The Hiking of Salento Coast: from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca
Self-guided hiking tour - 8 Days / 7 Nights
The hike from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca across the Salento Coast, covering various towns and scenic spots stands out for being an adventurous trekking tour ! The tour begins in the baroque city of Lecce, called the Florence of the South, Lecce is one of the most interesting cities in the region for its Baroque Architecture, typical of the 17th Century. With a comfortable taxi you will reach the next day San Foca, the track starts right from the old port tower. We set off in the direction of Roca Vecchia. Roca Vecchia houses the remains of an ancient Messapian city, with megalithic walls and a series of tombs carved into the rock. Inside his archaeological park, the Grotta della Poesia is jealously preserved: a natural cave with a circular freshwater pool. Don't miss the opportunity to take a swim in Torre dell'Orso even out of season. It will be impossible to resist the temptation of a refreshing break in the crystal clear waters of the bay. The track continues and will never cease to amaze you. The Faraglioni of Sant'Andrea will rise in front of you. These stacks are one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region. The Faraglioni are tall pinnacles of limestone that rise directly from the sea. These formations are the result of erosion caused by the action of waves and winds on the coastal limestone rock. Before reaching Frassanito, you will pass through a dense pine forest. The journey continues in the direction of the Alimini Lakes: the coastal lakes that are home to a rich wildlife and an ideal habitat for many local species. Before arriving at your destination: Otranto, you will walk along the coast and you will admire a series of caves from above: Grotta Sfondata, Grotta dell'Eremita, Grotta Verde and Grotta della Monaca. After having walked along the entire Otranto seafront that runs along the port you will already be able to admire the Torre del Serpe. Yo will discover a palette of bright colors in the Orte Area where the Bauxite Quarry, also called Cava d'Otranto, is located. This quarry is famous for its unique landscape, characterized by a series of colorful lakes surrounded by reddish rock walls. The path continues in the direction of the Punta Palascia lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most famous: it is the easternmost in Italy. The route includes a dirt road on the sides of the coast up to the lighthouse. You will stop in Porto Badisco, a seaside village characterized by crystal clear waters and a small inlet. Inhabited since ancient times, it is famous for being the possible "Ficus" mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid, where Aeneas landed and began his journey through Italy. The hike continues towards Santa Cesarea Terme, renowned for its thermal springs and enchanting beaches, including Porto Miggiano Beach, a small beach with crystal clear waters, and Spiaggia delle Fontanelle, surrounded by cliffs and sea caves. You will walk near the Zinzulusa Cave with its rock formations and its particular characteristics, it extends for approximately 1,500 meters and offers spectacular underground scenery. Soon you will have reached Castro. The castle will stand out from the view of the city, the trail will take you to walk on its megalithic walls to reach your accommodation in Castro. The word "Castro" in latin languages can be translated thanks to toponymy as "castle" or "fortress", and refers to the ancient castle located on the cliff overlooking the sea. The route continues to Tricase Porto: a picturesque fishing port, stop for a coffee break in the small bars on the pier. Continue your hike to Tricase, on ancient streets such as the Via Francigena, clearly marked by the religious complexes at the entrance to the city. The last day you will take a comfortable train from Tricase which will take you to Gagliano del Capo in just 17 minutes. And it is from here that the last stage of this journey will begin. From Gagliano del Capo you will reach the coast, more precisely the Marina di Novaglie and its countless caves: the Blue Grotto and the Novaglie Grotto. From here you will follow the beautiful 2.5 km long Cipolliane Path which once served the locals to move goods, especially salt. Each step opens up small treasure chests made of rare plants, colorful insects and small birds that the sea encourages across the east. The smells of the Mediterranean scrub stun us, while the rural landscape made up of dry stone walls and sporadic Pajare takes us back to a recent past. The Ciolo Canal is a spectacular fjord set between a crystalline sea and high rocky walls. Go further south and in a few kilometers the Leuca Lighthouse and the basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae will already be visible, you have reached the extreme south of the Puglia.
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN LECCE
Individual arrival in LECCE. Called the Florence of the South, Lecce is one of the most interesting cities in the region for its Baroque Architecture, typical of the 17th Century. Don't forget to visit Piazza Duomo and Piazza Sant'Oronzo with its amphitheater. Overnight stay in Lecce.
