One of the main reasons to
visit Puglia is because it is unspoilt by tourism there are very few
large hotels, the whole region revolves around agriculture.
The local people are warm,
friendly and relaxed and while they need to earn a living to them it
is about quality of life. You will find very few if any menus in
anything but Italian and few people speak English so you will need
to learn a few words of Italian and a take a good phrase book with
you to fully enjoy your holiday experience.
Puglia produces one-tenth of the wine drunk in Europe; its olive oil is renowned. Traditionally both of these commodities were mainly used to dilute their finer counterparts up north, but lately the local food artisans have begun creating some first-rate oils and vintages that are available throughout the region. They perfectly complement the super-fresh seafood and vegetables that are the staples of la tavola pugliese .
The real reason for
coming here is the food and wine. Puglia makes 80 per cent of
Italy's pasta and olive oil; there are bountiful crops of tomatoes,
figs, fennel and melon, and mozzarella is made by many local
producers. Both the northern plains and the Salentine Peninsula are
given over to vineyards, producing particularly good reds from the
primitivo grape, and some of Italy's best modern wines - known as
the Super-Puglians.
Weather
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
°C
JANUARY
13
FEBRUARY
13
MARCH
16
APRIL
19
MAY
24
JUNE
28
JULY
31
AUGUST
31
SEPTEMBER
27
OCTOBER
22
NOVEMBER
17
DECEMBER
14
Visit in summer for clear blue skies and beach-life (average Jul and Aug temperatures can get above 30°C ). Spring and autumn are moderate
