Puglia is the sunny, whitewashed heal of the Italian boot, the home to an abundance of unique experiences and hidden gems, and the perfect region to visit for those tired of the crowds in the capital or on the ever-trendy Amalfi Coast.

In cities such as Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, you can find all the things that attract thousands of culture vultures and architecture enthusiasts inland to Tuscany, in extravagant churches, beautiful winding lanes and elegant piazzas.

Really though, it’s outside the confines of the urban areas that Puglia shines like the blindingly white cliffs that sweep along its rugged coastline. Ancient forests, winding cave networks, ancient olive groves and rolling hills form a patchwork of fertile land.

And with this rich, varied landscape comes an abundance of great wines, vats of incredible olives, and when you combine all this with the stunning fish and seafood that is caught in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, you’ll find that Puglia is also a culinary delight waiting to be discovered.