Locality

The region is located in the southern most tip of Italy. The area is famous for it's secluded, unspoilt beaches with crystal clear water.

Puglia is divided into the Gargano, the Itria valley and surrounding towns plus Salento.

Basilicata is one of Italy's smallest region. It is home to the Sassi, caves dug out of the tufa rock.

Calabria has over 800 kilometres of superb coastline. It has only opened up to foreign tourists recently so much of the property is very affordable.

History

The region is a rich mixture of various historical cultures, including the Messapians, Greeks and Moors.

The area's main industry is food production, with Puglia providing over 80% of Italy's olive oil production. Most of Italy's fish come from this region and much of Europe's pasta is made here.

Attractions

Puglia - In the Itria valley are to be found the trulli (native conical roofed dwellings) which many people are purchasing to restore.

Basilicata - Horace the Latin poet was born in Venezo. The capital Potenza has an elegant centre with fashionable shops and places to eat. Matera is home to the Sassi (the caves) which have become a UNESCO world heritage site.

Calabria - The 9th century town of Gerace is famous for it's pottery souvenirs.

Food and Drink

The cuisine in Puglia is very diverse: a mix of Italian, Greek and Spanish.

Meals begin with the antipasti (eg calamari, goat's cheese, polpetti - meat balls, roasted chilli peppers in olive oil) or fave (a puree of barley broad beans). The most famous dish of the region is Orecchiette con cime di rape (fresh pasta with turnip).

The Basilicata area's speciality is a sausage called ucanica which is eaten fresh, cured or preserved in oil.

Calabria's cuisine is predominently seafood and vegetables, mainly flavoursome and spicy. Lamb and chilli peppers feature strongly due to the local farming. Calabria's also famous for the cow's milk cheese caciocavallo.

Major airports in the Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata region

There are two airports: Bari and Brindisi