Puglia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, if not the world. There are hundreds to explore, but the most famous one is Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare. The view of the white village set against the turquoise Adriatic Sea is a must-see for anyone visiting Puglia. Buy some fresh coconut from the local vendor on the beach and just lay back and admire the view. As famous as this beach is, we found it still to be mostly locals. Other beaches not to miss are Grotte della Poesia and I Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, both found in the southern part of Puglia. The entire coastline of Puglia is filled with beautiful, lesser-known, sparkling beaches. Don’t hesitate to just pick one on the map and check it out. Maybe you’ll find a local secret.

Puglia is famous for its Trulli—old stone cottages with pointed roofs nestled into the golden countryside. Spend a day visiting the old town of Alberobello, a village of Trulli with cute cafes and markets, and then drive into the countryside and experience the authentic lifestyle of locals still living in these homes. Alberobello is famous for its chilli peppers and if you love spice like me, definitely try a “chilli espresso”. Delicious. We shot part of the Faithfull The Brand editorial in the countryside filled with Trulli, and two different families invited us into their homes for espresso. One of the most magical experiences while in Puglia.

Perched high up on a hill, Matera is one of the oldest inhabited places in Europe. People were living in Matera 3000 years before Rome in cave dwellings. The village is truly ancient and you can visit some of the early dwellings where people once lived. The magic of Matera is impossible to explain and if you get the chance to visit, definitely do it. Walking through the worn streets and hearing the church bells ring out will transport you to another time. The village is filled with restaurants, cafes and local artisans, and there was hardly a tourist in site.

Monopoli is a beautiful town on the coast, and a must-see when visiting Puglia. Walking through the cobblestone streets past endless cafes and restaurants, you will find yourself in the old port. The small blue fishing boats set against the old stone architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Europe. Bring a bottle of wine down and watch the sunset turn the entire village gold.

Ostuni, known as “the white town”, is an endless maze of beautiful alleyways, picturesque piazzas and hidden rose gardens. As with every village in Puglia, the very best experience is simply taking a walk through the old town - the centro storico. Spend a day without a map getting lost in hundreds of years of history. There are tiny cafes and trattorias wherever you turn...Puglia is for the dreamers, the lovers, the adventurers and everyone in between. It’s as close to living in a fairy tale as it gets, and it still feels like a hidden secret of Italy. Every village is bursting with beauty, history and culture and after travelling through almost every corner of Italy this summer, Puglia is still at the top of my list.