Visit Alberobello: the complete guide
Alberobello, in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, is one of Italy’s most iconic villages,...
31.10.2025
Guided 
Private tour 
Walking
Coastal Trekking from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca
Salento - PugliaDifficulty path:Easy
Guided, Private tour · WalkingDuration: 7 daysCode: wg019
from 890 €Join the GROUP!
Highlights
Set off on a coastal group trekking adventure in Salento, exploring the enchanting Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Nature Park. This walking experience blends ancient history with unspoiled landscapes—perfect for travelers looking to discover the most authentic side of Puglia.
Together with an expert local guide, we’ll explore a land that for centuries has been both a frontier and a bridge between East and West. From Otranto, step by step, we’ll reach Santa Maria di Leuca, following a stretch of the historic Via Francigena, just as pilgrims and crusaders once did on their journeys from Rome or other parts of Europe toward Jerusalem. At the tip of the Salento peninsula, Capo di Leuca will welcome us with its radiant charm, suspended between myth and beauty.
It will be a full week immersed in sea breezes, the scents of the Mediterranean, and the warm colors of the coastline—a rejuvenating walking journey that restores both body and spirit.
Together with an expert local guide, we’ll explore a land that for centuries has been both a frontier and a bridge between East and West. From Otranto, step by step, we’ll reach Santa Maria di Leuca, following a stretch of the historic Via Francigena, just as pilgrims and crusaders once did on their journeys from Rome or other parts of Europe toward Jerusalem. At the tip of the Salento peninsula, Capo di Leuca will welcome us with its radiant charm, suspended between myth and beauty.
It will be a full week immersed in sea breezes, the scents of the Mediterranean, and the warm colors of the coastline—a rejuvenating walking journey that restores both body and spirit.
Join the GROUP TRIP:
from 07/06 to 13/06/26
from 13/09 to 19/09/26
or
Book your PRIVATE TOUR:
choose your date and travel with your own group, always accompanied by one expert local tour leader.
-
Lecce, the Baroque Capital
-
Dramatic cliffs, the iconic Sant’Andrea sea stacks, and the historic Baia dei Turchi
-
Otranto & its Medieval Mosaic: the Tree of Life
-
Cape Palascìa Lighthouse & Inland Trails
-
Acquaviva Cove & the Cipolliane Trail: some of the most spectacular and scenic sections
-
Arrival in Santa Maria di Leuca: the heel of Italy
Program
Day1
Lecce, the Florence of the Baroque
We arrive in Lecce, the heart of Salento, a city that welcomes us with its graceful Baroque elegance. As we stroll among its ornate churches and lively squares, we immediately understand why it is called the Florence of the Baroque. Lecce captivates us with its golden light, its soft limestone, and its warm southern atmosphere.
Day2
Coastal Trekking from Torre dell’Orso to Otranto
19km, +100m -100m
After breakfast we transfer to Torre dell’Orso, where our coastal trekking adventure begins. We walk along dramatic cliffs overlooking the bay of the Due Sorelle and reach the iconic sea stacks of Sant’Andrea, one of the most photographed coastal spots in Salento.
The trail leads us through Mediterranean scrubland, into the pine forest of Serra Alimini and its lake. Continuing south, we cross the historic Baia dei Turchi, the landing point of the Ottoman fleet in 1480. The final stretch takes us into Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town. We take our time exploring its charming old center and admiring the medieval mosaic of the “Tree of Life” in the Cathedral.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day3
From Uggiano to Santa Cesarea Terme
14km, +160m -90m
Before leaving Otranto, we visit the small, frescoed Byzantine Church of San Pietro and compare it with the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, home to one of Italy’s most important medieval mosaics.
We then immerse ourselves in the wild landscapes described by Maria Corti in her book L'ora di tutti. We admire the surreal Blue Lake and the evocative ruins of the Abbey of Casole, once a key stop for pilgrims and crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.
We continue to the panoramic Cape Palascìa Lighthouse, Italy’s easternmost tip, where—on clear tramontana days—we can even glimpse the mountains of Albania.
We end our stage in Uggiano la Chiesa.
Overnight in Uggiano.
Day4
From Uggiano to Castro via Santa Cesarea Terme
23km, +130m -180m
Today we resume our Salento trekking tour, passing the striking Saracen Tower of Sant’Emiliano. We then descend to Porto Badisco, famously linked to the prehistoric Grotta dei Cervi. Climbing again, we follow the ancient Salentine Appian Way, surrounded by terraced landscapes and scented Mediterranean herbs.
