Cooking Holidays in Puglia - 10 Things to Visit

[Flavours Holidays]

Puglia is a food lovers dream and the perfect location for Italian cooking holidays. But what exactly makes the “heel” of Italy so popular? And where should you go if you want to experience great food and cultural highlights? We’ll tell you in our top ten Puglia list!

1. Castel Di Monte in Adria

Castel di Monte was built by the Roman emperor Frederick II in the 13^th century and is situated in the southeast of Italy. It is famous for its octagonal towers which have inspired many writers and artists in the past and is arguably one of the most notable castles in Puglia.

2. Castellana Grotte

The Castellana Grotte’s stunning rock formation is one of the highlights of each Puglian trip and a must see for every Puglian visitor. The small commune is the perfect location for sightseeing and the network of caves and tunnels an astonishing natural spectacle.

3. Historic Centre of Lecce

When going on one of our cooking holidays in Puglia you will experience the beautiful baroque city ofLecce. Called the “Florence of the South”, the centre is compact which makes it perfect for a day of sightseeing. The fine restaurants will offer you a wide range of authentic Puglian food which makes the historic city one of the highlights on our Italian cooking courses.

4. Basicilia di Santa Croce in Lecce 

Part of the historic centre of Lecce is the Basicilia di Santa Croce. The building impresses its visitors with its wonderful architecture and its spectacular façade. As one of the largest Franciscan churches, the Basicilia di Santa Croce is most certainly a must see on your visit toLecce. 

5. Visit the stunning seaside

Puglia provides the heel to Italy’s boot and has some of Italy’s finest sand beaches and azure sea. On our cooking holiday to the region, you will be able to experience the beauty of the coast line first hand when going to the historic seaside town Otranto. Besides taking in the lovely holiday atmosphere, you will also be able to taste the authentic flavours of the region in its local Trattorias.

6. Taste the cheese

What cheese comes to mind when thinking about Italy? Mozzarella? Parmigiano Regiano? Well, there are over 200 different Italian cheeses! On a culinary trip like our cooking holidays, you should ensure that you taste at least one of the dozens of varieties. Prefer hard cheese or rather mature? Soft cheeses, spreadable or buttery? It does not matter on your trip to Puglia as it truly is a little slice of paradise for cheese lovers. 

7. Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca sits on the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula where the waters of the Adriatic Sea meet the Ionian.  With its breathtaking seafront, Leuca has all the necessary attributes as a must visit on your cooking holiday.

8. Wine tasting at a local winery

Puglia is Italy’s biggest producer of wine and a spectacularly fertile peninsula. No wonder we included a private wine tasting at a local winery to our Puglia itinerary. Trying the wines of the region will be the icing on the cake on your Italian cooking holiday.

9. Gallipoli…

Gallipoli comes from the Greek and means beautiful city – and who could possibly argue with the Greeks? The idyllic fishing village is built on a limestone island and linked to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. The pretty port, historic old town and sandy beaches are just a few must visits to mention!

10. … and its famous fish markets!

The Gallipoli fish market is well worth a visit and the number one destination if you like fish and seafood. Walking down the little stands you will be able to taste raw shrimps, fresh shellfish and local oysters.

With warm temperatures but less tourism during the autumn months, October is the perfect time to visit Puglia! If you love Italy and want to be part of an authentic culinary experience, you should check out our 2014 availability or contact one of our experienced staff members and come with us to Puglia this autumn!

 

Ride to dine via photopin cc