Undiscovered Puglia Walk - Discovering the South-East Coast

Walking information

The walking predominately follows dirt tracks, quiet country lanes and coastal paths which are exposed to the sun. Routes are very gentle with the occasional longer, gradual ascent or a short steep section. Walking boots are recommended.

Day 1: Arrive in Lecce

Admire the city's superb Baroque architecture before dinner.
You stay at La Bella Lecce (breakfast included)

Day 2: Lecce/Botanical Gardens to Otranto (13km/8.1mi)

We take you to the lush and colourful La Cutura Botanical Gardens, home to one of the largest private collections of rare tropical flora in Southern Italy. From here, set off through olive groves and past ancient stones, seemingly fallen from nowhere, as you head to the coast and spectacular Otranto.
You stay at Hotel Albania (breakfast included)

Day 3: Otranto to Uggiano La Chiesa (14km/8.7mi)

There's time to explore Otranto and its Romanesque cathedral, home to the famous 'tree of life' mosaic, then a glorious coastal path takes you past the stunning lunar landscape of the Blue Lake en route to Italy's easternmost tip, from where you can see as far as Albania on a clear day! End the day in the small village of Uggiano La Chiesa.
You stay at Masseria Gattamora (breakfast included)

Day 4: Uggiano la Chiesa to Santa Cesarea Terme (15km/9.3mi)

Wild flowers and sea views abound on today's walk as you follow the coastal path skirting the Sant'Emiliano promontory, topped by its panoramic 16th century lookout tower - built to protect the area from marauding pirates! The azure seas blend with impossibly blue skies as you continue to Porto Badisco - the perfect stop for a scenic lunch - before a gentle walk with more far reaching views takes you to the thermal resort of Santa Cesarea.
You stay at Villa Cesarea (breakfast included)

Day 5: Santa Cesarea Terme to Castro (8km/5.0mi)

A shorter walk today with a background of lush hills and glittering waters, to the exceptionally beautiful town of Castro. Relax on its sunny terraces, bathe in the sea, visit the archaeological museum or the phenomenal Zinzulusa Cave - so called for the stalactites that seemingly hang like rags (zinzuli) from the cave ceiling. There is so much here to enjoy.
You stay at Hotel degli Ulivi (breakfast included)

Day 6: Castro to Tricase (16km/9.9mi)

Follow a coastal trail, fragrant with wild herbs, to the beautiful inlet of Acquaviva, with its pretty beach and picturesque marina. Then it's truly outstanding walking along age old trails boasting superb sea vistas, accompanied by the murmur of ocean waves, before heading inland to Tricase with its narrow winding alleyways and magnificent central piazza.
You stay at B&B Rosa dei Venti (breakfast included)

Day 7: Novaglie to Santa Maria di Leuca (11km/6.8mi)

After a short transfer to the pretty harbour at Novaglie, a spectacular clifftop trail winds its way through a breathtaking landscape of rocky cliffs dotted with euphorbia and prickly pear, with stunning views over the coastline and azure waters beyond. Today's final stretch runs along the Via Francigena del Sud, as you follow in the steps of pilgrims en route to the Holy Land to the Sanctuary at Santa Maria di Leuca.
You stay at Hotel Terminal (breakfast included)

Day 8: Leave Santa Maria di Leuca