If you dream to swim in a clean and crystalline sea…
…..to sunbath on these golden sand beaches
…..to eat delicious, unique, tasty and excellent food …
Come to Puglia – Apulia, Southern Italy.
Fly to Bari or Brindisi (two international airports) and discover this wonderful region nominated by National Geographic “Best value travel destination in the world”.
Puglia is in southern Italy, the heel of the geographical boot; this region is filled with farmlands, olive groves, medieval castles, vineyards and almond trees. It is almost totally surrounded by sea, with around 900 km of white-sand beaches and rocky coast.
Almond and olive trees are typical of the apulian landscape: strong and hardy plants, they grow easily in this mostly sunny land. Almonds, sweet and crunchy, are the main ingredients of various types of desserts and biscuits, and also of refreshing drinks during summer.
The area between the cities of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto is named Itria Valley (la Valle d’Itria). This area is characterised by the presence of trulli, olive groves delineated by dry stone walls and orchards, and by the presence of masserie, historic fortified farms, many of which have been transformed into hotels and wellness resort. If you find your self in Itria Valley and you wish to have a taste of the original dishes and flavours visit one of these restaurants, bakeries etc.
Wandering through the Itria Valley, don’t miss out the town of Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli buildings which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage.
The most picturesque district of Alberobello is called Rione Monti which is characterized by the presence of about 1000 trulli. Here you can visit many trulli shops and trulli bars, and find handmade souvenirs and delicacies. We invite you to take a look inside these trulli shops even just to see the particular architecture of these buildings and to enjoy the town’s view from one of the panoramic terraces.
We also recommend you to visit the Aia Piccola district, a residential area, with 400 trulli distributed along eight streets. This is a quiet area, less known to the tourists.
Another Valle d’ Itria gem is Cisternino, which is worth visiting to enjoy a romantic sunset or to relax walking through the narrow alleys full of arches and external stairs white-painted and decorated with colourful flowers.
If you are in Cisternino for a dinner don’t miss a stop in a macelleria (butcher’s shop)-restaurant. The concept of the macelleria is: you first buy the meat in the shop, and then have it served, grilled on the spot, at one of the table arranged on the alley. Enjoy your dinner sipping a glass of Locorotondo DOC white wine, it is make with grapes that grown in Itria valley’s vineyards. Our favourite macelleria in Cisternino is Arrosteria del vicoletto, don’t miss a try there!
Moving towards the Adriatic sea, surrounded by an expanse of ancient olive trees and perched on a hill “the white town” – Ostuni appears.
“An example of Italy at its purest – rural and unhurried, a place of small towns and a life quite ordinary, where citrus trees sway in the breeze and days drift by in silent sunshine. Ostuni decorates its hilltop like birthday-cake icing, its buildings starkly whitewashed.” (cit. Puglia: not down at heel, just rugged good looks, Indipendent.co.uk).
While strolling up the main street leading from the Piazza Sant’Oronzo to the Cathedral take time to wander through the maze of narrow alleys, admire the charming courtyards, the small piazzas and the white house decorated with flowers and plants.
Among the many artisans’ shops are worth a visit those of handmade leather sandals and handmade painted pottery.
In Piazza Sant’ Oronzo take time for a stop at Mozzarella & co grocery shop, where you will buy or eat the delicious cured meats and fresh cheeses made in Puglia, or at Ciccio in Piazza-bar, a historic pastry shop for a refreshing homemade ice cream or some delicious mini-pastry and at Pausa caffè for an aperitipico, an aperitif with drink and food make with local and seasonal ingredients.
Just 10 km away from Ostuni there is la Marina, the coastline full of long beaches with fine sand dunes covered in mediterranean maquis, sandy coves and rocky coast. Villanova, an ancient fishing village, is the small harbor of Ostuni, where you will find cosy fish restaurants.
If you are a sailboat enthusiast, sail from Yachting club Ostuni– Circolo vela Ostuni and choose your favourite destination.
During your stay in the Ostuni area you could participate in many activities by the sea or among the olive trees like educational workshops in nature, hiking, slow food and wine tastings, biking tour and much more. If you love cooking and tasting the regional dishes, book an unforgettable cooking lesson in one of the beautiful masserie around Ostuni area. Look here for more info.
Not yet totally convinced…. take a look at this spot about Puglia.
If you fell in love with Puglia while reading this article, it’s time to look for a wonderful location to relax with your beloved ones during the next summer vacation.
Villa Lairo are the solutions that do for you. Villa Lairo is a lovely villa on the sea, 400m away from Villanova harbor.
If you want more information about how to book your stay at Villa Lairo, send us a message at: madanddelicacy@gmail.com
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