Otranto in puglia or Tropea in calabria
 

I'm having trouble decideing on where to go for 2 weeks in july. I'm planning on learning italian at one of the schools either a school in otranto or Tropea. I will be going alone and am looking for a beach vacation but also somewhere where I can also do some sight seeing. I know both have incredible beaches, but i am not sure about which place will offer more of interesting sights to see. Please help!!!!
Maria

Judging from the scenery in Puglia on the Giro d'Italia, I'd head straight there--it's gorgeous.

I know nothing about Otranto, but I think Calabria would be a perfect atmosphere to learn Italian because you will probably not encounter one person who speaks English. You will be forced to use what you learn. Will you have a car? Capo Vaticano is right near Tropea and looks beautiful, and I know first-hand that Gerace and Stilo on the east coast are very intersting hill towns. When you are done with your class you could take a ferry to Stromboli and stay there a few days.