Puglia Coastal Walking

Italy
Walking
Self-Guided
Panoramic views from Puglia Coastal Walking

Puglia Coastal Walking

Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore Puglia from Otranto to Gagliano del Capo on this epic walking tour

Hike along the fabulous Tratturi trail, an ancient road through olive groves and orchards.

Stroll the Cipolliane path overlooking the ocean and stop to explore hidden caves along the way.

Explore historical sites from Roman churches and fortresses to Messapian towers and villas.

Rest your legs on pristine beaches with the deep blue Adriatic Sea stretching before you.

The Puglia Coastal Walking tour is a breathtaking excursion along the coast of the heel of Italy, where perfect beaches and blue ocean beckon at every turn. Combine stunning Italian scenery with charming villages, vibrant history and wonderful Italian food and wine.

The Puglia Coastal Walking tour begins with the fresh air of the ocean greeting you in Otranto. You’ll dip into the Idro Valley beside a flowing spring. Orchards, olive groves, and orange trees line your adventures before you find yourself in quaint seaside towns. Pass under the Punta Palascia Lighthouse and through knee-high grasses towards the sea, then relax with a sandwich in Porto Badisco before trekking up to a pine tree forest. Rest in the shade before hiking back to the coastline, and indulge in a luxurious swim in the deep blue water.

The Puglia Coastal Walking tour will lead you up to the ancient Messapian town of Castro, where you’ll explore the historic old town before hiking to a hidden swimming inlet. Sip local iced coffee while you walk through Tricase Porto, or dip your feet at Marina Serra.

The Puglia Coastal Walking trip ends in Lecce, a beautiful baroque city you’ll never want to leave. Book your spot on the Puglia Coastal Walking tour today, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Puglia Coastal Walking Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Otranto

Toss your bags on the hotel bed and get out to enjoy the historic centre of Otranto. Dine on Italian food to your heart’s content tonight - you’re carb-loading for the trek ahead!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Otranto
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Otranto loop

Today, you’ll walk alongside a babbling stream in the peaceful Idro Valley. You’ll be surrounded by orange trees, olive groves, and orchards. Hike up through the forest to the San Angelo rock church, and then drop back into Otranto to relax for the evening. Dinner is included tonight.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Otranto
Distance
2 hours, 7.5 km, 96m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 Walk along the Ocean to Porto Badisco

The next adventure of your walking tour of Puglia begins in a maze of narrow streets in the old town of Otranto. You’ll emerge onto a gravelly, flat path that winds around a series of oceanside coves and old WWII bunkers. Take as many stops along the beach as you like- the water never stops tempting you! Eventually, you’ll reach the Punta Palascia lighthouse, which contrasts in bright white against the blue water. On a clear day, you’ll be able to look across the Adriatic all the way to the Albanian mountains, just 71km away.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Porto Badisco
Distance
5 hours, 12.5 km, 270m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Porto Badisco to Santa Cesarea Terme

Start the morning at the lovely inlet of Porto Badisco. Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich from the local supermarket before heading up a shepherd’s path towards an inland plateau. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for “Pagliari”, the round, flat-topped stone buildings where shepherds used to stay. Rest for a minute in the pine tree forest before heading downhill to the spa village of Santa Cesarea Terme, which is great for swimming.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Santa Cesarea Terme
Distance
4 hours, 13 km, 200m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Walk to Marittima

The morning starts with a walk up to the fields near the ancient Messapian town of Castro, wrapped with high stone walls. Grab lunch in the town centre before running down the hill for a swim. Then, walk along the coast to the Acquaviva coast. It’s a lovely secret inlet with a flowing fresh water spring trickling in. You probably won’t want to leave this magical spot, but leave some time to finish your trek to Marittima for the night.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Marittima
Distance
4.5 hours, 11.5 km, 309m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Walk through Olive Groves to Marina Serra

Grab a picnic lunch in Marittima before walking through the nearby olive groves on the way to Tricase Porto. On the way, you’ll see “tratturi”, or the ancient system of roads and pathways used by locals to get to the ocean, orchards, and nearby towns. The view of the sea will lead you to Tricase, where you should definitely grab one of the delicious iced coffees the town is known for. Feel free to take a swim before heading to the hamlet of Marina Serra to unwind in bliss for the night. Dinner’s on the house.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Marina Serra
Distance
4.5 hours, 13.5 km, 310m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Sentiero del Nemico Trail to Gagliano del Capo

