An evocative itinerary discovering the gems of Salento, the Itria Valley with its trulli, and Basilicata up to the Sassi of Matera. A journey through crystal-clear sea, white villages, ancient olive groves and genuine cuisine.
The capital of Lecce Baroque: Cathedral Square, Basilica of Santa Croce, Roman Amphitheatre. The streets of the centre are packed with papier-mâché artisan workshops.
Otranto with its cathedral and the floor mosaic, the cliffs of Santa Cesarea Terme, the Zinzulusa Cave, the Punta Palascìa lighthouse (easternmost point of Italy).
The "beautiful city" on an island connected to the mainland, with its fortified historic centre and the beaches of Punta Prosciutto. Porto Cesareo and Santa Maria al Bagno complete the picture.
Ostuni perched on the hill with its lime-white houses, the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral, and views over century-old olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.
Alberobello with its UNESCO trulli, Locorotondo among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Cisternino and Martina Franca. A concentration of unique rural architecture.
The Sassi di Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, close the itinerary with one of the most spectacular landscapes in Italy: cave dwellings carved into tufa, frescoed churches, a unique atmosphere.
Best time: April-June and September-October (excellent summer but crowded)
Recommended duration: 7-10 days
How to get around: car recommended
