It took us by surprise.

There was an audible gasp as we rounded the bend, high above the crashing waters of the Adriatic.  The setting sun lit the tiny medieval village of Peschici which glowed shades of white.  Perched high above the sea, Peschici contains within its medieval walls a treasure trove of magical places to see and of generous people whose love of life, in its wonderful simplicity, is infectious. 

Here the schedule of daily life revolves around family and friends gathering around the table to break bread.  When we travel here, our day begins as many do, with a perfectly crafted cappuccino and brioche filled with marmalade made from the local oranges.  And we watch with delight as the men haggle over the quality of their farm’s olive-oil, pulled out rather inconsequentially from the trunk of their car, and women make their way to the markets. 

During the siesta, the air fills with the aromas of garlic and lemon, tomatoes and simmering olive oil.  The clinking of silverware can be heard midst the voices of school-children home for lunch.  We wander up to our apartment, provisions in hand, and indulge in what very well could be the most beautiful view in the world.  High above the sea, on the roof-top terrace of our well-appointed apartment, we listen to the music of the seabirds and the flapping of laundry hung out to dry in the warm coastal winds.  I think we may have found paradise in this unassuming town.  Actually, we’ve only just seen a glimmer.

The medieval castle walls perched high above the bay in Peschici.

3.4 miles (9 km) from Saint Menaio (SS89)
5 miles (13 km) from Vico of Gargano (SS89)
6 miles (14 km) from Rodi Garganico
8 miles (21 km) from Vieste (SS89 or SP23)
45 miles(117 km) from Foggia