It’s just a year since I wrote a blog about the lovely old town of Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea in Puglia, on the high heel of the boot-shape which is Italy. A few months ago, I returned, camera in hand, to bring you new, updated photos of the charming narrow streets and the harbour, where the fishermen mend their nets under the hot Salentino sun.

Wandering through the cool streets of the fisherman’s quarter, I stopped to chat to the fruit and vegetable seller, who was selling his wares from the back of a tiny Ape – a handy vehicle in these narrow alleyways. He was delighted to have his photo taken and posed happily with a magnificent bunch of grapes.

Rounding the next corner, there was possibly a potential rival in another tiny truck!

I took some time to chuckle at some unfolding scenes of day-to-day street life.

And, yet again, admired a tiny Ape, which was smaller than the potted plant it was parked beside!

There are lots of interesting shops in Gallipoli, selling wine, olive oil and tourist trinkets.

Along the harbour, I could see some fishermen casting their nets and on the pier the colourful canoes were eye-catching.

Strolling down towards the fishing boats, I stopped to watch a fisherman mending his nets.

In fact, there were fishing nets everywhere…..

….and boats….

….and a tiny fishermen’s chapel…..

…and a railway line leading to Lecce and beyond.

As you can see, Gallipoli is overshadowed by an enormous bank building. To my mind, this is one of the ugliest buildings I have ever seen, particularly in Italy, where everything is normally so pretty. All wrong architecturally: but that’s just my personal opinion.

Gallipoli has an atmosphere that is unique and remains one of my favourite places to visit.

However…..no day is complete without stopping for an aperitivo…………..

……and watching the sun go down over the fifteenth century Aragonais fort which dominates the harbour.

To visit Gallipoli in Puglia, you can fly to Bari or Brindisi with Ryanair and take the train, or hire a car.

Orna O’Reilly

Veneto, Italy