Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +39 for Italy
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +39 0831 41206. Open from 8.30am-11pm seven days a week.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport, then city or resort (easyjet.holidaytaxis.com).
Taxi :
The journey to the city centre costs €15-€20 and takes about 10-15 minutes (Tel. +39 0831 597 901).
Bus :
STP buses are frequent and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Tickets: €5.
(Via Locorotondo. Tel. 080 444 8301) Delicious takeaway pizzas and great antipasti. Cheerful owner Tonia will make you feel welcome and offers home deliveries, too.
(35 Piazza Lorch, Oria. Tel. 0831 847 171) An authentic diner with Mama Rita's favourites on the menu. Don't miss the strawberry cake—then walk it off while visiting Oria's fantastic medieval sights (www.ristorantefuoriporta.it, Italian only).
(65 Via San Quirico, Cisternino. Tel. 080 444 8569) This charming restaurant with unobtrusive service is new to the area and already gaining local popularity. The select wine list beautifully complements the generous portions of antipasti, home-made pasta and succulent meat dishes. Creamy tiramisu tops off the meal.
(33 Calle da San Angelo, Fasano. Tel. 080 439 5757) One of the best restaurants in the region boasts a tranquil setting. Its motto—heaven can wait—is not far off the mark! Elegantly prepared and traditional Puglian cuisine, all made with extra virgin olive oil made on the premises. You can purchase a bottle to take home, too.
(61 Via Tanzarella Vitale Gaetano. Tel. 0831 306046) Not sure where to go for a pre-dinner drink? You can't go wrong with Riccardo's in the Old Town of Ostuni. With a fantastic view of the sea from the terrace, relax a while and ponder your next move.
(103 Via Milizia . Tel. ) Ottimo is a word you'll hear frequently at this bar—it's an exclamation when something really hits the mark, just like this lively joint never fails to do. Order a shaky makaky cocktail and enjoy the vibe.
On the ground
Shop
Il Cucco enoteca and cantinera is the ideal spot to purchase local produce and it also boasts a worthy wine selection. Adjacent is a cosy wine bar for tastings—open at lunchtime and in the evening (Corso Umberto, Cisternino. www.ilcucco.net).
Insider Tip
After dinner, why not try a local winter warmer? Order a delicious caffé corretto—coffee laced with your choice of sambuca, amaretto or grappa.
Key Area
Piazza Vittorio Emmanuel II, with its impressive clocktower is the venue for important events and celebrations. Balconies, stairwells and archways take you through the winding maze of whitewashed town houses and apartments which form the hub of local life.
This month
Can't get enough of Christmas? Catch the end of the City of the Cribs exhibition at the Dentice di Frasso Castle. Local towns all enter a nativity scene in the annual competition and they're on display until 6 January (www.cittadeipresepi.it).
Day Tripping
Oria
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Inland between the two seas of Puglia, Oria is a city of art and legend. Great for those with a nose for archaeological and historical interest—the town dates back 3,000 years (www.comune.oria.br.it, Italian only).
No way!
Don't be surprised if you spot Madness frontman, Suggs, in the area. He has a holiday home in Puglia. Other celebs who have houses in the region include Francis Ford Coppola, Helen Mirren and Mickey Rourke.
