I'M JUST back from an adventure in Salento, the glorious heel of Italy.

After such a disappointing summer, my primary motivation was to get some sun and research the area.

Temperatures hovered around 25°C, warm enough to sunbathe and swim in either the Mediterranean or the Adriatic, both a 15-minute drive from the town we were staying in. The vibe was a bit like the Bents on steroids, everything we enjoy at home bathed in heat!

This is old Italy, barely changed by tourism. Stricken by falling populations, Puglia is one of the first regions to offer abandoned homes for one euro to people willing to settle. And why not? It is an enchanting way of life: slow, convivial, well served with local shops, markets, churches and caffes.

Their main trade, olive oil, has been devastated by the Xylella virus which infected and killed over 21 million ancient trees, a third of their stock. The region had produced over 50 per cent of Italy’s olive oil. It explains why we have seen such dramatic increases in the price of olive oil on our supermarket shelves. The good news is that the olive trees are in recovery but will not return to their previous abundance and fertility for another decade.

Fish supplies are healthy. Small fishing boats land a generous selection of fish and shellfish, easily available to buy locally. Restaurants serve excellent and keenly priced fish dishes, some of the best in Italy. As here, restaurant owners complain of lack of help and high taxes.

Apart from hospitality, there is little work. Many young people have already left. The older population keep themselves busy, the men congregating in the many shaded parks, the women shopping daily for food, mostly greens, beans, vegetables and fish. My vegetable shopping bag, full of greens, tomatoes, salads and fruit, was a mere 10 euros. The same bag bought at home this weekend cost over £30!

So, will I spend my one euro and go and live there? I don’t think so, but it is tempting.