My husband and I have a 9 night time frame to see Puglia in early July. We plan on starting with a 4 night stay at Masseria San Martino near Fasano/Monopoli then move on to Lecce for 3 nights and end in/around Mattinata (Gargano) for 2 nights. We are traveling to the area from the Sorrento area and returning to Rome at the end of the time in Puglia. Would like advice on places to stay in/near Lecce and advice on driving times especially the longer distances from Sorrento to Monopoli area, Lecce to Mattinata, and Mattinata to Rome. Actually looking in to training to Rome from Foggia to avoid the drive there. Interesting must-do sites, secluded/quiet beaches, restaurant recommendations appreciated. Ive noted restaurants in other discussions. Thanks

Where are you staying in Mattinata? We stayed outside town at Baia delle Zagare which was wonderful. During high season you must take half board so we ate dinner there every night. The beach is gorgeous with lots of coves, grottoes and faragloni to explore. It took us most of the day to drive there from Monopoli but we stopped at the Norman castle at Andria and the battlefield and museum at Canae. From there we took daytrips to San Giovanni Rotundo to see the Padre Pio tomb and the shrine at Monte San Angelo. Also go to Vieste via the small, windin coastal road which has awesome views. Lots of good restaurants in Vieste.

We found a wonderful deal at the Patria Palace in Lecce on the Starwood website, but possibly because we were there in August when it is very slow. It is probably the nicest hotel in the city and was indeed a great place.

I was looking at Baia delle Zagare in Mattinata! Thanks for your input. We will be driving from Lecce so I would imagine thats really going to take all day with maybe a stop for lunch. It seems like we sould spend more time here than in Lecce. I understand the coastline is a lot like the amalfi coast. 2 nights will only give us 1 full day. Any other insight appreciated.

Check out your time and distance at viamichelin.com---maps too !