct bridge spanning the town’s deep ravine (gravina). Built in the 18th century, it measures 90 m long, 5.5 m wide, and 37 m high.

Director Fukunaga revealed: « The bridge that we make believe connects Matera to the necropolis is actually in a neighboring town, Gravina in Puglia. We made it look like it’s all part of the same route. » Since filming, a new wave of visitors has arrived, but the town remains far less touristy than Matera.

Why Gravina Is Worth the Detour

• Ponte Acquedotto — accessible on foot, stunning at sunrise and sunset
• Gravina Sotterranea — labyrinth of underground tunnels, caves, and crypts
• Rock churches — carved into the rock, witnesses to a millennia-old past
• Alta Murgia — UNESCO Global Geopark since 2024, karst landscapes to explore

Trulli of Alberobello — Architecture Unique in the World

No trip to Southern Italy is complete without the trulli of Alberobello. These conical dry-stone houses, whitewashed with lime, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Built from the 14th century onward without mortar, they give the village a fairytale atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

The main street divides the town into two quarters: Rione Monti, the tourist side with trulli converted into shops, and Rione Aia Piccola, quieter, with trulli in their original residential state. It is this second quarter you should prioritize for an authentic experience.

Highlights

• Rione Aia Piccola — residential quarter, quiet and photogenic at dawn
• Church of Saint Anthony of Padua — itself shaped like a trullo
• Sleep in a trullo — restored accommodations from 70 to 180 EUR/night
• Itria Valley — combine with nearby Locorotondo and Cisternino

Lama Monachile — Cliffs and Turquoise Waters

Polignano a Mare boasts one of the most striking coastal settings in all of Puglia. Its historic center is perched dramatically on limestone cliffs plunging into the Adriatic Sea. Below lies the famous Lama Monachile, a stunning pebble beach nestled in a cove sculpted by nature.

The town is one of the most popular (and most expensive) places in Puglia. The legendary restaurant Grotta Palazzese, set in a natural cave overlooking the sea, offers menus starting at around 190 EUR per person. But Polignano can also be enjoyed as a quick 2-3 hour visit, just enough time to take in the viewpoints and the centro storico.

Highlights

• Lama Monachile — the iconic beach framed by cliffs
• Old town viewpoints — sweeping views over the Adriatic
• Grotta Palazzese — dine in a sea cave (reservation required)
• Statue of Domenico Modugno — tribute to the singer of Volare, born in the town

Ostuni — White City and Ancient Olive Trees

Perched on the last hills of the Murge, Ostuni overlooks a landscape of sea and olive trees. Its whitewashed historic center has earned it the nickname « White City. » According to tradition, the name derives from a dialectal corruption of the Arabic word zaitun, meaning olive — a nod to the region’s agricultural treasure.

From the viewpoint at the highest point of the town, the eye sweeps across long stretches of olive groves dotted with trulli, extending all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Gothic facade and splendid rose window, crowns the summit of the city. Inland towns like Ostuni offer prices 25 to 35% lower than seaside resorts in summer.

Highlights

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta — Gothic facade and remarkable rose window
• Olive grove panorama — spectacular view from the hilltop viewpoint
• Masserie — stay in a restored farmhouse 15-25 min from Ostuni
• Torre Guaceto — nearby protected marine reserve, a « sustainable sea » alternative

Lecce — Golden Baroque and the Art of Living

Lecce is the crowning reward of this road trip. Nicknamed the « Florence of the South, » this Salento city dazzles with its baroque architecture sculpted in soft pietra leccese, a golden limestone. From the intricate church facades to the Roman ruins, Lecce invites you to slow down and savor its timeless beauty.

Unlike Florence, it is quieter, less crowded, and 30 to 50% cheaper. Accommodation costs 60-100 EUR per night. Italia.it offers an ideal 2-day program: Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheater, and cartapesta (papier-mâché) artisans. The local secret for cooling down: Caffè in Ghiaccio con Latte di Mandorla (iced coffee with almond milk).

