Locorotondo

Italy

For a bird's eye view of the region—and a tasty lunch in the Trattoria Centro Storico—head to the town of Locorontondo. This circular city of concentric streets lined by whitewashed buildings is called "The balcony on the Valle d'Itria" for the vertiginous (960-foot) panoramic views over surrounding valley from the tiny villa comunale park at the city's edge. In Italy, the town is better known as the center of the local wine industry, TK.

At some point, do continue down the main road to Locorotondo, a circular city of concentric streets lined by whitewashed buildings and called "The balcony on the Valle d'Itria" for the vertiginous (960-foot) panoramic views over surrounding valley from the tiny villa comunale park. But In Italy, Locorotondo is even better known for its wine, which you can tipple for free (and buy cheaply) at the modern cantina sociale wine cooperative at the edge of town (Via Madonna della Catena 99, 080-431-1644, www.locorotondodoc.com).

Sample Pugliese bounty in Locorotondo's homey Trattoria Centro Storico, the lunch spot preferred by locals.