I visited overlooked European region with beaches 'like the Maldives' and 25C in September

Italy is one of the go-to destinations for late-summer and early-autumn beach holidays, thanks to its balmy weather and established reputation as one of the World's most visited countries. So much so that even in the shoulder season, the top hotspots remain overrun with tourists.

Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast are all beautiful destinations worthy of attention. However, one overlooked region of the southern European countries remains largely undiscovered by international crowds—though probably not for long. This stunning part of Italy has sandy beaches so clear they're compared to the Maldives and pleasant weather that boasts average highs of 25C in September.

Though already very well-known to Italians, Puglia is not usually the first name that comes to mind when searching for a beach getaway in Europe.

Framed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas and shaped like the heel of the boot, Puglia has an extensive coastline dotted with ethereal coves, limestone cliffs and postcard-perfect bays.

Polignano a Mare is one of the best-known among them. It’s a charming coastal town perched on cliffs, with a tiny cove beach, Lama Monachile, renowned for its clear water and white pebble and because it’s flanked by dramatic, rugged cliffs.

Further south, Santa Maria di Leuca marks the southernmost tip of the region, where the two seas meet; it’s perfect for a sunset cruise and paddleboarding into caves before dinner at a local trattoria with fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and a strong Salento wine.

Inland, the fairytale town of Alberobello is famed for its UNESCO-listed trulli – traditional whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Many have been converted into luxurious holiday stays, offering a uniquely local experience.

A short drive away, the dazzling white town of Ostuni, nicknamed La Città Bianca, has cobbled alleys and panoramic terraces. Nearby Bridisi offers easy access to the region, often with cheaper flights than other Italian hubs.

Puglia also makes the perfect base for exploring the uber-popular Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region. It's the third-oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, with over 10,000 years of history, and is famed for its ancient cave homes and rupestrian churches with hand-painted walls.

Of course, no trip to Puglia would be complete without exploring its food culture. This is the land of burrata, orecchiette, and full-bodied wines like Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Salice Salentino.