Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy which borders the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast. This means white sandy beaches with crystal clear water! Discover one of the best olive oils, Trulli (a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof) and the Tarantella (folk dance). During my last stay in Apulia I visited Alberobello, Bari, Monopoli, Brindisi and Manfredonia. This time I wanted to get my feet onto the southernmost point in Italy: Punta Ristola, Leuca. According to a legend, the town takes its name from “Leucasia”, a white beautiful mermaid who conquered sailors and farmers by her charming voice.
In Leuca, you are not far away from Gallipoli. The Greek called the town Kallipolis, which means “Beautiful city”. It is located by the Ionian Sea. The town is divided into two parts, the modern and the old city. I went for the old part of Gallipoli and enjoyed my stay there. Some hours later my drive brought me via Lecce to my next destination, the “Grotta della Poesia”! A jump into the turquoise water of the cave was a breath taking experience. From there I reached my apartment in less than 5 minutes by car. My first thoughts? What a magic seaview! And just a stone throw away from the beach. That’s exactly what I like!
One evening, a Tarantella band gave their best, but it was full moon, so I decided to discover the beach by night. The cliffs near the “Due Sorelle” – two big rocks in the sea, were easy to climb. The scenery was enlighted by the moon and offered a great view over the whole bay. It was really awesome! I planned to come back for the next day, because I had discovered a path from the beach of Torre dell’Orso to Torre Sant’Andrea. Rest there and walk further away from all civilization. You will be rewarded with some magic places. The fruits which are less easy to get always taste better!
You should taste some dried tomatoes and taralli. Enjoy your nights with barbecues, Apulia’s red wine and Tarantella music. Let the white sand flow through your fingers. Walk barefoot. Inhale salty sea air. Dive into the water. Drink, dance and kiss your girlfriend. Puglia is Poetry!
