Situated in the heel of the boot that is Italy, Puglia is sometimes overlooked in favor of the Amalfi Coast or Sicily, but the country’s south-easternmost region is deserving of your attention. Boasting over 500 miles of coastline, Puglia makes an ideal choice for a beach vacation, while ancient towns such as Lecce, Martina Franca, and Alberobello are rich in both charm and culture. With a history that has been shaped by the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans and the Spanish Bourbons, Puglia is a unique and fascinating destination.

Thanks to its location on the Adriatic Sea, Puglia’s climate is warm and sunny for most of the year, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F from late April to early November. The beaches are busiest in the warmest months of July and August when most Italians take their vacations. The region has two airports, in Bari and Brindisi, which have regular flights to and from cities across Europe.