All roads lead to the sea in Savelletri di Fasano – a little fishing harbour on the east coast of Puglia. Portside osterias and ristorantes sidle up to the waterfront, while fish merchants peddle the catch of the day – usually silvery sea bream or bass. Expect plenty of squid-ink pasta on the menus, too.
The coast road turns rural as it wanders out of town, rolling past rocky headlands, tiny pockets of sand and pebbles, pristine San Domenico Golf Club, and centuries-old Apulian farmhouses called masserie.
The bright-orange sunloungers and bar of Lido Ottagono are just a few minutes’ drive north. This is also the route to Egnazia Archaeological Park – a historic settlement with Bronze Age ruins and a wobbly Roman road. Or you could head south, where empty beaches slot between the sea and countryside. Just remember to keep a snorkel handy – coral reefs and caves accessorise this part of the coast.
