Puglia is one of Italy's accessibility surprises — flat coastal towns, modern infrastructure, and an emerging luxury hospitality scene that has invested in accessible design. Even the iconic trulli can work with planning.
Alberobello — what's accessible
The main pedestrian thoroughfares are flat and paved. The Rione Monti district (the most photographed) has gentle slopes navigable by powered chair. The Trullo Sovrano (only two-story trullo) has step-free ground floor access. Many trulli have a single threshold step at the door.
Accessible trullo hotels
Several modern trullo-resorts have purpose-built accessible suites — Borgo Egnazia (luxury), Masseria Torre Coccaro, and a handful of smaller masserie near Ostuni. Expect a roll-in shower, level entry and a flat path to the swimming pool.
Itria Valley alternatives
Locorotondo's white-painted historic centre is largely flat and step-free. Cisternino similarly. Martina Franca has a baroque centre with smooth paving. All three are 10-20 min drive from Alberobello and often less crowded.
Coastal Puglia
Polignano a Mare (flat clifftop town, accessible beach), Monopoli (walled flat seafront), Otranto (mostly flat historic centre) are all accessible. The Salento coast has several Spiaggia Senza Barriere beaches.
Bari as a base
Bari airport is modern and fully accessible. Bari Vecchia (old town) is partly accessible — the main piazzas yes, the narrow alleys variable. Modern Bari (around Via Sparano) is fully accessible with hotels and shopping.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep in a trullo as a wheelchair user?
Yes, in newly-built accessible trullo conversions. Original 18th-century trulli have low doorways and stepped thresholds — not realistic.
Is Matera accessible?
Partially — the upper old town has accessible viewpoints and some sassi-conversion hotels with lift access. The lower sassi remain stepped.
Best month for Puglia?
May-June and September-October — warm sea, lighter crowds, fully open.
Is Lecce accessible?
Lecce's baroque historic centre is largely flat and accessible — one of southern Italy's most wheelchair-friendly cities.