Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, is a great place for first time visitors to Italy. You are more likely to meet Italians holidaymakers in Puglia than other Northern European tourists. The countryside is rich in beautiful sun-drenched beaches, glorious churches, castles and the stunning but curious Trulli.

Travelling through Puglia there is no escaping the historical influences; invaded, conquered and colonised by the major powers of the day from the Greeks to the Spanish. There are Saracen kasbah - like quarters in many of the towns, like the notable one in Bari. The Spanish Baroque influence is evident in Lecce and imposing castles, mostly built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, can be found all over the region

What makes Puglia unique?

Puglia is generally hotter and poorer than the rest of Italy, this also means that the food is generally simpler and often, more interesting than the pastas and cheeses of the North.

Puglia produces more wine than Germany and more olive oil than all of the other regions of Italy combined. Both perfectly complement the super-fresh seafood and vegetables that are the staples of la tavola pugliese. Local and visiting Italians are unashamedly devoted to celebrating everything Italian - religion, food, love... and they show it with festivals, there's almost one a week in the summer, celebrating everything from clay whistles to grapes.

Puglia is a region that is both interesting and beautiful but be warned, see it now because affordable housing in the area is making it ever more popular with English people looking for a holiday home.

Don’t Miss...

1. The trulli buildings in Alberobello
2. The 10th century Cattolica at Stilo. (Some say the unique conical shape of each trullo helps keep the building cool, or that because they were built without mortar they could be easily pulled down to avoid paying tax on buildings. Either way, no one really knows why the construction is as it is, or why they started to appear between 2,000 and 1,000 BC.) (Regarded as some as the “new Toscana” the opportunity to buy and restore a Trullo. (€ 80,000 to buy and € 60,000 to restore).
3. The famous Castellana Caves, discovered in 1938. Visitors can choose one of two walks going past stalactites and stalagmites, at times up to 70m (229.6ft) underground.
4. Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa – Ear Shaped Pasta with Turnip Tops or Cauliflower.
5. From Vieste a trip to the beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea of the Tremiti Islands.
6. Lecce, enjoy the Baroque style magnificent buildings, the Roman Amphitheatre and if you are under 25 the exiting nightlife.