Trattoria Iolanda

The 'stiletto heel' of the boot, Puglia has slowly become one of the (if not the most) hottest destinations in Italy. I grew up spending my summers and major holidays here, and it's been an absolute pleasure seeing this special region blossom into one of the most requested holiday destinations in Italy. For years it was simply the place where locals came to lay in the sunny beaches for the months of July and August, but now has activities, restaurants and beach clubs open year-round. It's HUGE, so keep in mind it will probably take you a few trips to the region to see most of it. My advice is to not try and see it all in one try, but instead pick one or two areas and slowly explore (and enjoy) them. Here are my favorite places to eat in Puglia

Salento is the southernmost part of Puglia. It is the heel of the boot, and is situated between two seas: the Adriatic to the east and the Ionian to the west. You might have heard of places such as Lecce, Gallipoli, and Otranto, which are all cute towns found here! I’ve grown up spending all my summers with my family in Puglia, as half of my them are from here. Although we spend most of our time in Centrale Puglia we always make sure to enjoy at least a week in the Salento area. It has some of my favourite beaches, and I can't wait for you to discover them! From sandy shores with beach clubs to rocky coves perfect for cliff jumping and exploring, there's something for everyone. Over the years, I've fallen in love with the local foods and ingredients, and I'm super excited to share them with you in this guide. Think of this as your starter pack for all things you should experience when traveling in Salento. I'll share the hidden gems I've found, from tiny towns to stunning beaches, and of course, the best spots to eat and drink. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you're a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your Salento adventure.

Everyone knows how good the food is in Italy. Each region has its own typical dishes, all different and with a great history behind them. But now I'm talking about Puglia. Commonly referred to as the "heel" of Italy, the region of Puglia is probably the most stunning landscape in the country. Just think: hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, groves upon groves of ancient olive trees, and whitewashed towns carved into the hills. It's also home to some of the most incredible seafood, pasta, and wine in the world, and the only thing better than the food of the region is the people who prepare it. Food in Puglia is not just "the dish" but a moment of conviviality, relaxation, happiness. Each dish has very specific origins that sometimes go back far. Come with me on this culinary journey where I will tell you about the food culture of my country!