I not often write about the hotels or B&Bs where we stay. They are usually pleasant places, but sometimes there is one that really stands out. Like Antica Masseria Le Monache.
Rarely have we been welcomed so warmly and with such wonderful smiles. The two owners, Anthony and Andrea, are lovely.
It didn’t take long before we were sitting in the evening sun enjoying a delicious glass of local white wine.
Anthony is the perfect host and a morning person who takes care of breakfast, while Andrea is the kitchen prince.
They are a cheerful duo who have really put their heart and soul into their B&B. And that, you can feel.

On their recommendation, we visited Grottaglie. It wasn’t originally on our itinerary, but we’re glad we went. In retrospect, it’s ‘the village of terracotta and ceramics’. And that’s no coincidence, because the soil here is very rich in clay.
All the ceramics you can buy in the entire Puglia region come from here. Each producer has their own signature style, but there are also many motifs that recur. We bought a few original cups at a bargain price.