Highlights

• Basilica di Santa Croce — the ultimate masterpiece of Lecce baroque
• Piazza del Duomo — stunning enclosed square with cathedral and bell tower
• Roman amphitheater — 2nd-century ruins right in the city center
• Museo Faggiano — the « house with 2,000 years of secrets » beneath your feet
• Pasticciotto — iconic custard-filled pastry, perfect for breakfast

Monopoli — Ancient Port and Secret Coves

Monopoli is the ideal strategic base between Polignano a Mare and Ostuni. This sun-drenched coastal town retains an authentic port atmosphere where Polignano has become heavily touristic. Its ancient port sits right against the historic center, with bobbing fishing boats and a labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways.

The old Aragonese walls offer spectacular maritime walks without the crowds. The jagged coastline hides cale (coves) and varied beaches, all accessible on foot from the center. Monopoli is also more affordable than its neighbors, with B&Bs from 50-80 EUR/night.

Highlights

• Porto Antico — picturesque fishing port in the heart of the historic center
• Cala Porta Vecchia — urban beach accessible on foot
• Castello Carlo V — Aragonese fortress with sea views
• Ideal base — explore Alberobello (morning), Polignano (evening), and the masserie from here

A Culinary Journey from Matera to Lecce

Puglia is Italy’s breadbasket. Its fertile red soil and Mediterranean climate make it one of the top producers of durum wheat, olive oil (nearly 40% of the national output), and wine. The culinary culture revolves around cucina povera — simple dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, elevated to an art form.

Must-Try Specialties

• Orecchiette alle cime di rapa — « little ears » fresh pasta with turnip tops, Puglia’s signature dish
• Burrata — best eaten the day it’s made, from a fresh caseificio (cheese dairy)
• Focaccia barese — topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil
• Pane di Altamura DOP — semolina bread with a crispy crust
• Pasticciotto leccese — pastry filled with custard cream
• Bombette pugliesi — cheese-stuffed meat rolls, grilled over a fornello (charcoal grill)
• Panzerotti — deep-fried turnovers filled with mozzarella and tomato
• Tiella barese — oven-baked rice, potatoes, and mussels

In Bari Vecchia, the nonne (grandmothers) still shape orecchiette by hand outside their homes, a tradition that has become a living symbol of the region. A pizza costs 6 to 8 EUR at a local restaurant, and wine is served by the carafe for just a few euros per liter.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Puglia offers exceptional value for money: 30 to 50% cheaper than the classic Rome-Florence-Venice circuit. In 2026, the average summer rate sits at around 137 EUR per room per night on booking platforms. The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) allow savings of up to 40%.

Budget by Range (8 nights, 2 people, excluding flights)

• Budget: 1,450-1,950 EUR — B&Bs, simple meals, few paid activities
• Comfort: 2,000-2,900 EUR — hotels/masserie, good restaurants, 2-4 activities
• Premium: 3,200 EUR+ — upscale masserie, fine dining, private experiences

Transportation and Logistics

A rental car is essential to fully enjoy this itinerary (ravines, natural parks, masserie). Budget 25-35 EUR/day plus around 10 EUR/day for fuel (~1.65-1.69 EUR/L as of February 2026). Puglia has two international airports at Bari and Brindisi, served by Ryanair and EasyJet.

Essential Tips

• Plan around the pausa: shops are closed between 1 PM and 5 PM
• Hit « Instagram » spots before 9 AM (or after 6 PM), save nature for midday
• Cash is still king — always carry some on you
• Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for May/June and September
• Local markets are excellent for fresh produce at great prices

From Matera to Lecce, Step by Step

Here is our recommended optimal itinerary, inspired by circuits recommended by Italia.it. Distances are short (30 min to 1 hour between each stop), leaving plenty of time to explore.

The Day-by-Day Route

• Days 1-2: Matera — Sassi, Bond tour, rock churches, Parco della Murgia Materana (arrival via Bari, ~1h)
• Day 3: Gravina + Altamura — Bond bridge, Gravina Sotterranea, Pane di Altamura DOP (~30 min)
• Day 4: Alberobello + Itria Valley — Trulli, Locorotondo, Grotte di Castellana (~1h)
• Day 5: Polignano + Monopoli — Cliffs, Lama Monachile, ancient port, coves (~40 min)
• Day 6: Ostuni — Citta Bianca, ancient olive trees, Torre Guaceto (~30 min)
• Days 7-8: Lecce — Baroque, pasticciotto, artisanal crafts, Museo Faggiano (~1h)
• Days 9-10: Salento — Otranto, Gallipoli, Porto Selvaggio or return to Bari (~45 min)