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Imagine driving along the coastal road and the deep blue of the sea alternates with the lush green of the olive trees. Camping in Puglia is pure freedom, because here you still find corners that haven't succumbed to mass tourism. It smells of wild rosemary, releasing its aroma in the heat of the day, and of freshly baked bread from local bakeries. The sound of your road trip? The rhythmic chirping of crickets and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the limestone cliffs.

What makes Puglia so special for you as a camper is the diversity. You can park your motorhome on cliffs high above the Adriatic or sleep in the shade of ancient pine trees in the Gargano National Park. The landscape is flatter than in the north, which makes driving large vehicles more relaxed, but the streets in the coastal towns can be narrow and challenging. The best time to travel for your trip is May and June or September. Then it is warm enough for swimming, but you are spared the intense heat of August, when all of Italy is on holiday. In midsummer, many sites are completely booked and temperatures often climb above 35 degrees – a real endurance test for your van's refrigerator performance.

An honest tip: Puglia is loud and lively in July and August. If you are looking for peace and quiet, avoid the large seaside resorts in these months. Instead, you will be rewarded in the low season with secluded bays and a level of hospitality from the locals that is second to none.

An absolute highlight is the Gargano peninsula. Here, white limestone cliffs rise steeply from the sea. Visit the small town of Vieste, but it is best to leave your motorhome at one of the well-signposted car parks on the outskirts, as the alleys in the center are extremely narrow. A real camping treat is the drive through the Foresta Umbra, an ancient beech forest that offers wonderful shade in summer.

Further south, the Itria Valley awaits you. You must see the famous Trulli of Alberobello. To avoid the tourist crowds, you should be there before 9 AM. There is the official parking space Area Sosta Dante Alighieri, which is only a few minutes' walk from the center and is ideally suited for an overnight stay in a camper. From here, you can explore the surrounding towns like Locorotondo by bike without having to struggle through traffic with the van.

For culture lovers, Lecce, the Florence of the South, is a must. The city's Baroque splendor is best admired in the late afternoon when the sunlight makes the yellow sandstone glow. It's best to park your camper in the large Foro Boario car park at the City Terminal and walk from there into the old town.

Culinary-wise, you shouldn't leave Puglia without trying Orecchiette con cime di rapa. These ear-shaped noodles with turnip tops are the national dish. In the area around Bari, you can watch women in the streets of the old town shaping the pasta by hand. Buy a bag for your galley – it doesn't get any fresher than this.

Excursion Tip 1: The Wild Coast of the Gargano (85 km, approx. 2.5 hours)

Suitable for: Families and nature lovers | Vehicle: Campervan & motorhome | Difficulty: medium

This tour starts in Rodi Garganico and takes you south along the panoramic roads SP52 and SP53. The route is winding and offers new, breathtaking views of the deep blue sea after every turn. After about 15 km, you reach Peschici. The town sits atop a rock above the Adriatic. A stop at the marina is worthwhile here, where you can often buy fresh fish directly from local fishermen. The drive on to Vieste takes you past numerous Trabucchi – old wooden structures for fishing that project into the sea like giant spider legs. After a stroll through Vieste, continue to Baia delle Zagare. Note: Parking for large motorhomes is very limited here; use the smaller lay-bys along the road for a photo stop instead. The road trip ends in Mattinata, where you can stay overnight among olive groves at one of the many Agricampeggio sites. These farm-based sites are often more personal and quieter than large camping resorts.

Excursion Tip 2: Salento Round Trip – Caribbean Flair in Italy (105 km, approx. 3 hours)

Suitable for: Couples and beach fans | Vehicle: Campervan & car | Difficulty: easy

Salento is the southernmost part of Puglia and famous for its flat, white sandy beaches. Your tour begins in the port city of Otranto. Be sure to visit the cathedral with its huge 12th-century mosaic floor. From Otranto, the SP358 coastal road leads toward Santa Maria di Leuca. This is one of Italy's most beautiful stretches of coastline, lined with 16th-century watchtowers. After about 50 km, you reach the southernmost point of the boot heel, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. From here, you head up the west coast to Gallipoli. The journey takes you past the so-called Maldives of Salento at Pescoluse. Here the sand is so white and the water so clear that it's hard to believe you're in Europe. In Gallipoli, you should spend the evening in the old town, which is located on an island. Parking tip: There are several well-equipped parking spaces near the beach at Baia Verde, which also offer room for large motorhomes.

Campsites: In Puglia, you will find everything from simple parking spaces to luxury campsites. Particularly recommended for families is Camping Internazionale Manacore in the Gargano, located directly in a dream bay. Those who prefer it quieter should look at Riva di Ugento in Salento, where you stay under pine trees right on the beach.

Rules: Wild camping is officially prohibited throughout Italy, and especially in Puglia. In nature reserves like the Gargano, this is also strictly controlled. Use the numerous Aree Sosta (parking spaces) instead. These are often inexpensive and offer the necessary infrastructure. In cities, watch for the ZTL signs (Zona Traffico Limitato); you are not allowed to enter these zones with a motorhome.

Supplies: You can often find drinking water at public fountains, the so-called Nasoni. The water quality is usually good, but watch for signs saying Non Potabile (not drinking water). Disposal stations are available at almost all official parking spaces. Supermarkets such as Eurospin or Conad are widespread and offer excellent local products.

Insider Tip: Visit a local Frantoio (oil mill). Puglia produces the majority of Italian olive oil. Often you can park your camper directly on the premises, participate in a tasting, and buy the liquid gold directly from the producer. There is no better souvenir for your home kitchen.