Daniele Parcheggio Sosta Camper

Start any exploration of the gorgeous city of Bari (20 minutes’ drive) admiring the ornate interior of the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola before checking out Renaissance-era Palazzo Simi and its subterranean foundations. Spend time wandering Bari Vecchia old town, crammed full of mellow-stone Baroque churches, cobbled piazzas and cosy little trattorias, and wind up the day with an evening stroll down the seafront Lungomare. Should you want to get the hiking boots or cycling helmets on, Alta Murgia National Park (40 minutes) is the place for you. You can stretch your muscles on steep climbs up conical hills swathed in forest, or head for Castel del Monte (45 minutes) for a rest from physical exertion as you take a guided tour of the landmark 13th-century castle sitting on its hilltop. If you’d rather stick closer to home base, the small seaside fishing village of Santo Spirito (five minutes) has a pretty marina to stroll around, as well as lots of seafood restaurants to hunker down in after a day at one of the lidos on the beach.