Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery Under the Warm Southern Italian Sun

Product Information

I also recommend a 1-2 night stop in Gravina in Puglia, near Matera. Perched on the edge of a ravine, this ancient town is famous for its Roman bridge (used in scenes of the James Bond movie, ‘No Time to Die’), cave dwellings, underground network of tunnels and caves, and its beautiful Cathedral. Gravina in Puglia is an absolute delight to explore! Read more about things to see in Gravina in Puglia. Gravina in Puglia seen from across the ravine. This bridge was used in the opening scenes of the James Bond movie, ‘No Time To Die’. In the movie, James Bond (Daniel Craig) jumps off this bridge. View across to the Cathedral in Gravina in Puglia. Instead of seeing it as a hindrance however, look at it as a fun way to learn a little more about a country, spend some time before your trip learning some basic Italian (a phrase book might come in handy - this is the one that we used)and have fun chatting with locals - you'd be amazed how far a little of the local language can go!

Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery U…

Now, don't get us wrong, food in Puglia is delicious. Seafood is plentiful and freshly caught in almost all towns, pasta is handmade, the pizza is divine, olive oil is local, and we never met a piece of bread we didn't immediately inhale. Look out for the trabucchi, wooden structures used by fishermen which are now protected historical monuments, as you drive along the northern coast. Some of them have been converted into restaurants, making it an unforgettable seaside lunch experience. A trabucco (historic fishing installations) is a great spot for a seafood lunch. This is the Trabucco di Monte Pucci on the northern coast near Peschici. The view towards Peschici from Trabucco di Monte Pucci. You can choose to stay along the coast to enjoy the province’s stunning beaches and visit Lecce on a day trip, or you can stay in Lecce for 1-2 nights to truly appreciate its historic gems. If you enjoy cooking, I highly recommend joining this Puglia cooking course in Lecce. I recommend spending 1-2 nights in Lecce.While the coastline and Trulli homes are rightly celebrated on most must-visit Puglia lists, head to the hills and mountains of the region for a completely different experience. And so the journey began, a new language, a new life laced with humour and laughter under the warm southern Italian sun.

places to visit in Puglia on a self-drive Guide to the best places to visit in Puglia on a self-drive

Puglia as a region offers something for everyone; and if you are like me, you’ll want to try everything it offers! Gallipoli is believed to have been founded by the Greeks and through the centuries, the town was conquered by a succession of powers including the Byzantines and the Normans. In the 18th century, Gallipoli was home to the largest olive oil market in the Mediterranean. From its ports, ships laden with olive oil sailed to major European cities where the oil was used for lighting. It is said that olive oil from Gallipoli lit the streets of London before the advent of the electric bulb. The enormous baroque Sant Agata Cathedral towers over the old town! In addition to its 16th century castle and defensive walls, the seafront also features a lovely sandy beach, perfect for a dip after a wander around the town. One restaurant I can recommend for lunch or dinner is il Guazetto in the old town. If you plan to stay in this area, consider Masseria Torrepietra, with its beautiful rooms and outdoor pool. Search for hotels in Monopoli. The charming fishing harbour in MonopoliMonopoli has a charming historic centre (don’t miss the Baroque-style Monopoli Cathedral) with a beautiful seafront promenade. The imposing walls of Monopoli. A street in Monopoli