The region of Puglia is home to a number of delightful towns and cities, each with its own charming Medieval or Baroque old quarter. Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of the south, with its maze of winding narrow streets and abundance of Baroque style architecture. The Medieval walled town of Ostuni sits high on a hillside surrounded by olive carpeted plains with views to the sea beyond. Clusters of whitewashed houses cascade down the hillside and the enchanting tangle of backstreets lead to the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Also, visit the fortified island town of Gallipoli.
Inland, the central Puglian towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca are famous for their charming old-town centres and their traditional Trulli dwellings. The centre of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the high number of these distinctive buildings and although one of the most touristy spots in the region it is also one of the most unique. The dramatic Castel del Monte is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s finest examples of medieval military architecture and for nature lovers, the Gargano National Park in the north of the region is home to thousands of different species of flora and fauna, including deer and wildcats.