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Coastal Hiking in Puglia 8 day Self-Guided Walking (Level 2)
The land of the trulli awaits you with magnificent beaches and a landscape lined with olive groves and citrus trees. Follow the enchanting coastal path where vast views of the glittering blue sea are your constant companions. Following winding shepherds' paths, you will reach dreamy fishing villages just waiting to be discovered, make sure you taste the catch of the day there. The landscape changes just as spectacularly as your hiking route, rugged cliffs give way to the open meadows of the Apulian savannah, ancient stone walls and lush forests characterise the landscape. The rustling of ancient olive trees, the chirping of crickets and the smell of wild fennel and liquorice accompany you all the way to your destination in Lecce – and again and again the round domed roofs of the "Pagliari" greet you as if from times long past.
The daily tours between 2 and max. 5 hours are easy to manage with a good basic level of fitness. For the most part, you will hike on rocky coastal paths and narrow hiking trails, where sure-footedness and a bit of a head for heights are required. A few sections lead partly on asphalted side roads through the small villages and towns
Slow Tours offers a range of Walking Tours in Italy
Arrival in Otranto
Circular tour Otranto
Your hiking adventure begins in the idyllic Idro Valley. The source of the river of the same name is in the small village of Monte S. Angelo. The landscape is very fertile, orchids, orange trees and numerous vegetables grow along the way. Across the olive groves and past the pretty stone church across the river back to Otranto, the "Pearl of the Orient".
Approx. 2 hours 8 km 100 m /100 m
Otranto – Porto Badisco
Through the labyrinth of narrow streets of the old town you reach the new harbour. Along the coast there are numerous opportunities to stop for a swim in the crystal clear water. Soon you will catch your first glimpse of the Punta Palascia lighthouse, which from now on will be your constant companion on the way to Porto Badisco.
Approx. 5 hours 13 km 270 m / 240 m
Porto Badisco – Santa Cesarea Terme
Today's hike takes you to the picturesque bay of Porto Badisco. Along narrow footpaths along the coast, the traditional "pagliari" - round buildings with flat roofs and dry-stone walls in which shepherds used to sleep - line the path. Across the plateau inland, over fields and through pine forests to your destination today, the spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme.
Approx. 4 hours 13 km 200 m /170 m
Santa Cesarea Terme – Marittima
Follow the old shepherds' paths further inland to the ancient town of Castro, which impresses with its imposing town wall. The small harbour invites you to linger, take enough time to visit the old town. Then along a stony path by the sea to the mysterious Acquaviva Bay. Continue through the densely wooded Acquaviva valley to Marittima.
Approx. 4,5 hours 12 km 310 m /250 m
Marittima – Marina Serra
The trail winds through olive groves with impressive olive trees before you reach the first of several "tratturi", an ancient system of roads and paths used by the locals to connect the sea or villages and fields. Soon you will see the sea in front of you, rest in Tricase Porto for an iced coffee before arriving at the coastal village of Marina Serra.
Approx. 4,5 hours 14 km 310 m /370 m
Marina Serra – Lecce
At the end of your journey you follow the coast once again and walk on ancient tratturi to Novaglie, where you can take a rewarding break on the beach. Here begins the breath-taking "Cipolliane Way", named after the impressive caves you can visit along the way. From the delightful Ciolo Bay through the Ciolo Valley to Gagliano del Capo, from where a short train ride takes you to the baroque city of Lecce.
Approx. 5 hours 13 km 530 m /380 m
Departure or extension
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