Camping Costa Merlata

Start your hols with a lengthy explore of Ostuni, the hilly city 20 minutes’ drive from base. Strolling around the scenic old town is a must, with stops at the city walls and the photoworthy Arco Scoppa (it’s like the famed Bridge of Sighs, but less watery), and there’s plenty more history to take in at the museums and the archaeological park. Time your stay just right and you’ll be around to see Ostuni come to life for the Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo, the city’s patronal festival: it’s a spectacle of knights and horses, parades and feasting, and definitely not to be missed if your plans allow. Keep exploring the past with the spectacular Trulli of Alberobello – the UNESCO-listed conical houses are an essential stop hereabouts and the town’s winding streets are a dream to wander along. Visits to the pretty towns of Martina Franca, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, and the city of Taranto, come highly recommended too for palazzos, Roman ruins, botanic gardens and ancient temples within 45 minutes. If the kids are starting to beg to be allowed to do something in this century, take them to see the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, fossils and canyons of the Castellana caves, or keep things above ground with a day of animals and rides at ZooSafari Fasnolandia and Acquapark Egnazia, both under half an hour away.