Puglia’s Olive Oil: An Affordable Luxury Travel Essential

Every region has its culinary specialties. For some, these are specific dishes. For others, the ingredients themselves are also included.

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a place that can claim both. The unique climate makes it the perfect place for growing fresh produce that makes its regional dishes even more delicious. And one of its most prized products is olive oil. 

Whether you're exploring the region for the first time or searching for the best places to visit in Puglia, trying the local olive oil is a must.

If you’re curious about what makes Puglian olive oil special and how you can enjoy it, this guide is for you! We’ll be sharing everything you need to know about olive oil in Puglia, from its unique characteristics to local olive groves you can tour. 

What’s Special About Puglian Olive Oil?

Olive oil is not unique to Apulia, but Apulian olive oil is unique to other varieties. This vegetable oil is nicknamed the “green gold” or “liquid gold” of Puglia because it plays such an important role in the region’s environment, culture, and economy. 

Puglia boasts around 60 million olive trees, some centuries old, and about 50 different varieties of olives, many of which are native to the region. The sun-drenched southeastern tip of Italy has a warm climate and fertile soil that allow olive trees to thrive, which is why olive oil from Puglia is considered one of the highest quality varieties in the world.

Among the top Puglia attractions, visiting traditional olive groves and ancient farms offers a deeper look into this essential part of local life.

Apulia is Italy’s premier region for both quantity and quality of extra virgin olive oil; it produces around 150,000 tonnes of olive oil a year, which is about 40% of Italy’s supply, and 12% of the world’s supply. For centuries, olive oil production has been an important business in Puglia. Many of the olive farms have been run by the same families for generations, and their skills continue to be passed down today. 

So, what sets Apulian olive oil apart from counterparts from other regions? 

• It’s typically produced using local olive varieties like Coratina, Peranzana, and Ogliarola Salentina

• It has a distinctly green color (as opposed to yellow)

• Its flavour profile is slightly fruity and fresh while remaining rich and delicious!

If you’re in Puglia, you’ll likely try local olive oil when dining in a restaurant, but it’s one of those things that you’ll want to try all on its own. You’ll find it at nearly every traditional Puglia restaurant, often served with freshly baked bread or local vegetables.

The Health Benefits Of Olive Oil

The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest diets in the world, thanks to its emphasis on fresh produce and healthy fats. Olive oil is considered to be the foundation of this diet, and it comes with a lot of great health benefits:

• It contains healthy fats – oleic acid, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids – that help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while supporting brain, joint, and heart health

• It contains vitamins E and K, which maintain skin, brain, eye, bone, and red blood cell health

• It contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage and aging, and help to prevent chronic cardiovascular and nervous system-related diseases

• It can help to prevent diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, arthritis, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems

• It helps to promote a healthy weight

Extra virgin olive oil is considered the healthiest variety, and fortunately that is exactly what Puglia specialises in! 

So if you're planning a culinary journey and wondering where to go in Puglia Italy, let your taste buds lead the way through olive oil tastings and farm tours.

Olive Oil In Apulian Cuisine

Extra virgin olive oil is a staple of Apulian cuisine. It can be found in almost every local dish, from antipasti to pasta and bread-based snacks. Sometimes, it’s even added to desserts!

One of the best things about olive oil is its diversity. It can be used as a cooking oil or as a condiment. Use it to fry, sautée, or roast a main dish, mix it with your salad dressing, drizzle it over bruschetta, friselle, or focaccia, or use it as a dip for fresh breads.

For those exploring Puglia food culture, sampling dishes made with local olive oil is an unforgettable experience.

Apulian Olive Oil Producers To Know

There are many olive oil brands in Puglia, but some of the most famous ones are Masseria Carrassa, Collina di Brindisi, Olio de Carlo, Terra d’Otranto, Olio Guglielmi, Castel del Monte, Bitonto, Sabino Leone, Guglielmi, Fratelli Vieste, and Murgia dei Trulli.

These producers are part of what makes Apulian cuisine so beloved among those discovering where to go in Puglia for authentic culinary experiences.

Olive Oil Tastings In Puglia

As we mentioned, you’ll likely try local Apulian olive oil in restaurants, but visiting the groves and seeing the oil at its source is a very special experience.

If you visit an olive grove or go on an olive oil tour, you’ll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, learn all about olive oil production from the farmers themselves, possibly pick olives from centuries-old trees, and enjoy an olive oil tasting led by local experts. If you consider yourself a foodie, it’s something you’ll definitely want to add to your list!

Here are some Apulian olive oil farms where you can book tours and tastings:

• Masseria Salamina – tour a farm that dates back to the 1600s and taste three different kinds of extra virgin olive oils

• Masseria Valente – admire centuries-old olive trees, tour an underground oil mill, and taste local oils from the farm

• L’Acropoli di Puglia – learn all about the production process, visit an on-site museum, and taste the mill’s finest selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars

For those curious about what to see in Puglia aside from the coastline, visiting these olive oil farms is a deliciously authentic way to connect with the region’s roots.

Pro tip: A bottle of Apulian extra virgin olive oil makes a great gift for loved ones back home – or a souvenir for yourself! 

Where To Stay In Puglia: Affordable Luxury Villas For Rent

Of course, between your tours and tastings, you’ll need a base for rest and relaxation. You could stay at a hotel or Airbnb where you’ll be subject to rules and lack privacy because of other guests … or you could find a luxury villa for rent in Puglia.

If you're wondering where to stay in Puglia region for comfort, convenience, and style – look no further than Borgomadre’s villas.

Borgomadre’s private villas are the perfect solution for foodie travellers that want to experience privacy and luxury without breaking the bank. Equipped with indoor and outdoor kitchens, you’ll be able to whip up your favourite dishes with Apulian olive oil whenever you like! No following schedules or having to choose from a set menu – just pure freedom and all the home comforts you could ask for. Plus, if you want to try a cooking class or have a tasting in your villa, all you need to do is ask us and we’ll set everything up for you. 

Our villas in Puglia Italy also place you near top culinary spots, offering the perfect blend of location and luxury.

And when you’re not in the kitchen, you can relax by having a dip in the pool, taking a stroll in the private garden and citrus grove, playing a leisurely game of tennis on the private court, or simply lounging in the living area. 

To book your stay, contact us today!