Our next objective is to find the Al Mirador Resort which is inland, just south of Fasano, and about 25-kilometres from Pilignano. In Fasano, we find ourselves driving on the worst road surface encountered so far - even by the poor standards we have experienced in some parts of this trip, this road exceeds all in terms of neglect.

 

Exiting Fasano to the south, we are soon driving up a narrow, steep incline that is mostly flanked by large houses behind walls and gates. We reach a pair of large and solid gates that guard the entrance to our hotel. After using the intercom system, the gates open and we drive into a small courtyard where we park - in front of us is the most stupendous view over a plain towards the coast.

 

At the small reception area we are greeted by Francesca, who shows us to our room. The large airy room is on the upper floor with a balcony overlooking the plain. Above us is a roof terrace, below us are the rooms at ground level which face immediately onto a swimming pool. The whole of the hotel is delightfully set out with facilities to relax in a number of places.

 

There does not seem to be any other guests on our floor

Polignano a Mare is a small port surrounded by limestone cliffs pockmarked with caves. We stroll through the streets to find views of the cliffs and the calm blue sea.

We have reached our room by an internal staircase that opens out onto an open area at the rear of the premises. There is an alternative route around the side of the hotel away from the car park; this passes some trulli, the swimming pool, and goes through the terrace/dining area. There is a set menu each evening and we are able to dine at our preferred time of 7pm. We dine alone: an appetiser that consists of two pasta tubes containing mozzarella cheese; a seafood salad; the local orecchiette pasta served with more seafood; and a lemon mousse - an excellent meal

(left) Jeanette meets the chef and Francesca before we watch the sun set