Martina Franca
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Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Martina Franca
Martina Franca offers a good selection of established hotels, reflecting its position as one of the main towns in the Valle d’Itria. Properties here are well reviewed for combining historic settings with modern facilities, and for providing convenient access to both the baroque centre and the surrounding countryside.
Relais Villa San Martino is set just outside the town, offering elegant rooms, landscaped gardens, a pool and spa facilities, with consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). In the historic centre, Park Hotel San Michele provides a convenient location with comfortable rooms, a garden and positive reviews for service and atmosphere (€€). A short distance from the centre, Hotel Villa Rosa combines modern interiors with a peaceful setting, appreciated for both comfort and value (€€).
Relais Villa San Martino is set just outside the town, offering elegant rooms, landscaped gardens, a pool and spa facilities, with consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). In the historic centre, Park Hotel San Michele provides a convenient location with comfortable rooms, a garden and positive reviews for service and atmosphere (€€). A short distance from the centre, Hotel Villa Rosa combines modern interiors with a peaceful setting, appreciated for both comfort and value (€€).
Where is
Where is Martina Franca?
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The historic town of Martina Franca is situated within the Province of Taranto and has a population of around 50,000.
Martina Franca stands at an elevation of 431 metres while nearby places of interest include Locorotondo, Cisternino, Alberobello, Ostuni and Massafra. Recommended accommodation for the town is the Park Hotel San Michele. |
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Comune di Martina Franca
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Province: Taranto
Region: Puglia Population: 46,858 (in 2024 - source) Size: 299 km² Elevation: 431 metres Close by: Locorotondo, Cisternino, Alberobello, Ostuni, Massafra Recommended accommodation: Park Hotel San Michele |
What People Ask About Martina Franca, Puglia
Is Martina Franca worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Martina Franca
Martina Franca is a hill town in the province of Taranto, set on the southern edge of the Itria Valley in central Apulia. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and trulli-dotted countryside, it combines a distinctive rural setting with refined baroque architecture. The town’s elevated position provides wide views over the surrounding landscape, while its whitewashed houses, winding alleys, and ornate buildings create one of the most elegant historic centres in the region.
The heart of the town is marked by the Basilica di San Martino, a masterpiece of late baroque architecture that dominates the main square. Nearby, the Palazzo Ducale, built in the 17th century, reflects Martina Franca’s past as a noble stronghold and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The town is also known for its Festival della Valle d’Itria, a summer celebration of opera and classical music. Its location near Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello places it within the most scenic and architecturally distinctive part of inland Apulia.
The heart of the town is marked by the Basilica di San Martino, a masterpiece of late baroque architecture that dominates the main square. Nearby, the Palazzo Ducale, built in the 17th century, reflects Martina Franca’s past as a noble stronghold and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The town is also known for its Festival della Valle d’Itria, a summer celebration of opera and classical music. Its location near Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello places it within the most scenic and architecturally distinctive part of inland Apulia.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Martina Franca
- Centro Storico di Martina Franca sprawls across a hilltop in the Valle d’Itria, its streets winding among elegant baroque palaces, whitewashed arches, and narrow alleys paved in smooth limestone. The town radiates refined splendour, with sculpted balconies and glimpses of hidden courtyards bursting with flowers. Small piazzas reveal graceful churches and artisan shops. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and architectural artistry shine brightly.
- Basilica di San Martino stands as the town’s crowning glory, its richly sculpted baroque façade rising above bustling streets. Inside are gilded altars, sacred paintings, and detailed stuccoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Martin. The basilica has long shaped Martina Franca’s religious and civic identity. It remains an iconic symbol of faith and craftsmanship.
- Palazzo Ducale dominates the historic centre, a grand residence built by the Caracciolo family in the 17th century. Its vast halls, elegant frescoes, and ornate ceilings speak of noble power and artistic patronage. Today it hosts exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. The palace stands as a proud monument to Martina Franca’s noble past.
- Piazza Roma serves as the vibrant hub of Martina Franca, surrounded by stately buildings, lively cafés, and bustling shops. The square hosts festivals, open-air performances, and moments of relaxed conversation under Valle d’Itria’s brilliant skies. Cobblestones and palace views create a majestic backdrop. It’s the perfect place to absorb daily life and local rhythms.
- Guided historical and gastronomic tours in Martina Franca lead visitors through baroque streets, noble palaces, and music-filled alleys during the Valle d’Itria Festival. Local guides share tales of aristocratic families, artistic masterpieces, and traditional cuisine. Tours often include tastings of capocollo, artisanal cheeses, and wines from surrounding vineyards. Exploring reveals Martina Franca’s captivating blend of elegance, history, and culinary delight.
Tours and Activities
Martina Franca Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Martina Franca Photo Gallery
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Martina Franca
By Rail: Martina Franca has its own train station, served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est regional line. It connects to Taranto, Locorotondo, and Bari via a scenic inland route. The journey from Taranto takes about 1 hour, while from Bari it’s roughly 2 hours with a change in Putignano. The station is located around 1 kilometre from the historic centre, walkable in 10–15 minutes or reachable by local taxis.
By Road: The town is well connected by regional roads and lies about 30 kilometres east of Taranto and 35 kilometres north of Brindisi. Driving from either city takes around 45 minutes. The SS172 and SP581 roads provide direct access. Public parking is available just outside the historic centre, which is largely pedestrianised.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is well connected by regional roads and lies about 30 kilometres east of Taranto and 35 kilometres north of Brindisi. Driving from either city takes around 45 minutes. The SS172 and SP581 roads provide direct access. Public parking is available just outside the historic centre, which is largely pedestrianised.
Nearest International Airports:
- Brindisi – Salento Airport: Located around 75 kilometres away, with a travel time of just over an hour by car. The airport offers flights to several European destinations and some domestic routes.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres north of Martina Franca, taking around 1 hour 30 minutes by car. It provides a broader range of national and international flights, including regular connections with Rome, Milan, and major European cities.
Private Transfers
Martina Franca Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and flexible way to travel to or from Martina Franca, providing a direct journey without the need to manage public transport or drive yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.
Both Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Airport are easily reached by road, making private transfers a convenient option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello, or to other towns and resorts throughout the Itria Valley and wider Puglia region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Both Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Airport are easily reached by road, making private transfers a convenient option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello, or to other towns and resorts throughout the Itria Valley and wider Puglia region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
