Home DestinationsDestination: Italy 5 Souvenirs to Take Back Home from Puglia

5 Souvenirs to Take Back Home from Puglia

by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande

Are you one of those travellers who always likes to take souvenirs back from your trips? Anything from a fridge magnet of the Tower of Pisa to a carpet from Marrakech? Let us help you with some ideas should you visit the wonderful and captivating region of Puglia, the heel of Italy.

1- CERAMICS FROM FASANO CERAMICHE IN GROTTAGLIE

The city of Grottaglie in the province of Taranto is has since the 17th century known for the production of plates, vases, ornaments, cups, tiles, ceramics. The Fasanos have been creating ceramics since the mid 19th century, a long family tradition still going strong today with the main workshop in Grottaglie and shops in Milan and Rome.

The company currently employs 40 craftsmen in trade and production: lathers, modellers, enamellers, decorators. They are expert, award-winning masters recognised internationally for their craftsmanship and elegance in their executions.

What to take home: plates, vases, ornaments, lamps.

Address: Via Francesco Crispi, 6 – 74023 – Grottaglie (TA) – Puglia – Italy

http://fasanocnf.it/

Internationally recognised ceramics from Fasano Ceramiche, Grottaglie, Puglia

Fasano Ceramiche

2- LINEN FROM SOCIETY IN LECCE

A wonderful store in the heart of the historic centre of Lecce offering fine and stylish household linen manufactured by Society, a completely Italian brand in both production and style whose fabrics promise unique emotions and feelings. From tablecloths to bedlinen, from bathrobes to scarves, Society wants yo offers their customers extraordinary emotions. Their motto is “we dress the house as we dress ourselves”, which led Society to create a wide range of colors, materials, weaves, consistence and texture.

What to take home: bathrobes that feel like a second skin.

Address: Via degli Ammirati 6, 73100 Lecce – Puglia – Italy

http://www.epiphanysociety.com/

Household linen gifts from Society in Lecce, Puglia

Society

3- BEAUTY PRODUCTS MADE WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Puglia, the land of extra virgin olive oil. Azienda Agricola Alessandro Corricciati (ALEA) is known in Salento for the production of an award-winning exquisite organic extra virgin olive oil. Its company is based in Martano, at the heart of the Greek Salento area of Puglia, where vast extensions of centennial olive trees dominate the territory. Using the finest organic ingredients, ALEA produces an extra virgin olive oil of superior quality and taste, so whenever you drizzle your salads you can remember Puglia by. ALEA also produces body creams, shower gels, shampoos and sun lotions using  olives picked in the local fields.

What to take home: body products, sun lotions and extra virgin olive oil.

Address: Azienda Agricola Alessandro Corricciati, Via Zaca, 73025 Martano (LE) – Puglia – Italy

https://www.olioalea.it

Take home extra virgin olive oil souvenirs from ALEA, Martano, Puglia

Azienda Agricola Alessandro Corricciati

4- WINE FROM ROSA DEL GOLFO SALENTO

This wine producers came highly recommended by the head chef at L’Altro Baffo restaurant in Otranto, who knows a thing or two about great local wines. This label was a true discovery, we liked it so much we had cases shipped back home in London.

We personally recommend the Brut Rosé made with Negroamaro and Chardonnay grapes, great with appetisers and seafood. We also tried and liked Bolina Verdeca del Salento, a white dry wine made with Verdeca and Chardonnay grapes, again great with seafood.

A trip to Alezio is worth it. You can combine it with a visit to the beautiful Ionian coast followed by a wine shopping spree.

What to take home (or have shipped): great local wines at affordable prices.

Address: Via Garibali 18, Alezio (LE) – Puglia – Italy

http://www.rosadelgolfo.com/sito/en/index.php

Buy great local wines from Rosa del Golfo, Alezio, Puglia

Rosa del Golfo

5- SWIMWEAR FROM SIMONETTA STARACE IN LECCE

Swimwear designer Simonetta Starace dresses those in the know. She creates stylish, unique, limited-edition hand-made pieces, from bikinis to kaftans, from one piece swimming suits to long beach dresses. Simple, chic items created with love and passion by Simonetta.

What to take home: Simonetta’s signature bikini, with gold rings.

https://www.instagram.com/simonettastarace/

Swimswear by Simonetta Starace, Lecce, Puglia

Simonetta Starace

Shop like a Local in Lecce

If you’re still wondering what else to buy on your next trip, read the posts below for more shopping ideas. You won’t want to miss our two popular posts, Shopping guide to Lecce and Shopping guide to Lecce – revisited for insider’s tips on shopping local. That way you’ll benefit from our 15+ years of visiting the city to find the best non-touristy spots. Also remember that if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Puglia, we offer a curated portfolio of outstanding Italian villas.

Looking for a place to stay in Puglia?

Explore our curated portfolio of spacious Italian villas, selected for their ease of accommodating extended families, weddings, corporate retreats and other private events. Or tell us about your ideal holiday.