If you want to enjoy the feeling of the sun on your face well into the autumn months, one Italian ‘hidden gem’ offers sand, sea and breathtaking beauty by the bucket load. 

The region of Puglia on the southeast coast of Italy is renowned for its extensive coastline, picturesque whitewashed villages and exceptional food and wine. Outside of the busy summer season, it is also the perfect place to discover uncrowded beaches where the clear blue sea of the Adriatic on one side meets the Ionian Sea on the other. 

The weather in the region stays warm and sunny with temperatures in the mid-20s in September, but as the crowds thin out, this romantic and authentically Italian destination is just right to enjoy ‘la dolce vita’.

The region as a whole is a lesser-known destination that is more relaxed and friendly than some of the more touristy areas of Italy.

Dotted with picture-perfect medieval towns, visitors come to meander down the ancient streets soaking up the extensive history of the region. 

One of the highlights of the region is the Roman city of Lecce – often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’ – a Baroque masterpiece packed full of incredible architecture and traditional Italian piazzas.

Polignano a Mare is another enchanting town perched high up on the limestone cliffs, looking down on the coast of the Valle d’Itria. Visitors flock to amble through the winding streets of the old town, sip wine on the panoramic terraces or take a dip in the clear blue sea at any of the town’s stunning beaches. 

Sun worshippers can enjoy a quintessentially Italian beach holiday on the breathtaking coastline that surrounds the entire region, even when the summer months are over.

From the fine white sand and turquoise waters of Torre dell’Orso and Punta Prosciutto to the wild and unspoilt setting of Porto Selvaggio, there are endless adventures to be had by the sea. 

In fact, so highly revered are the beaches in this quiet corner of the country, that one watery wonder has been dubbed the ‘Maldives of Puglia.’  With its fine white sands and incredible blue sea, Pecoluse is perfect all year round. 

The autumn months are also a great time to set sail on a boat trip in the tranquil seas surrounding the ‘heel’ of Italy.  Far from the shoreline, shipmates can take in the stunning vistas of the region’s many ancient villages such as Monopoli, Taranto, Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca.

Puglia is also one of Italy’s most important wine regions, thanks to its Mediterranean climate and fertile lands. The winemaking process in Puglia is a mix of tradition and innovation, and the region produces some of Italy’s finest and most award-winning wines.

As the grapes are harvested in September and October, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to sample the delectable red and white wines that the region is so famous for.