First, we had a fabulous time, thank you so much.
Villa
Very good. We felt very much at home. The villa itself is pretty spacious (unusual to have the two separate, unconnected bedrooms in the lower part: but my son was happy to have his private apartment), but it worked really well. There was plenty of crockery, pots and pans and we cooked in on two days. The grounds were fantastic, really spacious. The view from the main terrace was beautiful. The lower one round the reasonably sized pool was sheltered and a real sun trap (dangerous in that temperature). There were numerous little areas to sit dotted around the rest of the grounds, so it was possible for us to spend time there without feeling crowded. The key holder was very helpful and checked in regularly. The cleaner also did the cooking for us on Thursday. That meal was ‘home cooking’ style, but good and the portions were generous (too generous, in the end!). She didn’t speak much English, but thanks to my fluent Italian, we managed (!). Bedrooms had a/c, thankfully.
It was located in a fairly isolated spot, lovely and quiet. Novaglie was 15-20 minute walk via a fairly rudimentary path (a challenge in the heat as it was pretty steep at the start). All in all, absolutely the right choice and a really good recommendation.
We managed to go to Novaglie to Lo Scalo’s ‘lido’. The restaurant of Lo Scalo, was really good. Lovely food, fabulous setting for our last meal on Friday. Definitely a culinary highlight.
Went to Lido ‘Relax’ in Leuca.
Boccaccio in Leuca (my surprise meal) was great. Tables amongst trees, entirely seafood free, traditional cooking and great service. Also, reasonably priced.
Moi moi: couldn’t go as closed on Sundays and all other days were accounted for.
L’Incanto was 5 minutes drive from the villa. We went for a drink only. Lovely location. Restaurant looked ok (basic menu), but overlooks the Cilio bridge. Once they finish the repairs that will be a great view. They also have a champagnarie, which looked interesting.
I’d recommend SeaSalento for a boat trip to see the coves. Seems to be run out of Leuca, but office and family are Novaglie based (Michele, the ‘captain’ is a fisherman from a long line of fishermen. Limited English, but they have a downloadable English guide and he was really friendly and helpful. His wife runs the thing and speaks excellent English).
Otranto was lovely. SoFish really good. Loved it.
Lecce was a staging post on the way back to the airport, so we only had 3 hours. Unfortunately, the restaurant you recommended is only open from 7pm, so we couldn’t go. Lovely place and I wish we’d had more time.
Bari is a long way, Brindisi flights definitely better if convenient.
I think that’s it. Everything worked smoothly and it was a lovely area and beautiful villa. As usual, you have helped with another spectacular holiday.
Thanks so much, stay well and perhaps see you sometime. It won’t be long before I want to go back again!!
Best wishes
Aroon