Wandering the maze of gritty streets in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid, you might come across the tiled wonder that is the Juanse Pharmacy. Founded in 1892, this colourful, 130 years old jewel has seen a lot of history come and go. The impressive tiled facade acts as an advertising hording stuck in a timeContinue reading “Tiled wonder”
Monthly Archives: October 2021
Magical Madrid
Our last trip abroad before the world ground to a halt, was a few days in the marvellous bustling city of Madrid in 2019. The capital, and most-populous, city of Spain. We have an apartment in the Malasaña area – a hip, but slightly down at heel part of the city that is jam packedContinue reading “Magical Madrid”
Grotta della Poesia
To end our epic journey around Puglia, we’re ending on another stunning natural high – a turquoise wonder that is loved by the locals. The Cave of Poetry – Grotta della Poesia – in the southern part of Apulia is rightfully listed among the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world according to NationalContinue reading “Grotta della Poesia”
Laidback Lecce
Baroque fantasy Lecce is a marvel of architectural beauty with its buildings hewn from the local limestone. Building buffs will be spoilt for choice as they wander the streets gazing in awe upwards! Piazza del Duomo is surrounded by delightful buildings, so if you’re short on time then head there to soak up some ofContinue reading “Laidback Lecce”
Gallipoli
Our next home from home for the next few days is in the coastal town of Gallipoli. This is the town in Puglia, not to be confused with the Turkish location that was the site of a disastrous 1st World War battle, This Gallipoli is an attractive town, split into an old town and aContinue reading “Gallipoli”
Vieste
Vieste is a coastal town in Gargano National Park. It’s a pretty seaside town that sits on a white cliffed promontory jutting into the sea. In medieval times, the port was frequently attacked by pirates, Saracens and other enemies of the Kingdom of Naples. Below the curious wooden structure is a Trabucco – a centuries-oldContinue reading “Vieste”
Gargano Coast
The stunning coast of Gargano houses numerous beaches and resorts such as Vieste, Peschici and Mattinata. We’re just cruising along, stopping off at beaches along the way 🙂 The town of Vieste can be seen in the background and that is where we are heading next.
Marvellous Monopoli
Another couple of Puglian towns to tick off the list are Monopoli and Poligano a Mare. Both are characterful and packed full of architecture and local colour. A colourful photographic exhibition dotted around Monopoli’s harbour details the local tradition of the Maya. Each spring young girls sit in elaborate altars decorated with fresh flowers toContinue reading “Marvellous Monopoli”
Beach bums
On route to Monopoli we stop off at one of the many gorgeous beaches that dot the Puglian coastline. There’s not a lot more that can be said about this – just lap up the sunny scenes 🙂
Altamura architecture
A brief pitstop at the town of Altamura and a scoot around the ornate cathedral built between 1232-1254.