So, you're joining the rest of Australia and flocking off to Europe to soak up the summer sun? Firstly, I'm jealous. Secondly, I bet the Amalfi Coast is sitting pretty at the top of your travel bucket list. I don't blame you. It's a breathtaking stretch of dramatic cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with picture-perfect fishing villages.

Trust me, I've been there and fallen under its spell. But the Italian beachside destination that truly captured my heart lies on the opposite side of the country's coastline, where fewer crowds and equally stunning views await. Let me introduce you to Polignano a Mare, a jewel nestled in the Apulia region along the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy.