Its hilltop position means that you can see the town from miles around and once you’re up there, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Itria Valley. A two-minute walk from the church, it is over two floors, with a gorgeous en-suite bedroom within its conical roof,a lovely outdoor terrace and breakfast included. The flights are more abundant (and a little cheaper)*, plus it’s a gorgeous city to explore - definitely deserving of being on a longer itinerary. Knocking on a local door, we enquire to use the bathroom and are greeted by a broad smile and a look at the traditional crochet stitching going on in the living room. Coastal towns I can definitely recommend for a visit or a short stay include Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery Under Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery Under

We started our day by jumping on a Piaggio Ape, a three-wheeler similar to a tuk-tuk or auto-rickshaw, and heading to the most easterly point of mainland Italy, a short drive from Otranto centre. Despite its age, or maybe because of it, there are many things to do and see in Matera, making any visit a wondrous experience. The main entry points for international visitors are Bari and Brindisi (both have airports and ports with international connections). I recommend spending a few days on the peninsula to explore the flora and fauna of the national park, as well as to enjoy the beaches, charming towns and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Vico del Gargano and the Sanctuary of San Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo.

The largest town in the Itria Valley, Martina Franca and can trace its roots back to the 10th century AD. The ‘white city’ of Puglia, Ostuni gracefully grows up from its prime position slightly inland from the coast, and the drive towards the white-washed exterior gives you some stunning viewpoints to admire it from. Look out for the trabucchi, wooden structures used by fishermen which are now protected historical monuments, as you drive along the northern coast. We believe that it is a travesty to simply throw away a used book when there is nothing wrong with it - we believe in giving each book the chance of finding a new home.

in Puglia | CN Traveller The best places to visit in Puglia | CN Traveller

Many of these are set amongst ancient Olive Trees and with swimming pools to escape the summer heat. Even the banishment from Eden acquires an innocent playful tone in the busy hands of Lecce’s sculptors.

They also linger in the masserie, or fortified farmhouses, that stand alone in ancient olive groves. The white cubist houses could be North Africa and the labyrinthine towns, their lanes a bewildering maze of privacies, could be the backstreets of Istanbul. Towns which shouldn’t be missed include Vieste (built on a rocky promontory and flanked by two sandy beaches), Vico del Gargano (a UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval town bursting with charm), Monte Sant’ Angelo (listed together with the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’ Angelo as UNESCO World Heritage sites) and Peschici (a little town perched on rocky cliffs above the blue sea). This delightful southern region of Italy, with its stunning coastline, cute little towns and villages, quaint countryside vibe, and oh so very Italian way-of-life has everything one would hope to find - whether it's your first time in the country or sixth.