Gaze out at the azure Adriatic Sea from the sunny beaches of Otranto, in Italy's Puglia region. This historic port town attracts locals and tourists to its 10km of beaches and diving rocks. In town, the cathedral features large-scale mosaics dating back to the 12th century. If you love snorkeling and beautiful seaside views, it's worth making the short journey south to Porto Badisco.

Gallipoli may be best known for its wartime history, but Apulia’s island-like fortress retains a southern Italian charm all its own. Colorful fishing boats dart around the old city walls, while resilient stone churches peer across a medieval bridge to the mainland port.

A baroque jewel in Italy’s southeastern heel, Lecce flourishes with the carved sandstone of its cathedrals and piazzas. Atmosphere and cuisine are the main attractions here, with rustic Apulian cuisine on offer at the countless wine bars and cafes spilling onto the city's cobblestone lanes.

One of Puglia’s most picturesque enclaves, Ostuni is known as the White City thanks to its plenitude of white-washed houses. A quick trip from the coast, the city is also celebrated for its labyrinthine streets, cathedral, and ancient defensive walls.