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Day 2. san foca - alimini lakes area
PRIVATE TAXI included in the price from LECCE to SAN FOCA
SAN FOCA - FRASSANITO
Distance: 14 km; elevation: +70m/ -60 m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 4 h
With a comfortable taxi you will reach San Foca, the track starts right from the old port tower. We set off in the direction of Roca Vecchia. Roca Vecchia houses the remains of an ancient Messapian city, with megalithic walls and a series of tombs carved into the rock. Inside the archaeological park, the Grotta della Poesia is jealously preserved: a natural cave with a circular freshwater pool. Roca Vecchia also has a coastal tower, built in the 16th century which constitutes an important historical testimony of the coastal defense of Puglia against pirate incursions. Don't miss the opportunity to take a
swim in Torre dell'Orso even out of season. It will be impossible to resist the temptation of a refreshing break in the crystal clear waters of the bay. The track continues and will never cease to amaze you. The Faraglioni of Sant'Andrea will rise in
front of you. These stacks are one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region. The Faraglioni are tall pinnacles of limestone that rise directly from the sea. These formations are the result of erosion caused by the action of waves and winds on the coastal limestone rock. Before reaching Frassanito, you will pass through a dense pine forest.
Overnight stay in Laghi Alimini Area
SAN FOCA - FRASSANITO
Distance: 14 km; elevation: +70m/ -60 m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 4 h
With a comfortable taxi you will reach San Foca, the track starts right from the old port tower. We set off in the direction of Roca Vecchia. Roca Vecchia houses the remains of an ancient Messapian city, with megalithic walls and a series of tombs carved into the rock. Inside the archaeological park, the Grotta della Poesia is jealously preserved: a natural cave with a circular freshwater pool. Roca Vecchia also has a coastal tower, built in the 16th century which constitutes an important historical testimony of the coastal defense of Puglia against pirate incursions. Don't miss the opportunity to take a
swim in Torre dell'Orso even out of season. It will be impossible to resist the temptation of a refreshing break in the crystal clear waters of the bay. The track continues and will never cease to amaze you. The Faraglioni of Sant'Andrea will rise in
front of you. These stacks are one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region. The Faraglioni are tall pinnacles of limestone that rise directly from the sea. These formations are the result of erosion caused by the action of waves and winds on the coastal limestone rock. Before reaching Frassanito, you will pass through a dense pine forest.
Overnight stay in Laghi Alimini Area
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Day 3. alimini lakes area - otranto
Distance: 15 km; elevation: +90m/-100m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 4h30 m
The Alimini Lakes are the coastal lakes that are home to a rich wildlife and an ideal habitat for many local species. There are two lakes: the Large Lake and the Small Lake. Afterwards you will walk on expanses of Apulian olive trees. Before arriving at your destination: Otranto, you will walk along the coast and you will admire a series of caves from above: Grotta Sfondata, Grotta dell'Eremita, Grotta Verde and Grotta della Monaca. You have almost reached your destination, the beautiful city of Otranto with its Aragonese Castle on the sea and the Cathedral which houses one of the most beautiful mosaics in Puglia will make you fall in love with this town. Overnight stay in Otranto
The Alimini Lakes are the coastal lakes that are home to a rich wildlife and an ideal habitat for many local species. There are two lakes: the Large Lake and the Small Lake. Afterwards you will walk on expanses of Apulian olive trees. Before arriving at your destination: Otranto, you will walk along the coast and you will admire a series of caves from above: Grotta Sfondata, Grotta dell'Eremita, Grotta Verde and Grotta della Monaca. You have almost reached your destination, the beautiful city of Otranto with its Aragonese Castle on the sea and the Cathedral which houses one of the most beautiful mosaics in Puglia will make you fall in love with this town. Overnight stay in Otranto
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Day 4. OTRANTO - PORTO BADISCO
Distance: 17 km; elevation: +290/-290 m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 6h
