Why? Puglia is so unspoilt.

The best thing: The architecture has great charm, and it is especially lovely in spring.

My ideal day: We'd grab a picnic lunch and when we spotted something interesting on the map, we'd go off to explore.

My advice: Try to go early, when the region is free from too many tourists.

Getting there: British Airways (0845 7733377, britishairways.com) has flights Gatwick-Naples from £107 return.

Where would you like to go next? The Galapagos Islands, Turkey or Syria.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in? Solitaire Lodge, Lake Tarawera, New Zealand (+64 7 362 8208, solitairelodge.co.nz, from NZ$735pp per day).

Where was your best holiday? Rajasthan, India.

· For 26 years from 1971, Thelma Barlow played Mavis Riley in Coronation Street. She is currently starring in Arsenic & Old Lace at The Strand Theatre (box office: 0870 0602335) until May 10.