Alberobello’s the lovechild of Gladiator and Gulliver’s travels. One minute you’re in rolling blonde fields, with those tall, thin Italian trees poking through the horizon. The next, you’re standing like a giant in toy town, surrounded by tiny turreted roofs.

This patch of Puglian countryside, at the top of Italy’s boot lays on a spread of the good stuff: Food 👌 Sunshine 🌞 Stuff to look at 🏰

Trulli Houses

Sure signs of… Italian hobbits? Lilliputians?... Mole people?

‘Trulli’ houses are dotted all over the region, but there’s a hefty crop at Alberobello’s Unesco town centre.

They started making these conical beauts at the end of the 19th century, as temporary places to store grain. Now they still live in them, use them as shops, ice cream parlours, restaurants- you can even stay in them.

Sit with an aperol at La Locanda del Gallo and look out over the sea of turrets.

Eat here

Terra Madre (or Mother Earth) is a tiny, friendly, family run restaurant in the centre of town. They specialise in vegetables from the region, cooked before your eyes in their open kitchen.

Like plates of aubergines, fresh tomatoes and local Orchiette (little ear) pasta with sausagemeat. Just-a-like-a-mamma-used-to-make. They’ll do you a 5 course tasting menu, with organic wine for £21 each (!)

This part of Italy is one of the greediest food spots in the world. The prosciutto (ham) and bufala (cheese) you can buy from any local supermarket is enough to make you emigrate.

Road trippin'

The best way to get around is with your own wheels. Pick up a car from airports Bari or Brindisi, then the whole region is yours.

Like the white city of Gondor… wait… Ostuni (those middle Earth vibes though.) Cobbled streets lead to mysterious staircases and alfresco cafes in this blanched Medieval city.

Monopoli harbour's a peachy spot on the coast, perfect for catching the sunset over a plate of calamari. (It’s about an hour from Bari.)

Beach

You wouldn’t turn your nose up at any of the beaches here, but the money-shot has to be the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve.

This hidden beach, with its I-can-see-the-hair-on-my-toes clear water is a snorkelling mecca and the surrounding wilderness is packed with rare plants and animals. You can even spot turtles and dolphins here, if you know where to look.

Sum up

Is there anything better than cruising the Italian countryside, stopping to stuff your face and make friends with the beaming locals?

There’s enough cultural stuff in the towns to keep your brain happy, and enough sunshine, nature and wine to please the rest of you. All the good things in generous, Italian helpings. 🍨 🍝 🌊

Alberobello's about an hour from Brindisi.