Coastal Hiking Puglia

Your walking holiday along the fascinating Apulian Coast begins in the charming coastal town of Otranto. Enjoy your arrival day with views of the Adriatic Sea and soak up the southern Italian atmosphere.

To kick off your hiking adventure, head to the idyllic Idro Valley. The source of the river of the same name is located in the small village of Monte Sant'Angelo. The landscape is very fertile – orchids, orange trees, and numerous varieties of vegetables grow along the way. You’ll hike through the olive groves and past the pretty stone church, crossing the river back to Otranto, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’.

Winding your way through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Old Town, you’ll reach the new harbour. Along the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break a go for a swim in the crystal-clear water. Soon you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Punta Palascia lighthouse, Italy’s easternmost point, which will be your constant companion from now on as you make your way to Porto Badisco.

Today’s hike takes you to the picturesque bay of Porto Badisco. Following narrow footpaths along the coast, you’ll pass ‘Pagliari’ – round, flat-roofed buildings with dry stone walls where shepherds used to sleep – which are typical of this region. The trail then crosses the plateau inland, passing through fields and pine forests, until you reach today’s destination, the spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme.

Continue along the old shepherds’ trails further inland to the ancient town of Castro, which impresses with its imposing city wall. The small harbour invites you to linger, and be sure to take enough time to explore the picturesque old town. Then follow a rocky path along the coast to the mysterious Acquaviva Bay and from there continue through the densely forested Acquaviva Valley to Marittima.

The hiking trail winds its way through stunning olive groves before you reach the first of several ‘Tratturi’ – an ancient network of footpaths and grazing routes used by locals to reach the sea or to travel between villages and fields. Soon after, you’ll catch sight of the sea ahead, take a break in Tricase Porto for an iced coffee before arriving at the coastal village of Marina Serra.

On the final stage of your hiking week, you’ll follow the coast once more and hike along the historic Tratturi to Marina di Novaglie, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break on the beach. This is where the breathtaking ‘Cipolliane Trail’ (Sentiero delle Cipolliane) begins, named after the impressive sea caves and prehistoric caves you can visit along the way. From the delightful Ciolo Bay through the Ciolo Valley to Gagliano del Capo. A transfer will then take you to the Baroque city of Lecce.