Puglia

Life moves a little more slowly in Puglia, the southern region of Italy that resides at the “heel” of the country’s boot. Long a well-kept secret, it’s becoming a popular vacation destination for Italians and others from around Europe who want to experience the Italian philosophy of il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing.

With rolling hills leading to more than 500 miles of coastline, Puglia allows visitors to take advantage of the slower pace of life. Most shops are closed in the early afternoon for a long break—all the more time to admire the crystal-blue waters, natural rock formations, and stunning white-washed architecture.

All that southern heat is a boon for Puglia’s most popular crops: figs, tomatoes, and olives. They’re all intensely delicious, with a concentrated flavor profile that can only come from long hours under the Mediterranean sun. More than 60 million olive trees thrive in Puglia, with more than 50 distinct varieties, each lending its own unique flavor profile to the resulting oil. The region is home to many DOP certifications for its olive oil, an official designation that recognizes the unique character of a place in a
specific product. There’s a Puglian olive oil for every palate, from fruity and mild to peppery and spicy. Puglia is also a leader in organic farming in Italy, with eco-friendly companies like Bio Orto leading the
way.

Seafood is, of course, a major part of Puglian cuisine—the region is surrounded by water! Some classic Puglian dishes include tiella, a paella-like dish of rice and potatoes slow-cooked with mussels in a clay vessel, and Crudo Barese, raw fish eaten sashimi-style fresh from the waters.

Taste the best that Puglia offers with our hand-picked selection of olive oils and more from this special part of Italy.