The little surprise that is Martina Franca, Puglia

Martina Franca, Puglia is a little surprise that will win you over if you give it the chance. It is only a short bus ride away from Locorotondo and is super easy to visit while staying there.

Table of Contents

Where is Martina Franca

Martina Franca is located in Puglia, only 6km from Locorotondo. It takes 10 minutes by car or 17 minutes by bus and is incredibly easy to navigate.

Hire a car through Rental Cars here.

Where to stay in Martina Franca

These are our picks of the best places to stay in Martina Franca

Budget: Rossini Guest House

Midrange: Casa Sara, Terrazze Sulla Valle

Luxe: Trulli D’autore, Masseria Trulli e Vigne, Masseria San Michele

Why visit Martina Franca

When you hop off the bus or park your car it will seem like all the other little towns in Puglia…but! As you walk in the more modern town slowly gives way to the older centre and suddenly you are entering an old historic centre. The best preserved city walls and gates that we saw are here, there is a funky, cool arty vibe and the baroque churches galore! The tiny maze of white buildings to get lost in, earning its name of one of Puglia’s Citta Bianca (white cities)….it’s a must visit!

Medieval city walls and gates,

As you enter the old town of Martina Franca you will likely pass through the old Medieval city walls and gates. They are so well preserved, the best one is Porta di Santo Stefano but there are many around the city. It was first built in 17th century but was replaced in 1764.

Porta di Santo Stefano, Martina Franca, Puglia

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale is one of the grandest buildings in Puglia and a must visit. Built over the ruins of the 1300s Orsini Castle by the Caracciolo family in 1668 as a palatial residence to show their status. It is now the town hall and a museum and free to enter and enjoy.

Basilica di San Martino and the baroque churches

Basilica di San Martino is the biggest and most stunning of the many baroque churches in Martina Franca. Built in 1747 on the top of the old church of which the bell tower remains. On the day we visited we happened across a wedding that was taking place! It was the most beautiful location with the church decorated so beautifully with flowers for the occasion.

Basilica di San Martino, Martina Franca, Puglia

Piazza Maria Immacolata

The beautiful architecture of the Piazza Maria Immacolata is a must to experience. The baroque arches lined with cafes and restaurants are so stunning, I think it is one of the best piazzas in Puglia!

Walk the little old town

I know I have said to walk the old town in every Puglia but you really have to. There is nothing like wandering the winding white lanes and stumbling on cute scenes. Martina Franca has an artsy vibe to it, there are lots of Andy Warhol quotes on walls and cool shops. Take in the cute views, smell the delicious cooking, listen to the chatter even though you may not understand it. These are some of the sweetest moments of travel.