This site on the Adriatic Sea, not far from Lecce, is one of the most beautiful natural pools in the area. It is a must for swimmers and cliff jumpers.

These caves, which formed more than 90 million years ago in the Itria Valley can be combined with visits to Alberobello and Polignano. Indagare can arrange a tour, which takes visitors more than 60 meters below ground to see the ancient caverns.

This quintessential Italian coastal village has a picturesque fishing port and old town that fronts a narrow rocky beach. The best way to absorb the charming atmosphere is by wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting the Neoclassical cathedral and admiring the sea views. Monopoli is particularly fun on Saturday nights when bars and restaurants get lively.

Located in the Lecce province, Otranto is one of Puglia’s most vibrant towns. Its pedestrian-only historic center is home to a handful of lovely shops with regional handicrafts, as well as a stunning cathedral and charming restaurants. Don’t miss a walk along the promenade, which looks out over the glistening Adriatic Sea. Take in the 15th-century castle and don't miss a visit the 11th-century cathedral with its impressive mosaic floor.

At Salento's southernmost tip lies the sanctuary of the Basilica De Finibus Terrae ("end of the land"), which was consecrated in 343 A.D. It has a lovely panoramic view of the harbor and the bay of Leuca. Its iconic lighthouse stands more than 100 meters above the sea below and is considered to be one of the most important lighthouses in Italy. The sanctuary lies on the site of a Roman temple, evidence of the area's complicated history. After World War II, Leuca was also briefly home to displaced Holocaust survivors.

The famed heel to Italy’s boot, the Salento region is an undiscovered gem thanks to its olive grove–laden landscape, preserved Baroque buildings and picturesque beaches dotted with lagoons, grottoes and dramatic white cliffs. The peninsula splits the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and first-time visitors should head to the towns of Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce and Leuca. History buffs will appreciate a visit to the region’s Greek towns, where locals still speak a form of Greek indigenous to southern Italy.