Nature

Puglia is the region that produces the most olive oil in Italy: depending on the year of harvest, between 40% and 50% of national production. Besides in this region there are some of the oldest olive trees in Italy. The true king of Apulian olives is in Vernole. This majestic tree has a circumference of 14 meters and is estimated to be over 1400-year-old.

A sacred plant among all Mediterranean civilizations, it has been a symbol of peace since the most remote times. It is documented that since prehistoric times, the ancient Messapians were probably the first to introduce the cultivation of olive trees in Puglia. Starting around 3000 years ago, in different areas of Puglia, they began to graft wild olive trees with the more productive domestic olive tree to obtain olives for the prized oil.

The centuries-old olive tree of Puglia, in addition to being the main source of olives used to produce extra virgin olive oil, also represents a spectacle of nature. Those trees form incredible artistic forests thanks to their trunks looking like scupltures. Each tree contains a unique story and is the expression of an extraordinary nature that has lived and resisted for hundreds of years of history. This is why the olive trees of Puglia have been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.

They don’t cultivate olive trees only for their precious yellow gold, but also for the use of their leaves, bark and stones. For example, olive stones are an excellent fuel and the leaves of the plant, crushed, release a set of excellent substances for lowering blood pressure. Finally, olive wood is very hard but easy to sand. Therefore it is used to make art objects and sturdy furniture.

For all the reasons above, the olive tree, one of the most precious and important resources for Apulian agriculture, in the coat of arms also becomes a sign of unity of the entire region, from north to south.

Join our food tour and take the opportunity to taste a unique extra virgin olive oil and touring around Puglia, you’ll admire those ancient wooden sculptures designed by Mother Nature.

Puglia and the sea retract a combination that has entered the collective imagination. Now even foreign tourists know the fascinating coast of Puglia between cathedrals and beaches. We are talking about 860 km of coastline with breathtaking views, white beaches, caves and crystal clear sea.

The Apulian coast shows towers, real sentinels along the coast. They built small turrets for the need to fortify the coast, for enemy sighting. Most are in ruins, while others have been renovated, but represent stone sentinels over the sea. The presence of Norman, Swabian and Aragonese castles has the same function to defend the cities.

The famous cathedrals overlooking the sea are splendid. Among the most famous ones you find them in Trani, Giovinazzo and the basilica of San Nicola in Bari. Furthermore, the historic ports, from Vieste to Monopoli, up to Otranto and Gallipoli, are the prelude to ancient villages, where you can breathe in all the fishing culinary tradition.

When you need to choose where to go to the beach in Puglia the first distinction to make, is between the Adriatic coast and the Ionian coast. The first one, in fact, propose above all rocks. Whereas the Ionian coast has long stretches of fine, clear sand. In both cases, however, the sea is always crystal clear. This will mean, then, that during the summer period families with children could prefer the locations overlooking the Ionian Sea to spend quiet days at the seaside. The Adriatic side, however, is perfect for those who prefer a slightly wilder type of coast.

Therefore Puglia is a sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history. Check out our week tour of Puglia for a beautiful itinerary of the fascinating coast of Puglia between cathedrals, beaches and more.