Puglia:

Puglia is pretty special and well worth exploring if you’ve got the time. Read a great guide on Puglia from  https://www.cntraveller.com/article/puglia-travel-guide.

Special places to visit below:

Matera: If you’re into history (or James Bond) you will love this place. If you do go, be sure to watch Stanley Tucci’s ‘Searching for Italy’ episode on it. It’s on the way to Ostuni from Bari.

Salento: Further south, if you rent a car and can get to the other side of Puglia, the beaches are top tier. Recommended guide: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/travel/italy-puglia-salento.htm

Polignano a Mare: The spot you may have seen when you google Puglia. Its limestone cliffs fall elegantly into the crystal clear waters and the swimming (although busy) is glorious in the summer. 

Grottaglie: The ceramic capital of Puglia, worth looking into if you love this classic Italian splatterware crockery.

Alberobello: Touristy, pretty and takes a great photo. UNESCO site since 1996. Along Dusty roads is great for Puglia city guides and tips

Locorotondo: The town is endowed with a whisper-quiet pedestrianized centro storico, where everything is shimmering white aside from the blood-red geraniums that tumble from the window boxes. Situated on a hilltop on the Murge Plateau,  it’s rated as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.