The Puglia Podcast
We visit Polignano a Mare, the place with the iconic beach you've probably seen in every guide book to Puglia. The eating is great, from polpo panini, to gelato (Polignano is known for its gelato) and special coffee. There's even a Polignano version of spaghetti all'assassina, with octopus. But there's more to Polignano than seafood and gelato. There's Domenico Modugno. Everybody knows his most famous song, right? It came 3rd in 1958's Eurovision Song Contest. But it spent five non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and subsequently became Billboard's number-one single for...
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We take a trip out of Puglia to nearby Matera, in the neighbouring region of Basilicata. According to Keith Jenkins, founder and publisher of , Matera is "one of the most extraordinary towns I've ever laid my eyes on". He explains, "Italy excels in extraordinary cities - I've visited many of them - but Matera surely belongs in the upper echelons of 'the most extraordinary cities' list". In this guide we suggest a walking tour route and a bus tour. Places to eat, including our favourites, and the remarkable cave dwellings and churches to visit. A UNESCO World Heritage List destination,...
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Driving in Puglia is a convenient and practical option for getting around our region, whether you’re hopping between towns or heading to the beautiful beaches. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth driving experience. In this episode we share our observations and driving tips based on our driving experiences in and around the region and the rest of Italy, plus insights on what to watch out for and expect from other (especially Italian) drivers. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER | Every care has been taken to accurately represent the legal requirements for driving in Italy as...
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Taranto's old town - the borgo antico - is one of our favourite places to visit in Puglia. Much neglected by visitors, like the city itself, Taranto is an antidode to Puglia's favourite tourist hotspots. Packed full of history, with a world class archaeological museum, and with some of the best seafood and seafood restaurants in Puglia, Taranto is raw, gritty and authentic. For full details of the destinations, restaurants and food (with pictures) mentioned in this episode visit our . for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.
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We preview Holy Week in Puglia, the week leading up to Easter. During Holy Week many towns in Puglia hold elaborate processions and ceremonies to commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ. These rituals are often marked by solemn music, prayers, and the use of symbols and images that evoke feelings of sorrow and mourning. From the Vattienti of Martina Franca and the Pappamusci of Francavilla Fontana to the Procession of Maria Addolorata in Taranto. Whether you are a believer or not, there is something deeply moving about the devotion and passion that is on display during la settimana santa....
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We were asked about the music that we use in our opening and closing podcast credits. It is pizzica music, old folk music from Salento, the southern part of Puglia. Like other tarantelle, legend says that pizzica was a cure for women bitten in the olive groves by the spider, explaining its hypnotic energy. In this episode, accompanied by the pizzica music played by our friends, we explore the sound, the stories and the dance moves of pizzica. For more information on Puglia's pizzica festivals, events and how to take part, check our . for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and...
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We are back in Puglia's Valle d'Itria, visiting Martina Franca. Known for its great food and baroque architecture, we walk around the town, discovering its history and taking time to explore the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Martino. With restaurant recommendations along the way and insider tips, enjoy one of the Valle d'Itria's favourite destinations. Check out our on the PugliaGuys.com website for fuller information and details on the locations vitisited, some more recommendations, and a more detailed guide to Martina's main churches. for frequent video stories, reels, photos,...
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Gallipoli has become a hotspot for travellers seeking both history and hedonism. The summer season sees a seismic shift as Gallipoli becomes synonymous with revelry and celebrations extending well beyond the old and new towns. Nearby beaches – especially those in and around Baia Verde – echo with the rhythms of music festivals, vibrant parties, and a diverse crowd. Our insider tips on when best to visit the old town, where by day fishermen still meet to drink, chat and mend their nets. We recommend some fine seafood restaurants and tell you where we enjoy the best sunset in Salento....
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We walk you around Otranto, its city beaches and visit geologically stunning and popular nearby beaches along the coast, including the Grotta della Poesia, the Baia dei Turchi, the faraglioni of Sant'Andrea and Torre dell'Orso. Otranto is packed with history. From the famous mosaic floor of its cathedral, the castle of Otranto that inspired the first Gothic novel, and the tragedy of the 1480 massacre of 800 martyrs, whose bones are still on display. Plus those city beaches and where to eat the best seafood in Otranto! Details of the locations of the spots visited, the recommended restaurants...
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Puglia is considered to be Italy's 2nd most visited foodie destination. With Andrea in his home city Bari, Puglia's regional capital, we eat out in the old town. Bari Vecchia is one of Puglia's culinary hubs. We talk about the typical must-eat traditional dishes of Bari, along with our favourite restaurants where we go to eat them. For detailed information on our favourite Bari restaurants and more recommendations visit . for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.
info_outlineLEGACY EPISODE. For reboot start at season 2 WELCOME TO PUGLIA.
Food is an integral part of Puglia’s identity.
Puglia is Italy’s biggest producer of olive oil - around 40% of Italian extra virgin olive oil comes from Puglia - and Italy’s 2nd largest wine producing area, well known for rich, full bodied reds.
Our tradition of la cucina povera (“peasant food”) serves up simple but inventive dishes using seasonal, locally produced, fresh and flavourful ingredients.
And we gave the world burrata.
Recorded at FoodExp 2022 we speak to Italian food writer and travel consultant Paolo Vizzari, Virginia Newton from Copenhagen’s 3 Michelin-starred Geranium, currently the 2nd best restaurant in the world.
We find out about Quintessenza, Trani’s only Michelin-starred restaurant from Michele Di Ceglie one of the chefs who support Stefano Di Gennaro and we finish off with some blow your mind carbonara from the Carbogang guys who came all the way from Trento in the north of Italy to cook for us - and we are very happy they did.
Read more about our visit to RebelExpFood including further links, photographs on our Eat Puglia 2022 podcast episode page.