Puglia

I have a trullo here in this magical part of Italy and consequently visit as often as I can. Having Italian grandparents, from the north, I had never thought to venture to this part until persuaded by my husband to take advantage of Ryanair's cheap flights. 11 years ago, we could fly there for £40 each!

It did not take long to fall head over heels with the area. It is unspoilt and the Pugliese are most welcoming. Apart from July and August, the beaches are deserted and the Adriatic is always crystal clear. The coast is rocky in parts and totally flat in others. The landscape is dominated by groves of olive trees, many hundreds of years old.

Needless to say the produce is delicious. There are daily markets that rotate on a weekly basis and before you see them, the smell of garden fresh produce can be detected by the senses. A lot of meat is eaten in this area and many butchers shops have tables outside, so that the customers can select their cut and have it cooked and presented to them, ready to eat with the family.

Every time that I visit, at different times of the year, I discover another plant or fruit. This time the narcissi were in bloom and swathes of poppies. The fig trees look as though they will produce a bumper crop this year. Yummy.

Anyone venturing to Puglia will need to hire a car, as public transport is not great. There are so many interesting and pretty towns and villages to see.

I am still exploring!