Puglia - Trulli Scrumptious!
Off the tourist trail, the Tremiti Islands are situated off the coast of Puglia - once used to intern political prisoners they are now a magnet for divers and snorkellers. Although close enough to the mainland for a day trip we decided to stay over-night on San Domino. Covered in shrubs, broom and trees and surrounded by crystal clear waters, the tiny beaches are accessed by steep cliff paths or by boat.
The following night we stayed on the Gargano Peninsula in an agritourismo and drove along the coast road exploring the windsurfing spots and stopping for lunch in Peschici! We paid a quick visit to Polignana a Mare for a gelato on the way to our Villa – such a delightful spot on the coast and a must-see destination when in Puglia.
Then we spent a blissful week in a villa surrounded by olive groves and countryside dotted with 'trulli'. It was well placed to explore the region’s wild and rugged beaches and coastline and stunningly beautiful towns - we mixed relaxation with exploration.
Just a short drive from the ‘White City’ - Ostuni is a stunningly beautiful city with pretty cafes, excellent restaurants and stylish bars tucked around white-walled alleyways with uneven floors and steep steps. The climb is worth it - fabulous views of the Itria Valley and fantastic sunsets over the Adriatic.
We were also just an hour drive from Lecce – nicknamed the ‘Florence of the south’ – nestled in the heel, it is a charming city with its baroque architecture, beautiful sand coloured stone buildings, Piazza del Duomo, Roman amphitheatre and Basilica de Santa Croce not to mention the Salento cuisine and small boutiques, it is worth spending a few days here. A perfect short break!
We took an interesting tour of an Olive Farm situated in the gorgeous town of Martina Franca before exploring the extremely pretty town itself and stopping for some delicious pastries and gelato of course!
After our week at the Villa we headed off to Matera for a night which is currently European capital of culture. And it really was quite fascinating and quite different to anywhere we have visited so far! Sassi (UNESCO) is filled with caves and stone houses, believed to have been the home of Italy’s first settlers, now housing cafes, restaurants (excellent food at affordable prices), hotels and galleries – it is totally enchanting and has retained its traditional character, offering a very different experience. I would love to go back and explore the area further with more time and at a cooler time of year!
Our last stop was in Perugia – a welcome break on our journey back up North. From rambling streets to spacious piazzas, Umbria’s capital (a university city) offers a blend of history & culture with a buzzing student life. The city is an oasis of Perugian life and at the heart is Piazza IV Novembre with bustling outdoor restaurants offering local cuisine and regional wines.
All in all, a fabulous trip providing us with some amazing memories.