There are a few places in Europe that are untouched by the tourism wave, and Puglia is one of them. Italy is known for destinations like Venice, Milan, and Florence, but if you are seeking a more stunning and calming option, Apulia (Puglia in English) is a nice, sweet option.

Here are our solid reasons to go to Puglia this summer.

• Because the weather is awesome. Puglia gets over 300 sunny days a year, so the summers are pretty warm and hot here, but even then, this is the best time to visit this odd side of Italy. From local events and concerts to food festivals and more, Puglia offers a lot in summers.

• Because you can enjoy great stays. Some of the best hotels in the region are housed in old, ancient buildings, where you can enjoy the true Italian life. The narrow lanes, the stunning architecture are worth appreciating. We recommend that you check for trulli to rent in Puglia for the best experience.

• Because the food is even better. Some people may complain that nothing in Puglia feels different than the rest of Italy, and while that’s true to some extent, the food here is still local, fresh, and usually homemade. Seafood, pizzas, and pastas are worth every penny spent, and some of the smaller restaurants have really local menus.

• Because the people are easy to hang with. More often than not, travelers complain that locals are not as friendly as they expected, but that’s not the case here. Puglia locals are pretty chilled out and they like the slow pace of life. A word of caution here though: Not many people speak good English, so you have to know the gestures.

• Because the beaches are stunning. Most of the beaches of Puglia have a charm that’s unlike most crowded destinations you may have heard of. From sandy beaches, to cliff sided ones, there are many options. In fact, a lot of people have a thing about cliff diving and that’s an enjoyable activity here.

Finally, if you want to enjoy more, make sure to rent a car, and go for a small car, unless you have a big group. The streets are narrow and the traffic in the smaller towns can be tough for outsiders, so a small car is great, especially for those countryside drives. Book your hotels and tickets right away.