The "gold" of Apulia

Apulia is the paradise for all olive lovers. Wherever you go, from the north to the south, driving on a highway or just having a walk among the small farm streets, you will definitely pass by majestic olive trees. Since the weather and the earth are perfect for growing olive trees, the main product in Apulia are olives and their derivatives.

In the south-eastern Italian region, the olive oil is called "l'oro della Puglia" (Apulia's gold) because for Pugliese people, every drop of the local olive oil is as precious as gold. The intense aroma of the extra virgin olive oil can perfectly be enjoyed with just a plain piece of bread- to truly appreciate the unaltered taste. 

There are more than 60000 olive trees in Apulia, 15000 are over hundred years old and 5000 of them are considered to be national heritage. Apulia is with a share of over 50% of the entire national production, the main producer of olive oil in Italy. Depending on the specific area where they grow, all olive trees have different dimensions, colors and height, starting from 3m up to 15m. In an excellent year, it is possible to harvest between 300- 400kg of olives from only one tree.

Like it happens with the wine, there is a quality indicator for olive oil called P.D.O. -Protected Denomination of Origin (in Italian DOP denominazione di origine protetta).

In order to be considered among the "monumental olive trees of Apulia," there are some requirements the trees have to meet. For example, the diameter of the trunk has to be at least 100cm measured at a height of 130cm. It also has to have a spiral and alveolar shape.

An area called Valle d'Itria, located in the center of Apulia, which streches from Bari to Brindisi and until Taranto, is famous for its impressive olive groves. There are a lot of over hundred-year-old olive trees, and there, it is possible to have a tour called the "itinerary of a thousand-year-old". For more information and for booking a tour visit: www.tour-puglia.it

Valle d'Itria

Valle d'Itria, 74015 Martina Franca TA, Italien

You will see olive trees with very extraordinary shapes, up to 3000 years old and with a circumference of 10 meters. Don’t forget to always pay attention whenever you're driving through Apulia- do not miss seeing this natural spectacle!