The province of Lecce has, without a doubt, a Mediterranean look about it.

Its hot climate and vicinity to the sea, added to being so far south, are ideal for the growth of "weed" and olive trees.

The entire territory is covered wwines ith olive groves, from which the delicious Pugliese olive oil is pressed.

In many parts the rows of olive trees are alternated with large vineyards; vine-growing provides one of the area's main sources of income.

The wines produced in this region are full of body and are particularly suitable for making vermouth. The wine and the olive-oil are two fundamental components of the Salentine cuisine.

The Salentine dishes are surprising: home-made pasta, cakes with honey and accompanied with fried fish, a complex, dried salted cod sauce, round bread rolls with mysterious insignia, pod-shaped honey cakes that allude to ancient Egyptian divinities.

All of these dishes listed below have borrowed directly from cultures of the Mediterranean Basin and beyond, attesting to Salento's role as the meeting point of the most ancient of civilizations.

Try these wonderful recipes:

Apulian Bruschetta

Bruschetta With Roasted Peppers

Orecchiette with turnip tops

Mussels with pepper