We fell in love with Puglia. This part of Italy is as beautiful as Tuscany but it’s not as touristy (yet). We started our visit with a road trip to the south. If you follow the coast from Otranto all the way down through Salento, the outermost tip of the heel, you’ll drive through some typical Italian coastal towns. All charming and some with amazing architecture. Like the beautiful coastal village of Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its healing thermal baths. The town became popular in 1700 when Italian bourgeoisie built opulent holiday homes. All the way in the south you’ll find Santa Maria de Leuca, a popular holiday destinations for locals (and thus busy beaches in August!). The art nouveau villas – some abandoned, some with matching little beach houses on the rocks near the water – give the old town its flare and allure. If you’re more into nature, the route through the Bosco di Tricase nature reserve is beautiful. This is the perfect place for a hike. The azure water in the background, the millions of purple and yellow flowers and scattered trulli in the countryside will make it one you’ll never forget. A dip in the fresh blue waters – at the enclosed beach of Porto Badisco for example – is the best reward after a (warm) roadtrip!
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