The Puglia coasts are beautiful to be walked all year round and some have asked us to organise their January holiday, but many facilities at this time of the year are “resting ” after the hard work in the warm season … what a pity!
In March the nature wakes up and in April many villages are dedicated to the events for the Holy Week and various celebrations dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as the Annunziata of Castro from 24 to 26 of April with spectacular fireworks from the sea.
In May you will fill your bags of delicious seasonal fruits purchased from vans along the roads and Otranto will host a procession that, as every year, starts from the Hill of Martyrs to arrive to Porta Terra in honour of San Francesco, who tried in vain to alert the duke Alfonso of Aragon on the ongoing massacre of August 1480.
In June, the days seem endless and the sea is a dream … in September the summer hustle and bustle decreases but not festive occasions: enchanting processions on the sea in Santa Cesarea and Otranto. On the contrary if you prefer a total peaceful holiday and early mornings wake up, choosing to leave in autumn could be an excellent solution. You are in the most eastern coast of Italy, where the sun rises first.
Self guided 
Pet Friendly 
Walking
Wonder Puglia: walking the Southeast Coast
Salento - PugliaDifficulty path:Highlights
Walk along wonderful Puglia coast trails: Otranto and its cathedral, Punta Palascia and its lighthouse, Cippano and its ruins, Tricase and its castle … and then the sea, the beautiful sea of this corner of Italy. Until you finally reach Leuca, following a stretch of Via Francigena just like pilgrims and crusaders from Rome or the rest of Europe did on their way to Jerusalem, and once you have arrived, you will let yourself be enchanted by its white splendor.
A week to be taken by the sweetest sea winds and enchanted by the warm colours of this land.
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Walk in the beautiful Baroque of Lecce
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Dolmens and Menhirs, evidence of an ancient past
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Otranto and the Tree of Life
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The marvels of the coast from Otranto to Leuca
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The last stretch of the Via Francigena, an ancient path for pilgrims and crusaders
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The whiteness of the Finibus Terrae, Santa Maria di Leuca
Program
Lecce
“Perhaps you know that the Florence of the Baroque is a nice city, the affable spoken, home to a baroque style that is similar to a Spanish city. And maybe you do not know more.” from Cesare Brandi, art critic and historian.
Welcome to Lecce, a city that will surprise with its peculiar Baroque style and the whiteness of its stones.
Lecce – Adriatic coast – Otranto
19km, +100m -100m or 16km, +90m -90m starting from Sant’Andrea
After breakfast, private transfer to Torre dell'Orso, on the Adriatic coast. The coastal walk begins by leaving behind the famous Due Sorelle bay and arriving at the splendid Sant'Andrea sea stacks. Following paths amidst the scents of the Mediterranean scrub, you'll immerse yourself in the pine forest of Serra Alimini and its lake. Continue south past the historic Baia dei Turchi, where Saracen ships docked during the capture of Otranto in 1480. The final kilometers of paved roads finally lead to Otranto, Italy's easternmost city. Take your time to explore its small historic center and discover the secrets of the Byzantine mosaic that covers the floor of its cathedral.
Overnight in Otranto.
Walk from Otranto to Uggiano La Chiesa
14km, +160m -90m
After breakfast, look for the small Byzantine Basilica of San Pietro, completely frescoed, among the narrow streets, and compare it with the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata. The Cathedral preserves one of the most important mosaics of Italy, the so-called “Tree of Life”, a symbolic work that collects, like an antique book, legends and symbols of medieval traditions.
Once you leave Otranto behind, you will walk along a wonderful coast. Immerse yourself in the beautiful unspoiled landscapes described by Maria Corti in her masterpiece “L’ora di tutti”. Admire the stunning lunar landscape offered by the Blue Lake; recall the past by spying on the ruins of the ancient Abbey of Casole, located on an ancient passageway and pilgrimage for crusaders and devotees to the Holy Land. You can reach the Palascìa lighthouse, the easternmost tip of Italy – from here, when the north wind blows hard and the sky clears up, the mountains of Albania become clearly visible (Albania’s shores are only about 70km from this part of the coast). So many emotions in a few kilometres walk, before you reach your accommodation near the village of Uggiano La Chiesa, where you will spend the night.
Walk from Uggiano to Santa Cesarea Terme
15km, +130m -180m
Today you will resume your walking along Puglia coast trails, in the Salento area, with the backdrop of the scenic Saracen Tower of Sant'Emiliano. Leaving it behind, you will proceed on a dirt road to Porto Badisco, a site inextricably linked to the Neolithic Grotta dei Cervi. Then you will come up the hill walking on the Via Appia Sallentina before taking a dirt path that follows the line of the coast. Here the blue of the sea and the blue of the sky sometimes get confused, making the white Balkan Mountains visible when the north wind blows.
And finally you will reach Santa Cesarea with its thermal baths, a place sacred to the Apulian actor and director Carmelo Bene, who filmed his dreamlike “Nostra Signora dei Turchi” here.
Overnight in Santa Cesarea Terme.
