WEATHER
Overall the climate in Puglia is good and usually drier than Tuscany and Umbria.

Like most regions in Southern Italy, July and August are the hottest months when temperatures reach the high 30s. Most years the warm sunny weather starts around the beginning of May and, if we are lucky, continues with the odd storm or rainy day until late September. However with the changing weather patterns in the world, nothing can be guaranteed, and we did have some unusually chilly days in September 2008 but then a hot October.

When it does rain, it pours (drizzle is an unknown concept) but it seldom rains all day. Winters are pleasantly warm during the day but can be very cold at night.

Always advisable to bring a sweater, even in summer, as some evenings may be cool – well, to us anyway!

Check out today’s weather and the forecast for Puglia for the next five days

BEACHES
There are sandy beaches all along the Ionian coast from Taranto down to San Gregorio

The Adriatic coast varies between rocky coves and sandy beaches with the most spectacular scenery and sub aqua opportunities along the rocky coast south of Otranto. The best beaches closest to Alberobello, Ostuni and other areas around the Valley d’Itria are to be found between Torre Canne and the Costa Merlata on the Adriatic. Some of the beaches are free while other Lidos providing various services charge an entry fee.

RESTAURANT AND SHOP HOURS
Restaurants open for lunch around 12.30 at the VERY earliest and it isn't unusual to see locals arrive as late as 14.30.
If you want to be treated well, don't try and eat in the evening until after 20.00
All restaurants are closed one day a week except in August. September can be tricky as many restaurants close for their annual holiday, especially in Ceglie Messapica.

Shops open around 09 - 09.30 or sometimes not at all in the morning in the off season.
For those with self catering accommodation, food shops open around 08.30

Lunchtime closing ranges from 12.30 to 1 pm, or 1.30 pm sometimes in summer.
Afternoon opening times vary according to the season - around 4.30 pm off season, 5 to 5.30 pm, sometimes 6 pm, in summer

Evening closing times vary according to the place. Normal closing is 7.30-8 pm off season, 8-8.30 or 9 pm in summer.

The GS Supermarket in Ceglie Messapica and some supermarkets in Ostuni and Martina Franca are open all day from 8.30 am until 8-8.30 pm every day except Thursday afternoons and Sundays when they are closed

All food shops are closed on Thursday afternoon and Sundays except in August when you may find them open 7 days a week

BARS
Most bars close at lunchtime except in the big cities like Brindisi and Lecce

Many bars serve snacks (stuzzichini) with pre lunch and dinner drinks at no, or very little, extra charge

PETROL
Nearly all service stations close one day a week, often a Sunday

They also close for lunch except on the motorways/dual carriageways. There are some 24 hr self-service stations but you have to Euro notes to get petrol and never put in more than €10 until you are sure you know how it works, although the locals will usually help you to figure out how to use the machines

BANKS
Banks now open from around 08.30 – 13.30 in the mornings and some from 14.30 – 15.30/16.00 in the afternoons
Be prepared to spend at least 20-30 minutes getting travellers cheques changed
Most banks have cashpoint/ATM machines taking Visa and Mastercard and most of the shops and restaurants in the larger towns take credit cards

PROPERTY
Property is still a good investment in Puglia and Apuliabella’s property services for Puglia include property search and mediation, independent surveys, restoration and new builds and property letting and management