Hidden Gems of Italy: Staying at a Masseria in Puglia

November 20, 2020 | By Liz SanFilippo Hall

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When planning a trip to Italy, three regions seem to get the most attention: Tuscany, the Veneto, and the Amalfi Coast (which is in the Campania region). This is in addition, of course, to the capital city of Rome. But there’s oh so much more to explore in this vibrant country, where traditions run deep and families have passed down recipes for generations.

We like to feature some of our favorite off-the-beaten path destinations, particularly in regards to culinary travel. And at the top of our list? A visit to the south of Italy: namely Puglia (or Apulia in English), which is absolutely one of our favorite destinations (find out why!).

Experience a culinary adventure in Puglia.

The region is popular with Italians during their own vacations, mostly during August, in large part due to the Puglia’s amazing sun-drenched coastline. Yet to many outside of Italy, Puglia is considered largely undiscovered, meaning there’s few tourists during the rest of the travel season. But that’s just one reason of many to discover this beautiful part of Italy. (Read more about why we love our Puglia cooking vacations).

The masserie are another reason. While you’ll find agriturismi around all of Italy, the working farms here go by another name: masseria, or plural masserie. They’re mostly country homes, and as a masseria, they’re also a working farm, where they grow food as well as, more likely than not, produce olive oil. After all, Puglia is home to the highest concentration of olive trees in all of Italy.

Stay at a masseria in Puglia.

We currently offer one of our favorite cooking vacations in Italy that include accommodations at a charming masseria. It is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, as well as the cultivated fields that provide the produce for the restaurant and the cooking vacations.

The ancient fortified farmhouse, where our Culinary Adventure in Puglia takes place, is part of an expansive estate that has a long and storied history, one that includes stories of defending themselves against pirates. The property was expanded in 1600, and that’s when many of the olive trees were planted. Over the years, the property’s structure changed to accommodate the needs of the farm, and in the late 1700s, a chapel was added to the estate.

Today, the masseria features a number of rooms and apartments. Some of the quarters were once noble rooms, others were part of the sheepfold and barn, and still others were part of the stables. All today, of course are fully renovated and offer modern amenities. But the history of the property is still evident throughout, and antique furniture truly makes it a charming accommodation.

No matter which of our cooking vacations in Italy you choose, if you decide to go to Puglia you will not be disappointed! The region is steeped in history and gastronomic traditions; and, perhaps best of all, it is a wonderful place to get to know the locals who are dedicated to the land and food of their home.