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Set where Puglia's low hills reach down to the Adriatic on the heel of Italy, Fasano is a small town with a historic core. A maze of narrow lanes, cobbled streets, archways, stairways and little piazzas make up the old town, which is set against a backdrop of rich Mediterranean vegetation.

The hills are clad with olive groves and the nearby coast is fringed with soft, golden beaches and little coves. Although modern Fasano has less character than some of Puglia's other towns, the area is home to many of the region's top hotels and makes a tranquil base for exploring. Ostuni, a handsome hilltop village with narrow winding streets, and Alberobello, which is renowned for its conical limestone houses known as trulli, are nearby and make easy day trips.

There has been a settlement in the Fasano area since Greco-Roman times, but the town increased in size in the 11th century when inhabitants of the nearby coastal city of Egnatia moved inland to avoid the constant wave of attacks. Pirates plagued the coast for centuries but were finally defeated in 1678. The victory was put down to the intercession of the Madonna and is celebrated in late June each year in a week-long festival with parades, costumes, concerts and a grand re-enactment of the battle.

Processions make their way through the city's narrow streets, where marble stairways lead to quiet corners. The palazzo used by the Knights of Malta is now the town hall, and a Baroque Arco dei Cavalieri (Arch of the Knights) commemorates their influence.

Early Christian churches, Baroque chapels and grand palazzi line the streets. The Via Appia (Appian Way), the ancient Roman road that linked southern Italy to Rome, runs along the coast and you can still see it today. There’s also a small port whose low-key promenade has a cluster of seafood restaurants.

At the nearby archaeological Park of Egnazia you can see the ruins of an ancient town Egnazia. The area was first settled in the Bronze Age, became an important trading hub in Roman times and then the early bishopric of Egnazia Appúla.

The city was eventually abandoned in the Middle Ages and much of its stone reused as building materials, but the extent of the ruins give a good impression of the city’s earlier importance. Around the town, the low hills are blanketed in olive groves. In their midst is the Museum of Olive Oil, set in a 12th-century masseria (fortified farmhouse) that was a former Benedictine monastery.

Best time to visit Fasano

April to June and September to November are excellent times to visit Fasano if you plan to explore the surrounding area rather than simply sit on the beach. The weather is warm and dry and the town is lively without being crowded. July and August are busier and temperatures rise to 94°F (34°C). Come in late June to see the annual La Scamiciata festivities.