Salento, the southernmost stiletto tip of southern Italy's Puglia region, defies categorization.
Far more raw and rustic (and rocky) than the truffle-filled woodlands up north or central Puglia's trulli-stamped Itria Valley, Salento is dotted with centuries-old masserie farmhouses, Baroque hill towns carved from limestone and ancient olive groves that appear to glow under the southern Mediterranean light.
The local olive oil is so potent, in fact, it practically courses through Apulians’ veins. Just-caught seafood comes from nutrient-rich waters where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. And the verdure is sinfully delicious enough to verge on vice. Just try the Carciofo Brindisino, a local artichoke from Brindisi, fried to a crisp and usually paired with an even crisper wine.
This mix of opulent architecture, hidden coves (check out PRIOR's guide to Puglia's best beaches) and pastoral bliss draws creatives from around the world — including Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior, the Barcelona-based architect Andrew Totter and, of course, travelers just like us.
But like with most things in life, it’s best to do as the Italian do. Avoid the heat and the hordes of late summer by experiencing Italy’s southern charms during the off-season, from the salad days of fall through the start of spring.
Even better, we’ve got you covered. This October, PRIOR is going on a journey to secret Salento, with the Baroque city of Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” serving as our homebase. To reserve your spot on our trip and learn more about PRIOR x Cabana Caravan, our new partnership with Cabana magazine, click here.
This week, we unpack the essential ingredients to life on this Land’s End of Italy, where long days and longer meals always seem to finire con tarallucci e vino — “end in tarallucci and wine.”
To create an itinerary for your next trip that combines your interests with our access, contact our travel designers today.
