Off we go on an adventure in Puglia!

Hello Franck

We’d been thinking about this destination for ages... your story finally gave it the push we needed [;)] We’re heading there the last two weeks of May!

You won’t regret it!

Thanks so much for sharing this trip—just reading about it feels extraordinary. I really enjoyed your post, and the photos are absolutely stunning; they’re truly dreamy.

On the practical side, should we stay in three or four spots to explore the area? I’ll check flights from Montreal for September, but I’d love to spend at least two weeks there, take our time, and do some easy hikes.

Thanks Lise! For our part, we stayed in two different places but only for a week each. If you want to expand your circle a bit to maybe reach the Amalfi Coast, consider planning 3 or 4 stops! Franck

Yeah, thanks! I’m looking at what might be simpler—a direct flight to Naples and renting a car, but I remember Naples being pretty tough to get around in. I’ve already visited the Amalfi Coast a long time ago on a day trip from Agropoli, and it was gorgeous. I’d love to go back and stay there for a while. The Basque Country has also been on my mind for a while, which might be easier, or maybe Lyon-Annecy… I still have so much on my bucket list! 😊 I’ll keep researching!

Hey Franck,

Funny how reading your travel journal makes me want to buy flight tickets to that destination right away! [;)]

Then I reread the title, saw the word "Puglia," and was transported back a few years to what was the worst ten days of travel I’ve ever had.

I can confirm you should go off-season, just like you! In summer, it’s hell...

Still, I have great memories of Matera. [:p]

Bad memories because of the crowds?

The world, the heatwave (like 45°C every day), the dirt (illegal dumping everywhere) except in towns, the impossibility of parking by the sea (either pay for the day or no spaces), and almost all beaches privatized.

I think the off-season/peak-season effect must be the same in Albania. But this time, I’d picked the perfect time (late October) and came back absolutely thrilled!

The world, the heatwave (like 45°C every day), the filth (illegal dumping everywhere) except in towns, the impossibility of parking by the sea (either pay for the day or no spaces), and almost all the beaches privatized.

I think the off-season/high-season effect must be the same in Albania. But this time, I’d picked the perfect time (late October) and came back delighted!

I also went to Albania in October and we had the place to ourselves with amazing weather. Journal not posted here yet...