Puglia
Puglia in October...the crowds have gone home and the temperature is comfortable, it's a perfect time to slow down and see the heel of Italy on foot. I recently returned from a week of walking in this beautiful area of southern Italy. It was a week of white-washed villages, walking through olive groves, a chilly dip in the Adriatic and long lunches with too much delicious food and wine!
We flew non-stop to Rome and spent a day there before taking the train to Bari. The temperature was perfect but we were surprised at all the people in the city in late October. I love Rome but I was eager to get out of the city and experience Puglia.
Our walking trip began in the amazing city of Matera (which is technically not in Puglia, but part of Basilicata) where ancient history and modern life intertwine. Matera is famous for its Sassi - cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs that have been lived in for thousands of years. Even our hotel room was tucked into a limestone cave, not much natural light but great for sleeping!
Matera
After walking along a path by the Adriatic sea, we arrived at Tenuta Sant'Emiliano for lunch. Before being served some amazing food, we were treated to a demonstration of mozzarella making, which we then devoured!
Our base near Otranto was the spacious Masseria Muntibianchi.
A masseria is a fortified, historic farmhouse or estate unique to Puglia. They were once self-sufficient agricultural hubs with space for crops, workers and high walls for defense against invaders. Now they provide comfortable accommodations, delicious food and friendly service -and wine tastings.
This was our group of six before our wine tasting!
Our last two nights were spent in the charming, walkable city of Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South." Let me know if you want to talk visiting Puglia!
