Puglia, the “heel” of Italy, is relatively unknown territory to the foreign tourist but a long established favourite with Italians as it boasts some of the cleanest seas in Europe and healthiest mediterranean food. As if crystal clear seas and good food weren’t enough Puglia adds its  rich history, abundance of artistic, architectural and archeological sites and sheer natural beauty to its quintessential southern Italian lifestyle, giving you a real taste of  mediterranean Italy.
All of this can be found in exquisite proportions in the World Heritage Site: the “Valle d’Itria”. Lying at the heart of Puglia and situated between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, the Itria Valley is home to the “trulli”, unique, conical-roofed houses built with dry-stone walls which animate this lush, green landscape. 500 metres above sea-level and fifteen minutes drive from the coast, the valley provides a cool, tranquil and stunningly beautiful backdrop for exploring the sparkling white labyrinths of its hilltowns of  baroque churches and medieval castles. Alternatively, savour the seafood delicacies along the coast, bathe in the waters of the nature reserve at Torre Quaceto or visit the Etruscan ruins of Egnazia. If you can make it in July there’s also the “Festival della Valle d’Itria”, held in Martina Franca, which presents rarely performed opera.

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