Van Lecce tot Matera: parels van het zuiden

About the destination: Brindisi is a city in the South of Italy, right down in the "heel of the boot" in the region of Apulia, in the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, the city has played an important role in trade and culture, due to its strategic position on the Italian Peninsula and its natural port on the Adriatic Sea. The city remains a major port for trade with Greece and the Middle East. The city of Brindisi lies between two deep bays linked to the open sea by a narrow and deep channel, overlooked by the Castello Rosso (Red Castle), named for the particular color of the stone used to build it. The Swabian Castle, rather, overlooks the western channel of the port and today is a venue for major cultural events. Among the sights not to be missed, the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with a beautiful and finely-decorated marble portal, and the Colonna Romana (Roman Column), once flanked by a "twin" that today is part of the structure of the famous Colonna di Sant’Oronzo in Lecce. Beautiful sandy beaches are scattered along the coast, lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea.

About the destination: Lecce is a historic city in Apulia region of Italy, and the capital of the province of Lecce. Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments found in the city, Lecce is commonly nicknamed "The Florence of the South". Lecce has a lovely historic center (centro storico), and travellers can easily spend many hours exploring picturesque little lanes and finding the more far-flung Baroque churches. The town's great artistic treasure is its architecture; in terms of other arts, such as painting, Lecce cannot really compare with northerly towns like Florence and Rome. The town has two main focal points: Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo. Piazza Sant'Oronzo is the big civic heart of the town, a large square with a slightly different atmosphere, the ancient and the modern sitting uncomfortably together. Piazza del Duomo is an unusual interpretation of a familiar Italian cathedral square. In Lecce the cathedral sits in one corner of a theatrical enclosed square; a still space in the heart of town.

About the destination: Porto Cesareo, 28 km away from Lecce, is located by the Ionian Sea and it is an important tourist location, in the heart of the Terra d’Arneo (Arneo Land), well-known for its golden beaches and the wonderful sea and also easy to reach. The small village lives according to the rhythm of the sea and is surrounded by the beautiful small port, with the fish market and the characteristic coloured boats. Porto Cesareo belongs to the Protected Marine Area and to the Regional Nature Reserve “Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera”, among the largest in Italy. It is worth to take a stroll along the trails which go through the park, to immerse in the unspoiled nature and visit the Research Station of Marine Biology and the Oceanography Museum. Fascinating watchtowers, in good condition, dotted the landscape; among these, Torre Cesarea, Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo. They are old stone watchers built to protect the coast from Saracen attacks and nowadays they watch the coast. Fortified masseria (farmsteads) and prehistoric dry-stone architectures dot the countryside, with important archeological evidence, such as the village Scalo di Furno, dating back to the Bronze Age.

About the destination: Grottaglie, located in the heart of the Puglia region of southern Italy, is renowned for its rich artistic heritage and vibrant ceramic traditions. This charming town captivates visitors with its historic center, where narrow streets are lined with artisan workshops and galleries showcasing exquisite handcrafted pottery. The Castello Episcopio, a medieval castle, houses the Ceramics Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town's centuries-old craft. Beyond its artistic appeal, Grottaglie boasts beautiful architecture, including ancient churches and palaces. Surrounded by picturesque olive groves and vineyards, it also offers a delightful culinary scene featuring local Apulian specialties. With its unique blend of art, history, and culture, Grottaglie provides an authentic and enchanting Italian experience.

About the destination: Welcome to Marina di Ginosa, a serene beach destination nestled along the Ionian Sea in the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy. This tranquil coastal town is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a blend of sun-kissed beaches, pristine natural landscapes, and a touch of Italian charm. With its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals, Marina di Ginosa offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of more crowded tourist spots. Begin your journey by exploring the town's extensive shoreline, where fine, golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see, meeting the clear, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. The Blue Flag-certified beaches are a testament to the cleanliness and quality of both the sand and the sea, making it an ideal spot for families, swimmers, and sunbathers alike. Rent a sunbed and umbrella to relax in comfort, or try your hand at various water sports available along the coast. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, where the scent of salt air mingles with the aromas of Italian cuisine wafting from the nearby restaurants and trattorias. Dine al fresco on fresh seafood, local olives, and handcrafted pasta, all while savoring a glass of Puglian wine. The town's culinary offerings reflect its rich agricultural heritage, boasting flavors that are both simple and sublime. Beyond the beach, Marina di Ginosa is an excellent base for exploring the wider region of Puglia. Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, or visit the trulli houses in Alberobello. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Parco Regionale Terra delle Gravine, where hiking trails reveal diverse flora and fauna, as well as historical and archaeological sites. Whether you're looking to unwind by the sea or embark on cultural adventures, Marina di Ginosa is a destination that promises a truly authentic Italian experience.

About the destination: Matera is the capital of the Matera province in the Basilicata region of Italy. It boasts the sassi, well-preserved rock-cut settlements that are a World Heritage site and one of Southern Italy's many important attractions. The town center, the oldest part of town, was built on the edge of a bare plateau where a high rocky mount looms over the spot where a valley descends to the long deep river-ravine. This is where you'll now find the town cathedral and the fairly typical Italian town center. The town's main historical museum, the Museo Nazionale Ridola, contains exhibits from distant eras of Basilicata's past, from prehistory to the Roman age (closed Monday mornings; a small entrance charge). Nearby, Palazzo Lanfranchi houses the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna della Regione Basilicata - an art museum incorporating the Pinacoteca D'Errico, which has lots of religious paintings by southern painters and, more interestingly, the Centro Carlo Levi, which contains a range of paintings by the twentieth-century artist and writer who is a part of this region's modern history.

About the destination: Alberobello is a small town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. It has 10,735 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trullo buildings. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

About the destination: Brindisi is a city in the South of Italy, right down in the "heel of the boot" in the region of Apulia, in the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, the city has played an important role in trade and culture, due to its strategic position on the Italian Peninsula and its natural port on the Adriatic Sea. The city remains a major port for trade with Greece and the Middle East. The city of Brindisi lies between two deep bays linked to the open sea by a narrow and deep channel, overlooked by the Castello Rosso (Red Castle), named for the particular color of the stone used to build it. The Swabian Castle, rather, overlooks the western channel of the port and today is a venue for major cultural events. Among the sights not to be missed, the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with a beautiful and finely-decorated marble portal, and the Colonna Romana (Roman Column), once flanked by a "twin" that today is part of the structure of the famous Colonna di Sant’Oronzo in Lecce. Beautiful sandy beaches are scattered along the coast, lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea.