This Is Why Puglia Is the Insider Tip of the Summer

Until a few years ago, sunny Puglia in the deep south of Italy was still an absolute insider's tip. Those who knew it appreciated the region for its olive oil, its down-to-earth yet excellent cuisine and the longest coastline in the country. Those who regularly spent their summers here did so far from luxurious hotels, glamorous bars and Michelin award-winning restaurants. But increasingly, the heel and toe of the boot is becoming a hotspot for those who still want to experience Italy in an authentic way. And although Puglia is very different from the rest of the country in many ways (design, high culture and fashion are not priorities here, for example), the area perfectly embodies the essence of the Italian lifestyle.