Our Puglia day trip from Matera began on a road that weaves through jagged Lucanian cliffs and exits into vast Puglian fields dotted by the province’s signature residences.
We adored the Sunday markets and olive vendors that are prevalent on the city streets.
The southern Italian lifestyle is easy, and there are small towns like Cisternino atop hilltops where one can breeze in and enjoy a panini for lunch.
The stately yet compact town’s grand center affords an excellent opportunity to view the nightly stroll while hanging at a local cafe.
We approached the restaurant, located in a bi-level Italian strip mall and were quickly greeted by a food runner who treated us like long lost guests.
As we approached the ancient city of Matera, we already missed Puglia but took comfort in the plastic bags of olives just waiting for us to enjoy for days to follow.