Today's stage is one of the most challenging. After having walked along the entire Otranto seafront that runs along the port you will already be able to admire the Torre del Serpe. The Torre del Serpe is a coastal tower built in the 16th century, during the period of Spanish domination in Italy. These coastal towers, including the Serpe Tower, were erected for defensive purposes, in order to protect the coast from pirate raids. Today's stop will show you a palette of bright colors, especially in the Orte Area. And this is where the Bauxite Quarry, also called Cava d'Otranto, is located. This quarry is famous for its unique landscape, characterized by a series of colorful lakes surrounded by reddish rock walls. The path continues in the direction of the Punta Palascia lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most famous: it is the easternmost in Italy. The route includes a dirt road on the sides of the coast up to the lighthouse. Once you reach the lighthouse you will have deserved a break with a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. Continue to Porto Badisco, a seaside village characterized by crystal clear waters and a small inlet. Inhabited since ancient times, it is famous for being the possible "Ficus" mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid, where Aeneas landed and began his journey through Italy. The town of Porto Badisco is also famous for its proximity to the Grotta dei Cervi, with its the prehistoric rock paintings contained inside. Overnight stay in Porto Badisco
Today's stage is one of the most challenging. After having walked along the entire Otranto seafront that runs along the port you will already be able to admire the Torre del Serpe. The Torre del Serpe is a coastal tower built in the 16th century, during the period of Spanish domination in Italy. These coastal towers, including the Serpe Tower, were erected for defensive purposes, in order to protect the coast from pirate raids. Today's stop will show you a palette of bright colors, especially in the Orte Area. And this is where the Bauxite Quarry, also called Cava d'Otranto, is located. This quarry is famous for its unique landscape, characterized by a series of colorful lakes surrounded by reddish rock walls. The path continues in the direction of the Punta Palascia lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most famous: it is the easternmost in Italy. The route includes a dirt road on the sides of the coast up to the lighthouse. Once you reach the lighthouse you will have deserved a break with a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. Continue to Porto Badisco, a seaside village characterized by crystal clear waters and a small inlet. Inhabited since ancient times, it is famous for being the possible "Ficus" mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid, where Aeneas landed and began his journey through Italy. The town of Porto Badisco is also famous for its proximity to the Grotta dei Cervi, with its the prehistoric rock paintings contained inside. Overnight stay in Porto Badisco
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Day 5. PORTO BADISCO - CASTRO
Distance: 15,5 km; elevation: +340M/-335m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 5h30
After leaving Porto Badisco, today's route will be the first half on the coast. After leaving the coast via the Malepasso climb, the route continues towards Santa Cesarea Terme. The town is renowned for its thermal springs and enchanting beaches, including Porto Miggiano Beach, a small beach with crystal clear waters, and Spiaggia delle Fontanelle, surrounded by cliffs and sea caves. The splendid Villa Sticchi will certainly catch your eye with all its oriental charm. Before reaching your final destination, you will walk near the Zinzulusa Cave with its rock formations and its particular characteristics, it extends for approximately 1,500 meters and offers spectacular underground scenery. Soon you will have reached Castro. The castle will stand out from the view of the city, the trail will take you to walk on its megalithic walls to reach your accommodation in Castro. The word "Castro" in latin languages can be translated thanks to toponymy as "castle" or "fortress", and refers to the ancient castle located on the cliff overlooking the sea. Overnight stay in Castro.
After leaving Porto Badisco, today's route will be the first half on the coast. After leaving the coast via the Malepasso climb, the route continues towards Santa Cesarea Terme. The town is renowned for its thermal springs and enchanting beaches, including Porto Miggiano Beach, a small beach with crystal clear waters, and Spiaggia delle Fontanelle, surrounded by cliffs and sea caves. The splendid Villa Sticchi will certainly catch your eye with all its oriental charm. Before reaching your final destination, you will walk near the Zinzulusa Cave with its rock formations and its particular characteristics, it extends for approximately 1,500 meters and offers spectacular underground scenery. Soon you will have reached Castro. The castle will stand out from the view of the city, the trail will take you to walk on its megalithic walls to reach your accommodation in Castro. The word "Castro" in latin languages can be translated thanks to toponymy as "castle" or "fortress", and refers to the ancient castle located on the cliff overlooking the sea. Overnight stay in Castro.
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Day 6. CASTRO - TRICASE
Distance: 17,5 km; elevation: +350M/-270m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 6h
Today's itinerary will first take you to the rocky and jagged coast, an easy and clearly visible path will take you to the gates of the Marina di Andrano. The route continues to Tricase Porto: a picturesque fishing port, stop for a coffee break in the small bars on the pier. Continue your journey to Tricase, on ancient streets such as the Via Francigena, clearly marked by the religious complexes at the entrance to the city. Overnight in Tricase.
