Coastal Hiking in Puglia

Independent arrival to Otranto and check-in at your hotel. Explore this walled old town or take the opportunity to take a dip in the sea.

Accommodation in Otranto

Today's hike is a good warm-up for the week. It gives you the opportunity to explore the Idro Valley. The source of the Idro River is located 5 km from Otranto at a place called Monte S Angelo. The area is lush and full of olive groves, orange plantations and vegetable gardens. You start on the left side of the river, upstream before reaching S Angelo's rock church, then turn back to Otranto on the other side of the river.

Accommodation in Otranto

You walk through a labyrinth of alleys through Otranto's old town before reaching the new harbor. Here begins a flat coastal path that passes several smaller caves. Follow the coastline where you have the opportunity for several swimming stops at beaches with crystal clear water. Continue towards the Punta Palascia lighthouse. On clear days you can see Albania's mountains on the other side of the Adriatic Sea. Punta Palascia is Italy's easternmost point. 

Accommodation in Porto Badisco

Start by stopping at the entrance to Porto Badisco, just before the local bar/shop where they serve excellent coffee and good sandwiches to take along as a picnic. Then continue along the coast on a cattle path where you can see the typical Pagliari, round stone buildings where shepherds used to sleep. After 6 km you turn inland up onto a plateau. Feel free to stop for a picnic at a small pine forest that provides lovely shade on warm days. The final stretch takes you to the town of Santa Cesarea Terme where you'll find excellent swimming spots. 

Accommodation in Santa Cesarea Terme

Make your way up from Santa Cesarea Terme to a stone-walled road before walking along narrow paths through fields to the ancient town of Castro with its impressive high walls. Take time to explore the old town and have lunch before going down to the harbor where you can swim. Continue along the coast to the Acquaviva cave, a beautiful inlet and fine swimming spot where a freshwater spring flows into the sea. The last part of the path climbs up the Acquaviva valley towards Marittima.

Accommodation in Marittima

Feel free to buy a good sandwich in Marittima before continuing your hike through almost endless olive groves. Turn onto a tratturi, a system of ancient roads and paths that link villages, farms and sea. Every stone tells a story of a tough agricultural life. You have the sea in front of you as you walk down towards Tricase Porto where you can stop for a refreshing caffè in Chiaccio, an iced coffee, and a cooling swim. From here you continue towards Marina Serra where you'll also find fine swimming spots. 

Accommodation in Marina Serra

The last day's hike begins uphill along the enemy's path - Sentiero del Nemico, where people used to lie in ambush and give unexpected visitors an unpleasant surprise. You walk alternately on roads and tratturi until you reach Novaglie which is a nice swimming stop. From here starts the fantastic Cipolliane path that takes you to the Ciolo bridge, the last of all the excellent swimming spots on this hiking trip. From the small Ciolo cave you walk up along the Ciolo valley to Gagliano del Capo from where you take the train to Lecce where you stay the last night. 

Accommodation in Lecce

The trip ends after breakfast.