THE BEST Hotels with Tennis Courts in Gallipoli

Gaze out at the azure Adriatic Sea from the sunny beaches of Otranto, in Italy's Puglia region. This historic port town attracts locals and tourists to its 10km of beaches and diving rocks. In town, the cathedral features large-scale mosaics dating back to the 12th century. If you love snorkeling and beautiful seaside views, it's worth making the short journey south to Porto Badisco.

One of Puglia’s most picturesque enclaves, Ostuni is known as the White City thanks to its plenitude of white-washed houses. A quick trip from the coast, the city is also celebrated for its labyrinthine streets, cathedral, and ancient defensive walls.

A patchwork of vineyards and olive groves, dotted with whitewashed hill towns and sun-bronzed beaches—Italy’s southern heel has no shortage of photogenic landscapes. There are a few surprises, too, including the baroque city of Lecce and the Itria Valley, with its UNESCO-listed trulli houses.

A Puglia port town that’s equal parts historic and functional, Monopoli makes a splash with medieval churches and castles jutting above the Adriatic. It’s also a painter’s dream, with bright blue fishing boats adding a pop of colour against whitewashed harbour walls.

Also known as Baden bei Wien (Baden near Vienna), this spa town is chosen by those looking for a little bit of relaxation.  The origin of the city goes back to the Romans who were the first to enjoy Baden’s sulphurous mineral springs. Later, Baden became a favourite of Austrian emperors who would come from Vienna (26 km) to enjoy a bath in hot waters. Today, visitors fall in love with the many historic buildings, monuments and picnic areas in beautiful parks around the city. Connoisseurs of classical music can follow in the footsteps of Baden’s most famous visitor, Ludwig van Beethoven, who visited Baden numerous times.

A day trip to Patara, a few miles farther west from Kalkan, offers the chance to combine horseback riding, history and sand surfing. Once an important Lycian port town, legend has it that Patara is the birthplace of Apollo and with certainty it’s the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Horseback riding for riders of all ages and capabilities is available for rides along the 22 kilometres of white beaches. And so is sand surfing.