The last portion of your walking journey through Puglia starts up the enemy’s path! Don’t worry, the Sentiero del Nemico trail might have been used to ambush unwanted visitors back in the day, but there’s no risk now. You’ll cross over back inland before reaching Novaglie, a rocky beach perfect for a quick rest. Then, you’ll start the most wonderful part of the tour- a walk along the Cipolliane path, named for the caves along the way. It’s simply beautiful all the way to the Ciolo bridge, which is the last of many swimming spots on your journey. Enjoy a final dip before heading up the valley to Gagliano del Capo, where you’ll hop on the train to Lecce. This beautiful Baroque city offers great restaurants for dinner and plenty of lovely sights to enjoy as the sun sets.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Lecce
Distance
5 hours, 12.5 km, 530m elevation gain
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Goodbye, Puglia

While you won’t want to head home, after breakfast it’s time to pack up and start your travels. Until next time!

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Puglia Coastal Walking Price and Dates

This self-guided walking tour of Puglia is always run as a custom tour for your group only, therefore the price depends on your traveling dates and whether you are staying in a single, double or a triple room.

The departure is available at any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on March 20th – May 23rd:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,275USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,125USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $825USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $675USD

Departure on May 24th – June 26th:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,425USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,275USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $875USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $725USD

Departure on June 27st – July 18th:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,495USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,350USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $925USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $750USD

Departure on July 19th – 26th:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,550USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,395USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $950USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $795USD

Departure on September 1st – 15th:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,450USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,275USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $895USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $725USD

Departure on September 16th – 30th:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,425USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,250USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $875USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $725USD

Departure on October 1st – 31st:

  • Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,275USD
  • Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,125USD
  • Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $825USD
  • Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $675USD
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Accommodation on the Puglia Coastal Walking Trip

This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and great locations. Rooms are double occupancy. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season and the size of the group (please check Dates and Prices for more info). However, it’s sometimes possible to match single travellers up.

Hotel San Giuseppe in Otranto

This hotel is built into a 16th-century farmhouse, and the rooms are lovely. They offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TV.

Masseria Panareo in Porto Badisco

Masseria Panareo is nestled into an olive grove, and the rooms are classy, comfortable, and have swimming pool access.

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in Santa Cesarea Terme

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is perched above the coastline. The rooms offer TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a tasty breakfast buffet.

B&B Palazzo Vecchio in Marittima

This unique B&B is built into a renovated castle and offers a swimming pool, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

B&B Il Rifugio dei Lavaturi in Marina Serra

This B&B is a quick walk from the beach, and the spacious rooms offer garden views and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Delle Palme in Lecce

This stunning hotel is a great example of 20th-century Leccese architecture. The rooms are elegantly decorated and large.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Puglia Coastal Walking Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodation for 7 nights is included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes luggage transfers on trekking days; however, you are responsible for any personal transfers needed.

Also Included

  • Route guides and notes
  • Maps and detailed information packs
  • 24/7 telephone guidance and support

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Personal transfers
  • Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tourist taxes (€1.5-3 EUR per person daily)
  • Personal equipment
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Any additional nights before or after the tour
  • Airport transfers

Frequenty Asked Questions about Puglia Coastal Walking

How hard is the Puglia Coastal Walking Trip?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You will walk moderate distances on mostly rocky coastal footpaths, sometimes through low vegetation or bushes. Sometimes the trail is not obviously visible, therefore having good navigation skills is ideal.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Puglia Coastal Walking Trip?

7 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Otranto to start this tour?

If you fly to Bari, you will need to take the train or bus to Bari Centrale station. From there, take the train to Lecce, and then the bus to Otranto. You can fly into Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS). From Brindisi, you can take the Salento Easy Shuttle to Otranto, or take the train to Lecce and then the bus to Otranto.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.

Is the Puglia Coastal Walking tour guided?

No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.

Where does the Puglia Coastal Walking tour end?

The tour ends in Lecce, where you can take the train to Brindisi or Bari and then the bus to the airport.

Are equipment rentals included?

Equipment rentals are not included. Please bring any personal and hiking equipment desired.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Puglia for this tour?

The best time to travel to Italy for the Puglia Coastal Walking tour is from March through October, however, the tour cannot be booked at August because of extremely hot temperatures. The end of July is also not recommended for those who are sensitive to the heat.

Reviews

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You will walk moderate distances on mostly rocky coastal footpaths, sometimes through low vegetation or bushes. Sometimes the trail is not obviously visible, therefore having good navigation skills is ideal.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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