Dotted with sandy bays, coves and ornate churches, the region of Puglia is an unspoilt gem in the southeast of Italy. Silvery olive trees line the hillsides alongside verdant vineyards, and fishermen haul their catch onto quaint harbours. Visit Alberobello, a village with over 1500 charming trulli houses – limestone dwellings with pointed stone roofs – and stroll around these little houses among the almond trees, watching the sunset over the pyramid-like rooftops.
Explore Lecce, an elegant university town, or stay in the old Venetian trading port of Monopoli and relax in the central piazza lined with cafés. Discover Ostuni perched on a hillside, a town with white-washed streets and buildings that dazzle in the sunlight, or stroll around pretty Fasano and visit the local Masserias to buy some full-bodied wine and fresh olive oil.
In the Basilicata region, stay in the city of Matera – beautifully carved out of the white rocky cliffs – and wander around the underground labyrinth of streets and churches. In Calabria, you can relax on Tropea’s beautiful sandy beaches, climb steep streets peppered with old churches and gaze up at the Santa Maria dell’Isola, built on a rock jutting out into the sea. In Maratea, spend your days lazing on stunning beaches, dining on fresh seafood and photographing the gigantic statue of Christ, gracing Mount Biagio.
We’ve hand-picked exceptional hotels and unique places to stay – including princely palaces and restored rural estates. Book your holiday to Italy today.