From majestic clifftops to ancient salt-pans: three culinary experiences rooted in the traditions of Italian cuisine

A lone but majestic lighthouse perched atop the cliffs, where time has stood still and the horizon stretches into the distance like the prow of a cutter sailing into infinity. The Faro Punta Imperatore on the island of Ischia provides the setting for one of the Mediterranean’s most evocative culinary experiences: a dinner at the Lucì restaurant. Enjoy a cocktail on the panoramic rooftop and then relax at table among ancient walls steeped in history to embark on a fantastic voyage through the island’s most authentic flavours, crafted by Chef Antonio Monti. His delicious dishes brimming with the local catch and produce grown in gardens just a few steps from the sea, recount tales of tradition, delicacy, and creativity. It’s an awe-inspiring place that wins you over literally every step of the way –as you climb the 155 stairs up to the lighthouse. If you want to be further enlightened about Ischia’s wild spirit, read our article dedicated to her unbridled heart.

The heart of Chianti Classico is home to the Pruneti family who have nurtured a vision over four generations that blends sustainable farming techniques, outstandingly crafted olive oil craftsmanship, and a flair for botanical originality. Their four award-winning organic EVO oils – recognized by Slow Food, Gambero Rosso, and World Olive Oil – capture the rich and varied nuances of the Tuscan landscape, thanks to carefully selected cultivars (typical olive varieties) and meticulous production methods. Nestling alongside the olive groves, you can find fields of irises —the symbolic flower of Florence— that are the life-spirit of three elegant, and aromatic craft liqueurs. A visit to the Pruneti Olive Mill is an all-embracing experience and includes the thrilling Gioco dell’Olio (The Oil Game): guests are invited to explore the incredible world of EVO oils through an interactive and sensory tasting. In spring, tours among the iris fields offer a unique chance to discover one of the most poetic facets of the Tuscan countryside.

Have you ever imagined dining among salt pans by the sea, as the sunset turns the seascape and landscape into a blaze of pinks, oranges and gold? Sicily can turn this dream into reality. These salt pans were a hive of activity from Phoenician and Roman times and nowadays allow history and fine food and warm hospitality to walk hand-in-hand. Once strategic centres for trade and food preservation, they now offer a unique setting for sunset aperitifs, gourmet dinners, moments for feeling good and sensory journeys discovering various types of sea salt, guided by expert connoisseurs. Not all salts are created equal here – you’ll learn to discern their distinct tastes, textures, and origins. Even the sediments in the pans are found a sustainable purpose, continuing a time-honoured tradition that provides harmony between nature and time. It’s an experience that arouses all the senses and invites you to rediscover the true beauty of the Mediterranean in its most authentic elements.