I went to underrated Europe spot with beaches so beautiful they're compared to the Maldives

Italy is a favourite destination for late-summer and early-autumn beach holidays, thanks to its warm weather and status as one of the world's most visited countries. Even during the shoulder season, top spots like Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast are teeming with tourists.

However, there's an under-the-radar region in this southern European country that remains largely untouched by international crowds - but probably not for much longer. This stunning part of Italy boasts sandy beaches so pristine they're likened to the Maldives and enjoys balmy weather with average highs of 25C in September.

While Italians are well-acquainted with Puglia, it's not usually the first place that springs to mind when planning a beach holiday in Europe.

Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas and shaped like the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia has a vast coastline peppered with dreamy coves, limestone cliffs and picture-perfect bays.

Among them is Polignano a Mare, a delightful coastal town perched on cliffs. Its small cove beach, Lama Monachile, is famous for its crystal-clear water and white pebbles, all framed by dramatic, rugged cliffs, reports the Express.

Further down south, Santa Maria di Leuca is the southernmost point of the region where two seas converge.

It's an ideal spot for a sunset cruise or paddleboarding into caves before enjoying dinner at a local trattoria serving fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and robust Salento wine.

Inland, you'll find the enchanting town of Alberobello, renowned for its UNESCO-listed trulli - traditional whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Many have been transformed into luxurious holiday accommodations, offering a truly local experience.

Just a short drive away, the dazzling white town of Ostuni, also known as La Città Bianca, boasts cobbled lanes and panoramic terraces. Nearby Brindisi provides easy access to the region, often with cheaper flights than other Italian hubs.

Puglia also serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the incredibly popular Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region.

It's the third-oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, boasting over 10,000 years of history, and is famous for its ancient cave homes and rupestrian churches with hand-painted walls.

Naturally, no visit to Puglia would be complete without delving into its food culture. This is the land of burrata, orecchiette, and full-bodied wines like Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Salice Salentino.