Had a word with my friend last night and she is certainly getting about locally by bus, but it is a bit limiting as some buses to nearby places only have perhaps one ot two buses a day. For example : Ostuni to Ceglie buses at 5am and 12 noon ...think they are geared more for workers than tourists !!!
I certainly would agree that you will have so much more freedom and see much more if you hire a car but if like my friend this is not possible ( she doesn't drive !!! ) - Where there's a will there's a way ! Hope this helps :)
Oh just remebered something else- she has had problems getting taxis at night , even in a big town like Brindisi/ If you are not within walking distance of your accommodation , ( she isn't !...but she walks a lot during the day !) you may find it limiting in the evenings. She has the number of a local taxi firm, but she has found they do not always answer at night !!!!
