Puglia is rich in history and landscapes that will steal your heart. Known for its ancient olive trees scattered across the region, dry stone walls and oil mills. It will be easy to get lost exploring the endless must-see places and things to do, so we’ve narrowed the list down so you capture the best of Puglia in the time you have.

 
 
Many towns are worth visiting, but the postcard village of Alberobello has Puglia’s largest amount of trullo building tightly packed into a valley. If you’re spending the day there, we recommend heading to Ristorante Pizzeria Pozza Contino which has a terrace with stunning views over the trulli.

 
 
For wine tasting, head to the Valle d’Itria which boasts its own “wine road”, running between the towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca. Perched atop of a hill, Locorotondo is considered one of Italy's prettiest villages. Spend time wandering the beautiful flower-adorned streets before you head down to one of the terraced vineyards below to taste their renowned white wine.
 
Ostuni - Known as Puglia's White City, is a hilltop town full of beauty and culture with a maze of narrow winding streets that cascade down, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Also famous for its food and wine, the region is renowned for its olive oil. You must sample the local Puglian specialities such as Burrata cheese and fresh seafood in the many restaurants in the town.
 
If you’re looking for beaches, the Adriatic coast offers stretches of sandy and rocky coastline and some excellent lidos. Starting in the north of Puglia, the coastline is more dramatic and the magnificently sea-sculpted chalky-white cliffs of Gargano offers some stunning coastal scenery.

  
Heading south will uncover the sandy beaches of Marina di Ostuni and the fabulous Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, a paradise combining unspoilt woods, azure crystalline seas and several miles of golden sandy beach. If visiting at the right time, you might be lucky enough to spot many species of migratory birds, including flocks of flamingos who stop off here.

For children, Puglia is a playground perfect for family vacations. From cone-topped trulli streets to explore, to the vast water sports on offer, since due to the three seas and 500 miles of coastline surrounding it. The beaches and its translucent waters are perfect for many activities from horse riding to exploring the popular bay of Polignao a Mare by yacht. Go dolphin and turtle-spotting, discover marine conservation projects for families, and enjoy coastal wetlands. Be sure to explore off the beaten track by boat, where you’ll discover some real hidden gems and coves.
 
Best time to go: July and August to make the most of the long sunny days. The hottest month is July thought with temperatures up to 30C and an average low of 24C.
 
Flight time from UK: 2h 55m