Things To Do
in Martina Franca
Martina Franca is a Baroque jewel in the heart of Puglia, perched in the Valle d'Itria with whitewashed lanes and ornate stone facades. Its historic centro storico hums with crafts, trattorie, and the scent of olive oil and roasted peppers. The city is known for its grand Basilica di San Martino and the annual Valle d'Itria Festival, drawing visitors to opera and concerts in summer.
Wander its arcaded streets to discover courtyards, churches, and panoramic views over olive groves and vineyards.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Martina Franca and check into your charming accommodation, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of this Apulian town. Spend your morning strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center, soaking in the Baroque architecture. Don't miss the majestic Basilica di San Martino, where you can admire its stunning interior and façade.
After a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, delve into the vibrant local culture by visiting the Palazzo Ducale, where you'll find exquisite art and historical displays. Explore the bustling markets nearby, where you can shop for artisanal goods and sample local delicacies. Be sure to take a break in one of the quaint piazzas, sipping an espresso as you people-watch.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional pizzeria for a delicious dinner featuring authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you share your meal with friends or fellow travelers, and don't forget to try some local wines. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, where you'll hear the sounds of music and laughter filling the air.
On your second day, embark on a short trip to Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses. Spend your morning wandering through the narrow streets dotted with these cone-shaped buildings, and take pictures of the enchanting landscape. Stop by the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo, to learn about the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
After enjoying traditional Apulian cuisine in Alberobello, visit the Casa d'Amore, the oldest trullo of the town, and experience its charming interior. Spend time shopping for souvenirs and local crafts, from handmade ceramics to delicious olive oil. As you explore, notice the friendly locals who are often willing to share stories about the town’s rich heritage.
Return to Martina Franca in the evening and unwind at a local osteria. Try regional dishes such as capocollo and orecchiette pasta paired with a full-bodied red wine. After dinner, take a stroll around the town square, where you might catch a live performance or local festival.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍝Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $70-150 |
| 🚗Taxi start fare | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Central location in Puglia with rich Baroque architecture
- Delicious local cuisine and wines
- Scenic countryside and easy day trips to boutique towns
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Cobblestone streets and hills can be tiring to walk
- Some tourist amenities are concentrated in the historic center
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Posso avere il conto?" - Can I have the bill?
- "Vorrei un tavolo per due" - I would like a table for two
Places to Visit in Martina Franca
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over olive groves, white towns, and rolling hills.
Grand Baroque facades and the church with atmospheric sunrise and evening light.
Arcaded streets and stone courtyards ideal for street photography.
A light-filled interior with elegant arches and frescoed details.
Food in Martina Franca
Martina Franca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pugliese pasta with broccoli rapa, olive oil and garlic.
Must-Try!
A renowned cured pork cut, typically served thin with bread.
Small grilled pork rolls stuffed with herbs and cheese.
Crispy Friselle topped with ripe tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market in the historic center offering vegetables, cheeses, bread, olives, and regional specialties; a great place to sample burrata and taralli.
Vendors and small eateries along the main avenue offering panzerotti, focacce, and other quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly Buongiorno or Buonasera is appropriate; greet shopkeepers on entrance. Handshakes or light kisses are common among friends.
Modest dress for religious sites; avoid loud behavior in churches; prefer quiet voices in narrow streets.
Safety
Tipping in Martina Franca
Ensure a smooth experience
Gratuity is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included. Rounding up the bill is also acceptable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with high sun; bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. Expect evening festivals and outdoor dining on shaded plazas.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest celebrations; ideal for countryside drives and wine tastings.
Mild and occasionally rainy; crowds thin, museums and churches are peaceful for visits.
Blooming vineyards and olive groves; perfect for walking and photography with softer light.
Martina Franca at Night
Hiking in Martina Franca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hike through olive groves and vineyard viewpoints.
Paved and dirt paths linking two famous white towns with scenic overlooks.
Rugged limestone landscapes with dramatic views over the Adriatic coast.
Airports
How to reach Martina Franca by plane.
Regional airport with domestic and some international routes; about 90-110 km east.
Major hub with frequent international flights; about 70-90 km northwest.
Large international gateway; about 250 km north.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families with ties to agriculture and crafts.
Tourists visiting for festivals and countryside exploration.
A growing number of non-locals settling in the area for its climate and lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches draw community support.
Hilly countryside around Valle d'Itria makes for great road cycling.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Martina Franca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most trattorie offer vegetarian pasta, vegetable antipasti, burrata, and fava e cicoria; ask for ricotta or grilled vegetables as mains.