A short drive from Bari, this unique octagonal castle was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture and its mathematical precision. Built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, the castle is monumental in every sense of the word. Largely untouched, imposing, awe-inspiring and staggeringly perfect in its design, it's a must-see sight of southern Italy.

A short drive from Lecce and Otranto, the Maldives of Salento is the nickname for this striking 5 mile stretch of white and gold sand along the coast of Pescoluse. With vivid turquoise waters, this beach is one of the best in Puglia, especially when the tide is out and little sandy islands form, giving the area its fitting nickname.

With over 1,000 unique Apulian conical huts made from stone, this fairy tale town is unsurprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quaint houses of this area, known as trulli, are truly photogenic with whitewashed walls and cone shaped limestone roofs. Like nowhere else in the world, a stroll through Alberobello is a magical journey you don't want to miss.

The biggest producer of wine in Italy, Puglia is wine-grove boasting 25 different DOC areas. With a wealth of important routes across a gorgeous and fertile land of rolling valleys, you'll discover a wine tour here isn't just about the final product, but about the journey. Savour the views and sample the delicious Negroamaro grape, cultivated almost exclusively in Puglia.