Under Sail from Puglia to Sicily

Known throughout the world as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the walled city of Dubrovnik (Croatia) built on a rock has preserved all its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Long considered as a rival to Venice, traces of its illustrious past are to be found throughout the city.

Monopoli is a town on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy. It’s known for the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral, featuring a tall bell tower. In its crypt is an archaeological museum with sculptures and ancient tombs. On a promontory to the north, the 16th-century Castle of Carlo V has a huge stone portal. Nearby is the frescoed Palmieri Palace, built by a wealthy local family in the late 1700s

Almost on the tip of the heel of Italy’s boot lies the peaceful town of Otranto. A Greek and Roman city, it was also one of the most important centres of Byzantine culture in the Middle Ages. Cradled in the curve of a natural bay of crystal clear water, this small borough is the perfect spot for lazing around or going for a swim.

On the edge of Catania, Taormina (Italy) stands out against the slopes of Mount Tauro in the heart of a picturesque and charming location. Its ancient Greek theatre offers a magnificent panorama with the majestic Mount Etna, its lava flows still smoking, in the background.

Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs, while the huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo is known for opera performances. Also in the center are the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace started in the 9th century, and the Cappella Palatina, with Byzantine mosaics. Busy markets include the central Ballarò street market and the Vucciria,