The high trail offers breathtaking views where sea and sky often melt into one. Eventually the Moorish silhouette of Santa Cesarea Terme appears on the horizon. Winding among the serre, the low Salento hills, where the scenery shifts with the seasons, we reach Castro Alta, to dive into the fascinating archaeological discoveries of the Sanctuary of Athena.
Overnight in Castro.
Day5
From Castro to Tricase
15km, +180m -100m
We start the day along the coast, surrounded by the scent of wild herbs and sea spray. Passing coastal towers and olive groves overlooking the sea, we arrive at the splendid Cala dell'Acquaviva, a hidden gem where we can enjoy a rejuvenating swim in its cold spring waters. Climbing inland, we reach Andrano with its impressive Spinola-Caracciolo Castle, and then continue to Tricase, a gem of Salento history. Its narrow lanes and noble palaces, like Palazzo Gallone, make us feel as though we’ve stepped back in time.
Overnight in Tricase.
Day6
inal Trek to Santa Maria di Leuca
11km, +150m -40m
After a short private transfer we begin walking from Marina di Novaglie. We follow the spectacular Cipolliane Trail, perched above a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Adriatic, with views reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast’s “Path of the Gods.”
We cross the canyon of the Ciolo and continue through fields, Mediterranean flowers, and dry-stone walls until reaching Gagliano del Capo. The final section follows the end of the Southern Via Francigena, leading us to the revered Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca, long a destination for medieval pilgrims.
In the afternoon we enjoy a boat excursion exploring the sea caves of Cape Leuca.
Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Day7
Santa Maria di Leuca: the Finis Terrae
We spend our last morning in Leuca, a luminous town where, according to the local fishermen, the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Listening to their tales reveals much about this land of invisible boundaries and powerful sensations.
After breakfast, end of services.
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 6 nights with breakfast in shared room
- Local English Speaking locale guide during excursions and included dinners
- 2 Dinners (first and last night)
- Private transfers day 2 and 6
- Luggage transportation
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Other meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as “Included”
Departures and prices
Join the GROUP!07/06/2026 => 13/12/2025
Join the GROUP!13/09/2026 => 19/09/2026
PRIVATE TOUR - Departures every day on request01/01/2026 => 31/12/2026
Supplements per person
Other Information
Grade
The Puglia coastal tour is suitable for anyone with a minimum of training. The length of a walking day ranges from a minimum of 11 to a maximum of 23km, with almost undemanding unevenness and travel times between 3 and 5 hours.
The tour winds mainly through dirt paths and country lanes; rarely, and only when strictly necessary, on busy roads.
We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring with you a hat, drinking water, sun cream, swimsuit and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Accomodations & Meals
The tour includes overnight stays in a good mix of 3* and 4* hotels.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Lecce
- 1 night in Otranto
- 1 night in Uggiano la Chiesa
- 1 night in Castro
- 1 night in Tricase
- 1 night in Leuca
6 breakfasts included.
Group trip or private tour?
GROUP TRIP: for cheerful and proactive people! You'll share a travel experience with new people, all eager for an active vacation filled with wonderful memories. By participating in our group tours, you'll always be accompanied and guided by one of our dynamic local tour leaders.
PRIVATE TOUR: This tour also offers departures for small pre-arranged groups of friends, families, and colleagues. The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!
Support
You will be accompanied during the excursions and dinners by one of our expert tour leader, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will become your travel companion, always attentive to the needs of the group, facilitating and promoting an authentic, relaxing and fun holiday.
Price per person for Private Tour
The price varies according to the services requested and the number of people.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Lecce is easily reachable by car, train, bus and by air.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects the main Italian cities with the capital of Salento. On www.viaggiatreno.it you can find update informations about train routes.
BY AIR. The closest airports are Bari and Brindisi, both connected with the most important Italian and foreign cities.
The Salento airport of Brindisi is about 40 km from Lecce, and the airport of Bari-Palese is about 160 km from Lecce. From Bari and Brindisi there are several public transport solutions to reach Lecce. More info on the website Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY BUS. Lecce is also accessible by bus. Here some of the major operating companies: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Busmiccolis, Sais autolinee, Buscenter.
BY CAR. The main highways are the A14 Bologna-Taranto and the A16 Napoli-Canosa. We recommend you exit the motorway in Bari and continue along the highway to Brindisi, then take the SS613 towards Lecce. maps.google.com can help you with the directions.
Back to Lecce
From Leuca, the last stop of the Salento trek, it is possible to reach Lecce using the train.
Gagliano is the closest station, reachable in 10/15 minutes by taxi from Leuca. The train ticket is cheap (from 5 to 6.50 €), the travel time is quite long: about 2h30min with a change in Zollino or Nardò. NB: the train rides are reduced during Sunday.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.