Expert local DMC Southern VisionsTravel shares an aperitivo tip: Antipasti della Casa, a dish that will never lead you astray!
The concept of the antipasti is known across Italy, but here in the south it has its very own character and constitutes a meal in itself. In northern Italy, you might expect a small plate of cured meats or bruschetta as an antipasto. In Puglia, if you order the Antipasto della Casa, you will probably find fourteen or fifteen different delicacies on your table. Grilled vegetables, fava bean pureè, capocollo from Martina Franca, the freshest burrata cheese, crispy meatballs, marinated anchovies and parmigiana are just a few of the dishes that might be included – plus, lots of house specialties that you would never know to order.
The best way to sample the most delicious dishes in Puglia in any restaurant is simply by ordering the Antipasti della Casa. Don’t even look at the rest of the menu. No need to decide anything. Just sit back and relax while the restaurant brings you their best dishes using the finest ingredients of the season.
There is always something to suit all palates, from vegetarians to carnivores. What’s not to like?
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outdoors insider
Olive trees
Local experts at DMC Southern Visions Travel give us a little background on Puglia’s iconic olive trees, offering their tasty “liquid gold” olive oil for centuries.
The Story Puglia’s olive trees have deep roots – metaphorically and physically. As one of the world’s first producers of organic olive oil, the region is home to 50 million olive trees and produces over 80% of olive oil in Italy. Known for its strong, distinctive flavor, the olive oil from Puglia is globally recognized for its exceptional quality. What’s more, the olives themselves are extremely tasty, and no aperitivo in Puglia is complete without a bowl of juicy olives to nibble on alongside crispy taralli, the famous ring-shaped bread snacks.
While the produce is all very delicious, the most incredible thing about Puglia’s olive tradition are the trees themselves: from the coastal plains of Monopoli as far south as Carovigno, you’ll find the highest concentration of ancient olive trees anywhere in the world. The oldest trees are more than two thousand years old and can only be described as monuments of natural sculpture.
Although these magnificent trees are majestic all year round, the most breathtaking time of year to see them is in the spring, when carpets of bright wildflowers create a truly magical landscape.
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outdoors insider
La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
Few cars capture the essence of Italy quite like the Fiat 500. Launched in 1957, this iconic model quickly became a symbol of post-war optimism and effortless Italian style. Today, it remains a timeless classic, perfect for exploring the winding country roads of Puglia.
Slip behind the wheel of a vintage Fiat 500 and set off on a journey through the Itria Valley, where ancient olive groves, dry-stone walls, and whitewashed trulli houses create a postcard-perfect landscape. The route is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the rhythm of local life, with stops at small family-run producers along the way.
The experience begins with a briefing at the 500 base, preparing you for a leisurely drive through Puglia’s countryside. Equipped with a vintage picnic basket, you’ll embark on a culinary treasure hunt—visiting a mozzarella artisan, a traditional bakery, and other local purveyors to collect the finest seasonal ingredients. Your journey ends at a historic country estate, where you’ll savor an authentic Pugliese aperitivo crafted from your handpicked delicacies.
A drive through history, a taste of tradition, and a dash of la dolce vita—this is Southern Italy at its finest.
For more information about Southern Visions Travel, click here.
outdoors insider
Cycling Through Timeless Puglia
Experience Puglia at the perfect pace—on two wheels. Starting in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale trulli, cycle along quiet country roads framed by ancient dry-stone walls. Olive groves and vineyards stretch to the horizon, their silvery leaves and sun-drenched vines painting a picture of rural serenity.
This journey is more than a ride—it’s a passage through history, where every turn reveals a glimpse of Puglia’s enduring traditions. Pedal through landscapes untouched by time, where the beauty of the land and the warmth of local hospitality make for an unforgettable adventure.
For more information about Southern Visions Travel, click here.
From Our Kitchen
A Taste of Salento
In Salento, every bite tells a story of tradition. This sun-drenched corner of Puglia is home to cucina povera, a simple yet exquisite cuisine that transforms local ingredients into timeless dishes.
Start the day like a true Salentino with a warm pasticciotto, its golden crust giving way to velvety custard, paired with a refreshing caffè leccese, iced coffee infused with almond syrup. As the day unfolds, savor handmade orecchiette or crisp frise topped with sun-ripened tomatoes, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean.
Here, food is more than sustenance—it’s heritage, shared at the table, one unforgettable flavor at a time.
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Hidden Treasure
The Timeless Charm of Specchia
Nestled in the heart of Salento, the village of Specchia is a captivating step back in time. This medieval gem, perched on a hilltop, invites you to wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, past whitewashed houses, and into its peaceful embrace.
At the village’s heart lies the Piazza del Popolo, surrounded by elegant palaces and the 15th-century Church of Sant’Eufemia. Visit at sunset, when the golden light casts a soft glow over the town, and savor the serene beauty of an authentic Puglian village, far from the usual crowds. Specchia is where Puglia reveals its soul—untouched, timeless, and truly unforgettable.
For more information about Southern Visions Travel, click here.
Southern Visions is the leading experiential DMC in Southern Italy. Our philosophy is dedicated to curating tailor-made travel with outstanding attention to elegance and details. Your clients will taste, explore and experience Italy as never before.
