Ginosa Marina

The beach town of Ginosa Marina strings along the Ionian Coast with miles of wide-open beach. Fine golden sand with vast space means you'll never find crowds here, while shallow calm water means kids can play easily and safely. Much of the coastline is backed by pinewoods and scrub, making it feel more natural with less congestion and little development. You'll be able to bike and hike in the woods or go horse riding, along with the plentiful water sports to indulge in. There are concessions that let you rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or wide stretches of free beach if you prefer to plunk down your towel in solitude.

At the point called Salinella stands the remains of a coastal defense tower erected in the 1400s. The beach town is connected to the city of Ginosa, inland a few miles, where you'll find an archeological museum, castle, and cathedral, along with shops and restaurants. The coastal town is mainly seasonal, where you'll find plenty of seafood restaurants offering the day's catch.

For sights, Marina di Ginosa is located just a few miles up the coast from Metaponto, in Basilicata, which had been an important Greek city where you'll find ruins of ancient temples and buildings along with an archeology museum. Uphill from Metaponto is Bernalda, the hometown of Francis Ford Coppola's family hails from and where he renovated a palazzo into a swanky hotel. You can't go in unless you have reservations, but you can have a drink in the bar and visit the shops up and down the Corso. There are some noted restaurants here to enjoy that people from Puglia regularly travel to, and just a bit more inland is the unique and fascinating city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered Europe's oldest city.

In Puglia, you'll be able to visit Taranto, Martina Franca and the trulli of Alberobello.