Walk from Santa Cesarea Terme to Castro/Vignacastrisi
8/10,5km, +130/210m -130m
After a leisurely breakfast with the background of the Moorish dome of Villa Sticchi, now a symbol of Santa Cesarea Terme, you can start again your journey south.
Today the stretch is short, almost all on dirt road and between the hills. Here the landscape changes constantly throughout the year, from the vernal green to the yellow of summer heat, always leaving space for welcome glimpses of the sea.
Once in Castro Alta you will have the time to reflect on the similarities between this village and Otranto, or to get involved by the latest sensational discoveries that have unearthed the remains of a Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Then you can go down along the coastal paths, to find refreshment in a rocky cove: one of the highlights of this Walking Holiday in southern Italy.
Walk from Castro to Tricase
15km, +180m -100m
Early in the morning you will continue for a short distance along the coast, and you will be captivated by the briny scent of its wild herbs. Then you can choose between a short, challenging and exciting trail on the rocks or an easier path to reach the beautiful inlet of Acquaviva, a small beach with a picturesque marina set in the rock. After a recommended and refreshing dip in the sea, you will go up the path until you reach the village of Andrano with its prestigious architectural complex of the Spinola-Caracciolo Castle. Then on a nice stretch of road to reach Tricase, another splendid pearl of Salento history: along the narrow streets of the old town you will feel yourself going back in time along with its beautiful buildings, first and foremost Palazzo Gallone.
Overnight in Tricase.
Walk to Santa Maria di Leuca
11km, +150m -40m
Last day of this week of walks along amazing Puglia coast trails.
After breakfast, a short private transfer will take you to Marina di Novaglie. From here you will take the Cipolliane path, walking along a breathtaking cliff overlooking the sea, with stunning views over the coastline, and rocky cliffs dotted with euphorbia and prickly pear ... very similar to the Path of Gods on the Amalfi coast! After the Ciolo Canyon, you will continue through fields, plants and flowers of the Mediterranean maquis to arrive in the small town of Gagliano del Capo. The last stretch on country roads runs along the end of the Via Francigena del Sud and will take you to the Sanctuary of Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca. In the past many penitent pilgrims have gone so far, reaching the Sanctuary along "ways of forgiveness" that could also begin from France.
In the afternoon time for the beach or a boat trip discovering the sea caves along the coast of Leuca.
Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Leuca
Leuca, white light. You might have the chance to meet the local fishermen who will gladly tell you about the sea splitting in two, and lots more about this place, made of physical boundaries and endless 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.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each walker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast in double room
- Welcome briefing
- Private transfers day 2 and 7
- Detailed route directions with maps
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
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
Supplements per person
Other Information
The Puglia coastal tour is suitable for anyone with a minimum of training. The length of a walking day ranges from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 15km, with almost undemanding unevenness and travel times between 2.5 and 4 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.
The Standard tour offers accommodation in simple B&B and selected 3* hotels.
The Superior tour offers accommodation in charming B&B and 4* hotels.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Lecce
- 1 night in Otranto
- 1 night in Uggiano la Chiesa
- 1 night in Santa Cesarea Terme
- 1 night in Castro/Vignacastrisi
- 1 night in Tricase
- 1 night in Leuca
In Uggiano, if available, accommodation in typical Masseria farmhouse.
7 breakfasts included.
The morning of the second day, after breakfast, you will have a Welcome briefing.
→ We will take care of your luggage while you are walking.
For the whole duration of your tour, you can contact our assistance numbers.
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
During your Welcome briefing you will receive:
- Updated Service List;
- Luggage Labels;
- Detailed Route Description with maps.
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.
Ask for a quote
Travel tips
When do you fancy leaving?
Why choose this Walking Holiday in Italy?
Because you will walk in the more true southern Puglia to discover art, customs and the most unspoiled nature: the baroque Lecce will enchant you, the cliffs and coastline will take your breath away, and the endless sea, the woods and the countryside will capture you indelibly. You will also walk the ancient routes of pilgrims who came to Puglia to embark from Otranto or Leuca for the Holy Land, such as the Via Francigena of the South and the Via Sallentina, historic paths that will take you for a walk in time.
If you fancy stunning coastal walks, look at our tour along the Amalfi coast.
Comfortable and cheap
Traveling with us you will have the convenience of following safe routes especially designed from us, of taking with you only the minimum required every day and finding your luggage at the next hotel, of knowing that for every little emergency or any discomfort we will always be ready to answer through a phone number dedicated to you. You will know also that our packages have the right price, in the respect of those who travel with us and who work to offer the best.
Local specialties
Puglia enchants with its uniqueness such as the lovely “zeppole” typical of Lecce and surroundings and only available in March in honour of San Giuseppe. If you choose this tour for Easter holidays your lunch bags will be completed by Easter specialties such as “Quaresimali“, special biscuits made with almonds, sugar, flour, eggs, or the aromatic almond paste in its various forms.
In our blog you can find easy recipes for a typical menu from Salento, Puglia.
Better than “All inclusive”
All done for you! Our packages generally include just enough to make your holiday safe and serene, and the bare minimum to make you feel free to choose where to stop and when to walk again, where and what to eat. We give you all the information for this, for a holiday “flavoured” all inclusive, but leaving the choice to you.