Today's itinerary will first take you to the rocky and jagged coast, an easy and clearly visible path will take you to the gates of the Marina di Andrano. The route continues to Tricase Porto: a picturesque fishing port, stop for a coffee break in the small bars on the pier. Continue your journey to Tricase, on ancient streets such as the Via Francigena, clearly marked by the religious complexes at the entrance to the city. Overnight in Tricase.
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day 7. TRICASE - GAGLIANO DEL CAPO
TRAIN from TRICASE to GAGLIANO DEL CAPO (17 minutes / 1,20 € per ticket)
GAGLIANO DEL CAPO - SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Distance: 17,5km; elevation: +305m/-450m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 6h
From Tricase station take a comfortable train, which will take you to Gagliano del Capo in just 17 minutes. And it is from here that the last stage of this journey will begin. From Gagliano del Capo you will reach the coast, more precisely the Marina di Novaglie and its countless caves: the Blue Grotto and the Novaglie Grotto. From here you will follow the beautiful 2.5 km long Cipolliane Path which once served the locals to move goods, especially salt. Each step opens up small treasure chests made of rare plants, colorful insects and small birds that the sea encourages across the east. The smells of the Mediterranean scrub stun us, while the rural landscape made up of dry stone walls and sporadic Pajare takes us back to a recent past. Once you reach the Ciolo Canal, included in the territory of Gagliano del Capo, it presents itself as a spectacular fjord set between a crystalline sea and high rocky walls. Go further south and in a few kilometers the Leuca Lighthouse and the basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae will already be visible, you have reached the extreme south of the Puglia region. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
GAGLIANO DEL CAPO - SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Distance: 17,5km; elevation: +305m/-450m; terrain: gravel/paved; time: 6h
From Tricase station take a comfortable train, which will take you to Gagliano del Capo in just 17 minutes. And it is from here that the last stage of this journey will begin. From Gagliano del Capo you will reach the coast, more precisely the Marina di Novaglie and its countless caves: the Blue Grotto and the Novaglie Grotto. From here you will follow the beautiful 2.5 km long Cipolliane Path which once served the locals to move goods, especially salt. Each step opens up small treasure chests made of rare plants, colorful insects and small birds that the sea encourages across the east. The smells of the Mediterranean scrub stun us, while the rural landscape made up of dry stone walls and sporadic Pajare takes us back to a recent past. Once you reach the Ciolo Canal, included in the territory of Gagliano del Capo, it presents itself as a spectacular fjord set between a crystalline sea and high rocky walls. Go further south and in a few kilometers the Leuca Lighthouse and the basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae will already be visible, you have reached the extreme south of the Puglia region. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
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day 8. departure day
If you have time, enjoy one last morning walk along the seafront first. Have breakfast and say “Goodbye Puglia!”
Price details
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what is included:
not included:
supplements:
SINGLE ROOM: +30 % on the base quote AUGUST SUPPLEMENT: From: 05th Aug To: 20th Aug Category Economy: € +240 per pax Category Deluxe: € +475 per pax |
LOW SEASON
From: 08th Jan To: 31st May
From: 23rd Sept To: 22th Dec
From: 23rd Sept To: 22th Dec
MID SEASON
From: 01st June To: 14th July
From: 24th Aug To: 22nd Sept
From: 24th Aug To: 22nd Sept
HIGH SEASON
From: 23th March To: 1st April
From: 15th July To: 23rd Aug
From: 23rd Dec To: 7th Jan
From: 15th July To: 23rd Aug
From: 23rd Dec To: 7th Jan
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Apulia Bike Tours
Bike & Hike Srl Via Annibale De Leo, 19 San Vito dei Normanni (BR) 72019 P. Iva: IT 02475020745 Licenza Regionale 06.11.2006 no. 873 Fondo di Garanzia IL SALVAGENTE Pol. n 2022/1-0571 - Garanzia Assicurativa R.C. Unipol Sai Pol. 1/72076/319/189831229 |
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Contact us:
e-mail: booking@bikeandhikeitalia.com tel: +39 0831 172 1226 mob: +39 39 111 677 13 |
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