Postcards From Puglia
“It seemed as though Puglia was the place to go this summer, if my instagram feed wasn’t full of seascapes of Polignano A Mare, it was awash with Trulli jokes (guilty), tales of fresh fish on plastic tables and photographs of sunset aperols. Puglia has now earned its place as one of Italy’s most famous regions, commonly referred to as "the heel" of Italy's boot, it is situated in the southern peninsula with the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea at the southeast border. Home of burrata and orecchiette and some of the most delicious bread in Italy, made using durum wheat, Puglia’s cuisine is comforting and full of goodness. Compared to traditional holiday spots in Italy, Puglia is remote and distant and, in some parts, feels forgotten about - but that is part of its sweetness and charm. Here are some of my favourites places to visit in Puglia: one to bookmark for next summer.”
- Laura Jackson, Glassette's Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
FIVE PLACES TO GO IN PUGLIA
Locorotondo
The simple white washed town of Locorotondo has views over Valle d'Itria and is quiant and picturesque. Park your car in the main square and grab a pistachio ice cream from Gelateria del corso.
Ostuni
Wonderfully situated on a hill overlooking the plains and coastline of central Puglia, this white washed city feels more like Greece than Italy. It's winding, maze-like streets truly come alive at night but Ostuni can be enjoyed at all moments of the day! The last time we were in Ostuni we enjoyed an aperitivo on the terrace of La Sommità and dinner at Osteria Le Monacelle.
Lecce
Lecce has been called the 'lady of the Baroque', and is often compared to Florence. More than forty churches and as many noble palazzi were built or renovated here between the middle of the 17th century and the end of the 18th to create one of the most unified and beautiful urban landscapes in Italy. It’s an enchanting place, built in whipped cream-coloured limestone; just seeing how the buildings change in different light throughout the day is something to wonder at. Locals love sipping iced coffee in piazza Sant'Oronzo and it feels as though everyone rushes to the city’s flea market, held every last Saturday of the month in Piazza Libertini.
Grottoli
The capital of all things ceramics. When I first visited on my honeymoon, I stumbled across the Fasano family store and fell in love with their traditional Puglian ceramics. I couldn’t stop thinking about the store and ended up working with the Fasano family a few years later on the Jackson and Levine for Habitat collection. Wander aimlessly in and around the main street and get lost in factories, shops and boutiques. My advice to you (my best advice for any trip, really!) is don't forget to leave some room in your case to take treasures home.
Gallipoli
My friend Emily says, "Gallipoli is St Tropez and Capri before they were discovered". I love this! Gallipoli is divided into two parts - the old town; historic, beautiful and chic and the new part - the place to head when going to the nightly fish market. Surrounded by water on all sides, it is a place shaped by the rhythms and rituals of the sea. Of all the pretty towns in Puglia, this one is especially romantic and cinematic - full of ancient corners for local wine and olives by candlelight and romantic strolls as the sun goes down.