FAQ
Is the trekking tour from Otranto to Leuca suitable for everyone?
Yes. The tour is classified as easy and is suitable for anyone with a basic level of walking fitness. The stages are approximately 8 to 15 km long, with generally moderate elevation gain and walking times of around 2.5–4 hours.
How many kilometres do you walk each day?
Distances vary depending on the stage. The itinerary includes days of approximately 8 to 15 km, with some variations. For example, the coastal stage between Torre dell'Orso and Otranto can be 19 km, or 16 km starting from Sant'Andrea.
What is the best time of year to do this trekking tour in Salento?
The tour can be enjoyed at different times of the year. Spring and autumn are particularly suitable for those who prefer walking in milder temperatures and with fewer visitors. In May, June and September, you can also combine the trekking experience with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sea of Puglia.
Is the tour individual or in a group?
The trekking tour is offered as a self-guided trip, so you do not need to follow an organised group during the walking stages. You will receive maps, GPS tracks and detailed information to complete the itinerary independently.
Is luggage transfer included?
Yes. Luggage transfer is included in the package. During the trekking days, you can therefore walk carrying only what you need for the day.
How are the overnight stays organised?
The tour includes 7 nights with breakfast, in rooms with private bathrooms. The Standard option includes selected B&Bs and 3-star hotels, while the Superior option includes charming B&Bs and 4-star hotels. Accommodation is arranged in Lecce, Otranto, Uggiano la Chiesa, Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro/Vignacastrisi, Tricase and Leuca.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. 7 breakfasts are included, one for each night of the tour.
Are lunch and dinner included?
No. Meals and drinks are not included in the price of the trip. We recommend reading the stage information the day before so that you can plan your hiking day accordingly. For each stage, we indicate whether supermarkets or restaurants are available along the route.
What should I bring for the trekking tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable, suitable trekking shoes, a hat, water, sunscreen, a swimsuit and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Does the route pass close to the sea?
Yes. The trekking route follows the Salento Adriatic coast for long stretches, passing through coastal landscapes, pine forests, Mediterranean scrub trails and seaside villages. Some of the most spectacular highlights include Baia dei Turchi, Punta Palascìa, Porto Badisco, Castro, the Cipolliane Trail and Ciolo.
Does the trekking route follow the Via Francigena?
Yes. Part of the itinerary follows the Via Francigena del Sud, along ancient routes once used by pilgrims and travellers heading to the Holy Land from the ports of Otranto and Leuca.
Is it possible to swim during the trekking tour?
Yes. Some sections of the itinerary run right along the sea. In Otranto, at the end of the first stage, you will find several small beaches, and during the following stages you will have many opportunities for a refreshing swim. You will discover Porto Badisco, Cala dell'Acquaviva and many other hidden gems!
Is the trekking tour suitable for people travelling with a dog?
Yes. The tour is pet friendly. However, you must let us know when requesting a quote so that we can organise the trip as smoothly as possible with your four-legged friend.
Are transfers included during the tour?
Yes. Some private transfers are included in the itinerary after breakfast. For example, on Day 2, a transfer is provided from Lecce to Torre dell'Orso, while before the final stage, a transfer will take you from Tricase to Marina di Novaglie.
What happens if it rains or trail conditions change?
The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions, organisational requirements or instructions issued by local authorities. Temporary diversions may also occur, for example due to roadworks. Sometimes we may not be aware of last-minute changes or unexpected situations, so we always ask you to contact us so that we can recommend suitable alternatives.
Can I reach Lecce by train or plane?
Yes. Lecce can be reached by train, bus, car and plane. The main airports are Brindisi, approximately 40 km from Lecce, and Bari, approximately 160 km away. Private transfers to and from the airports are also available and can be purchased as an additional service.
How do I get back from Leuca to Lecce at the end of the trekking tour?
From Santa Maria di Leuca, you can reach Lecce by train from Gagliano del Capo railway station, which is approximately 10–15 minutes by taxi from Leuca. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with us.
What is included in the trekking tour price?
The package includes 7 nights with breakfast, a welcome meeting, private transfers included in the itinerary, maps and a detailed description of the route, a Travel App with maps and GPS tracks, luggage transfer, medical and luggage insurance, and telephone assistance from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
What is not included in the price?
The price does not include travel to and from Salento, meals and drinks, entrance fees, tips, tourist tax or anything not expressly listed among the included services.
What is the exact cost of the trekking tour from Otranto to Leuca?
The price per person varies depending on the travel period and the type of accommodation selected. For 2027, for example, prices start from €720 per person in low season for the Classic option. Superior accommodation is also available, as well as supplements for single rooms, solo travellers and airport transfers.
How many days does the trekking tour in Salento last?
The trip lasts 8 days and 7 nights and includes 6 walking stages. You will start in Lecce, the Baroque city, and finish at the Finibus Terrae of Puglia: Cape Santa Maria di Leuca.
Can I request a personalised quote?
Yes. You can request a personalised quote by providing your travel dates, the number of adults and children, your contact details and any specific requirements.