June Festival - The Contadino, the Cook and the Extra Virgin

Celebrate olives, olive oil, and cooking in the Puglia region of southern Italy at The Contadino, the Cook and the Extra Virgin, a week long festival in June run by The Awaiting Table Cooking School in collaboration with Olive Matters. Events, including cooking classes and olive grove tours, take place at a castle 44 km south of Lecce (see Puglia map for Lecce's location), in the Salento peninsula that forms the heel of Italy's boot.

Ancient olive trees are abundant in Puglia and olive oil is a major component in the local cuisine. Lots of wine is produced here, too. Puglia is a good bargain travel destination and although it's increasing in popularity it still sees fewer tourists than regions like Tuscany. Since much of Puglia borders the coast and it gets plenty of sun, it's a good beach destination.

Puglia Travel: Puglia Maps and Information | Puglia Travel Directory
Summer Events in Italy: June Festivals | July Festivals | August Festivals

_{Photo of Puglia Olive Tree © by Silvestro Silvestori, Awaiting Table}