Antonello Losito is a worldly and well-travelled native of Puglia, Southern Italy, and former professional cyclist. His passion in life is to guide other travelers through the food, landscape and culture of his home region and he does so splendidly when meeting self-guided cyclists on their Pure Adventures bike tours in Puglia.
Antontello took a break from his busy schedule (not only is he a guide with Pure Adventures, but he also hosts cooking classes at La Cucina at Gelso Bianco in his beautifully restored farmhouse) to share with us the best places to eat and visit while on vacation in Puglia. Plus – can you guess what he always takes with him on a cycling tour?
Other than by bicycle, what is the best way to discover Puglia?
The best way to discover the way of life in Puglia is through your palate! I like nothing more than taking a group to make pasta with the ladies in Bari or to a farm where ‘burrata’ cheese is made the same way it has been for centuries.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Puglia?
Savelletri in Puglia, a small fisherman village with the freshest seafood in whole of Italy. Walk by the dock, meet these heroes and sit down for the most rustic and yummy aperitivo with some Verdeca grape white wine.
What is the best time of year to cycle there?
May for the poppies and September for the perfect temperature.
What is the longest distance you’ve ever cycled and where was it?
I have cycled from Monopoli on the Adriatic down to Maratea on the Tyrrenum across the country for 239 kilometers but that did not happen without food and wine.
What do you never leave at home while guiding a tour?
My bell. I put this on my handlebar to make sure everyone knows where I am at all times!
Do you prefer GPS or paper maps?
Paper – always!
Tell us what you think is the best guide book for Puglia?
The Rough Guide is still the best one available at this time.
What could be considered a hidden gem in Puglia? An off the beaten path winery, museum or oddity that people shouldn’t leave without seeing?
Apart from a lunch at home with my mom for the best parmigiana? A special mention should be made here my mom, who inspired me with her dedication to great food and the joys of home cooking in good company!