We are planning an exploratory trip to the puglia region in spring. We have accommodation in Alberobello, Ostuni and Monopoli (we are taking a self-guided cycling tour for 9 days). We would further like to explore the Adriatic coast for a couple of weeks. Would refer smaller towns - off the beaten path (is that possible on the coast?), but at the same time, have access to restaurants and transport. By transportation, we are looking to travel by train and bus. Or is driving in the region relatively easy? Parking availability? Weather? We have friends who have traveled the area and they said brutally hot, but the weather forecast looks very temperate for last part of May early June. Like to travel to Santa Maria di Leuca, but don’t know if it would be an actual place to stay or stay outside and travel in to visit. Same question on Otranto. Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated! We’re new at traveling and have started to understand that the monuments and sites are wonderful, but lately have not been our focus on traveling so thought it would be interesting to hear from people who’ve made the move and what they appreciate!