Grottos of Gargano

We discovered Grottos in 2007 along the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

We were so smitten with them, we sought them out on this trip.

The Grottos in Gargano (Puglia) were AMAZING!!!

I know I use that word a lot, but you will see what I mean

(and these photos don't do them justice)

Wandering through the streets of Vieste late one evening 

we met a very personable lad (our guide). 

The next day we set out by boat for the day to salute the mighty Grotto!

We loved the trip so much, we did it again 2 days later!

This is what a Grotto looks like from the outside

and yes, that IS a boat coming out of there!

The boat drivers squeezed into the tiniest of caves

Inside the Grotto it's incredibly peaceful

Swimming inside a grotto is one of the most

incredible things I've ever done.

You just don't want to leave....

It's hypnotic and addictive

 Eventually you have to go back out into the ocean

A. looks even more Italian than usual when he 

lands in Italy!

B. Collected Sea-glass from every beach in Italy & Croatia

This is a trabucco, which is an ancient fishing net 

particular to Gargano.

Ti amo Vieste!!!

All hail the friendly boat driver and guide!

There's a whole coastline (and many more Grottos)

to explore.  Next time we'll hire a boat.

I had a tear in my eye when we left Gargano & Puglia.

One of the best things about Gargano is the lack of tourists.

So don't tell anyone... it's our little secret, OK?!

I hope you're enjoying the trip so far :-)

J

xx

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Peschici

This is Peschici which is North of Vieste.

Another gorgeous fishing village with white buildings and alleyways to explore.

The locals are happy, friendly & creative!

 The streets are so quiet during the day

and then come to life at night time

These blue shutters were my favourite

There is Bouganvillea everywhere in Italy.

Bouganvillea pink is my favourite colour. 

I've planted some in our back garden to grow along the fence but it

is growing so slowly!!

If you visit Italy you must do as the locals do 

and eats lots of Nutella (we did!)

Even Barbie endorses it!

.... and this was not the biggest jar we saw

The Gargano coastline is absolutely stunning.

My next post is about the Grottos in Puglia that we saw & swam in.

Trust me, when you see the photos 

you will want to book your flights to Italy Subito (right away)!

 Ciao Ciao!!

J

xx

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I love reading them.

Vieste, Puglia

We had a week between Rome and Positano

and we stumbled across what was to become our favourite

part of Italy.

Vieste is in Puglia on the Gargano Coast line.

This was the view from our hotel room & balcony

 Look at these incredible stone buildings

Some of the streets are pedestrian only

This is the biggest 'vehicle' you'll see in the old town

 I became slightly obsessed with Green and Blue Shutters

You know how much I love Stone work.

I was in Stone work heaven!

I decided that my next house is going to be made entirely of Stone

(with some green shutters)

I'm loving Ivy too!

A. is not convinced... he worries that it will take over...

 ...so I found a compromise. 

I thought that these umbrellas were the bees knees.

The Ivy grows through the ropes and becomes an Ivy Umbrella.

This restaurant was gorgeous.

It had teapots, cups and plates all over the walls and ceiling

 Speaking of Restaurants,

this was our favourite

 This restaurant was next door. It had the most amazing Chandelier

The food in this region is sensational.
The scampi, Lobster and the Mandarine Gelato were standouts.

During the day we swam & wandered through the alleys

and embraced the siesta.

We met a lot of interesting locals and made new friends

Our hotel was in a great location.
The only problem with it was that the Pool Life Guard was a Pool Nazi
.... Shower first, Wear a cap, no diving or jumping, 
no swimming during siesta or after 6pm and absolutely no swimming 
within 2 hours of eating (this rule is enforced by parents throughout Italy!)


I pointed out to our friend Mauro that it wasn't a co-incidence
that Siesta went for 2 hours after lunch. Those Italian Parents are smart!


We rebelled and went swimming without caps at night time.
We even swam after meals.  We felt so naughty!

If you visit this part of Italy make sure you know at least basic Italian,
not many people here speak English 
(we are drawn to the places Italians like to holiday)


J
xx

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