Lecce is the main town of Salento. Its historic center is full of splendid Baroque palaces and churches in golden Leccese stone that won it the nickname of “Florence of the South”. Traces of its ancient past are still well visible all around town, like the remains of a Roman amphitheatre perfectly integrated with the modern-day architecture of Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Lecce is also a prime center of traditional papier maché craft, with lots of artisanal workshops lining the town’s streets.

Located in the southernmost part of Apulia, Salento is a gorgeous stretch of land between two seas. Historically, its strategic position between East and West favored the passage of many different civilizations, from the Greeks to the Normans, who all left their mark on the region. There is much to see and do in the area: towns brimming with Baroque architecture, stunning beaches bathed by turquoise waters, unique cultural sites like the Griko community of the Grecia Salentina, and a variety of local producers that are custodians of the landscape and its fantastic products.

Gallipoli is a fascinating coastal town on Apulia’s Ionian coast. Its historic center sits on a tiny walled island that can be reached through a centuries-old bridge. There are many impressive sites to explore, including one of Salento’s most beautiful cathedrals decorated with artworks by some of the most talented artists of their time.

Olive oil is a staple of Apulian culture and cuisine and is considered the region’s liquid gold. The countryside here is dotted with countless small farmhouses and artisanal producers supplying most of the olive oil in the country. Gallipoli, in particular, is a major centre for the production of olive oil. In the past, the production took place in underground oil mills, and the local oil was even used to light up lamps on the streets of major European capitals up until the advent of electricity.

Beautifully located along the Adriatic coast, on Salento’s easternmost point, Otranto has a splendid historic centre still surrounded by ancient defensive walls. Its quaint streets are lined with fabulous sights testifying to the different cultures and civilizations that once inhabited this land. Major highlights include an Aragonese castle, the Byzantine Church of St. Peter’s and a cathedral built by the Normans, containing a vast mosaic floor and the remains of 800 martyrs killed by the Turkish invaders in the 15th century.

Torre S. Emiliano is a dairy farm where cows, sheep and goats graze freely in the Mediterranean scrub, only steps from the sea, providing excellent milk that is then used to produce a number of high-quality cheeses. The Mastro Casaro creates his products respecting the rhythms and gestures of traditional craftsmanship. The result is cheeses that maintain all the genuine flavors of Salento.

An icon of local contemporary cuisine, L’Altro Baffo is an elegant restaurant located in the historic centre of Otranto, near the Aragonese castle. Chef Cristina Conte creates dishes that draw on Apulian tradition but also incorporate modern twists. Fish features highly on the menu and the house specialty is the chef’s sea urchins carbonara.