Europe Up Close

Puglia: A Gastro-Blitz on Italy’s Boot

Published/Revised June 15, 2015 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Halfway through a four-day gastronomic tour of southern Puglia, we were struggling to digest the experience.  At least I was, as the only one in our group who was not in the food business as a sommelier, restaurateur, or wine journalist.At this point we were in a gently rocking fishing boat off the shore of Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, perfect weather on a late May morning. “If you want to eat ... Read Full Article

Puglia, Italy’s Summer Food and Wine Festivals

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

 Each summer, Italy’s Salento peninsula is absolutely overrun with food festivals and wine tastings. A land known primarily for its stunning white-sand beaches, sea caves, and Baroque architecture, the Salento peninsula is also known as “the breadbasket of Italy,” and has some of the most fertile land in the country.  Its summer festivals are a way of celebrating this fertility.Each ... Read Full Article

Staying and Dining in Gallipoli, Italy

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

 A city of two parts; Gallipoli is part Italian main street, part Mediterranean island. The main street portion, Corso Roma, offers great shopping and a number of fine bars and gelaterias, but the island is where the magic is. Don’t worry about booking ferry tickets, however; a short walk on a pedestrian bridge delivers you to the exquisite island.My girlfriend, Kristin, and I ... Read Full Article