Tour Overview
Embark on the Puglia Coastal Walk, a captivating journey through Italy's stunning landscapes and rich history. This self-guided tour invites you to explore ancient footpaths, known as "tratturi," meandering through orchards and olive groves. Discover the breathtaking Cipolline Path overlooking the sea, and delve into historical sites featuring Roman masterpieces, churches, and fortresses. Experience the vibrant city of Lecce, renowned for its baroque palaces and artisan shops. Visit the easternmost point of Italy at the Punta Palascìa lighthouse and enjoy refreshing swims in the clear coastal waters. Stay in comfortable 3-4 star accommodations, with luggage transfers and travel arrangements included. This adventure promises a blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and leisurely walks, perfect for those seeking a unique Italian experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Otranto
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today you will make your own way to Otranto and check-in at the first hotel. When you've settled in you can step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea and explore Otranto, known as the "Pearl of the Orient". We recommend visiting the historic centre with its famed cathedral, and in the evening delighting your senses as you sample the local delicacies. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Otranto circular walk (2hrs)
Location: Otranto, Monte S. Angelo, S. Angelo rock church
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you head out on a great warm up walk where you will discover the small Idro valley, which gives Otranto (Hidruntum) its name. The Idro river spring is about 5km from Otranto, in a location called Monte S. Angelo. You'll walk through fertile land rich with orchards, olive trees, oranges and a variety of vegetables. The walk starts on the left side of the river, then heads upstream, across fields of olive trees and passes by the S. Angelo rock church. Finally you descend along the right side of the stream as you head back to Otranto. Overnight Otranto.
Walk: 7.5km/4.5mi, ascent: 96m/315ft, descent: 96m/315ft.
Day 3 : Walk to the tiny cove of Porto Badisco via Punta Palascìa lighthouse (5hrs)
Location: Otranto, Punta Palascìa Lighthouse, Porto Badisco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving from Otranto you will walk through the maze of the narrow alleys of the old town until you reach the new port. Here a flat, gravel coastal path contours around a series of coves. You'll pass by several WWII bunkers and can make a short detour to visit an interesting "bauxite lake". Walking along the coast you have the option to take several "beach stops", where you can swim in the clear waters. Continue along the coast towards the clearly visible Punta Palascia Lighthouse. At some points the knee-high Mediterranean vegetation becomes thick and the route may become hard to see, but as long as you have the lighthouse in front and the sea on your left you are on the right track! For the last 2km (1.25mi) before reaching the lighthouse you can follow an alternative route along the main road to avoid the more challenging steep rocky section to the lighthouse. On clear days you can see the Albanian mountains across the Adriatic Sea. Punta Palascìa lighthouse is the easternmost point of Italy and just 71km from Albania. Overnight in Porto Badisco.
Walk: 12.7km/7.9mi, ascent: 270m/886ft, descent: 240m/787ft.
Note: On occasion, this night may be in Santa Cesarea Terme where you stay on day 4, subject to availability. In this case return transfers are included between Porto Badisco & Santa Cesarea Terme but dinner is not included.
Day 4 : Follow a coastal shepherd's path then head to Santa Cesarea Terme (4hrs)
Location: Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first stop of today's walk is the beautiful inlet of Porto Badisco, just before the local bar
ewsagent/supermarket where you can buy a coffee and panino for today’s picnic. Continue along the coast following a shepherd's path, where you will see the typical "pagliari", a round, flat topped, dry stone building where shepherds used to sleep. After around 6km/4mi you leave the coast, climbing up to the inland plateau which is a moderate ascent. Here you follow narrow paths through the fields and will come across a lovely picnic spot in a little pine tree forest that offers shade. The last part of today's walk is on a surfaced road, descending quite steeply to the spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme, which has many great swimming spots. Overnight Santa Cesarea Terme.
Walk: 13km/8mi, ascent: 200m/656ft, descent: 170m/558ft.
Day 5 : Walk to the ancient Messapian town of Castro then ascend to Marittama (4.5hrs)
Location: Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, Acquaviva Cove, Marittima
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On leaving Santa Cesarea, you'll start climbing uphill on a surfaced road until you reach an old gravel/grass dry-stone walled road. Staying inland, you'll follow narrow paths through the fields until you reach the ancient Messapian town of Castro, with its imposing high walls. You can spend some time here exploring the old town and maybe have lunch before descending to the port where you can go swimming. This afternoon, continue along the coast on a uneven, rocky trail to the Acquaviva cove - a beautiful hidden inlet and fantastic swimming spot where a fresh water spring comes out at sea level. The last part of the path climbs up the thickly forested Acquaviva valley towards Marittima, where you will stay tonight.
Walk: 11.5km/7mi, ascent: 309m/1014ft, descent: 245m/804ft.
Day 6 : Walk along traditional tratturi paths towards Marina Serra (4.5hrs)
Location: Marittima, Tricase Porto, Marina Serra
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After buying picnic supplies in Marittima, start your walk for the day. Initially following a surfaced road that winds its way through orchards of olive trees, you'll then see the first of several traditional "tratturi", a system of ancient roads and footpaths used by the locals to go down to the sea or to connect villages and orchards. Each stone tells the story of a hard peasant life. The sea is in front of you when you descend to Tricase Porto, where you can sample a great "caffè in ghiaccio" (iced coffee) and go for a swim. From here you have some asphalt walking to today’s final destination, Marina Serra, a small coastal hamlet with great swimming spots.
Walk: 13.5km/8.5mi, ascent: 310m/1017ft, descent: 370m/1214ft.
Day 7 : Walk the Cipolliane Path towards Gagliano del Capo (5hrs), train to Lecce
Location: Novaglie, Ciolo Bridge, Gagliano del Capo, Lecce
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The last walk of your trip starts on a short uphill trail called Sentiero del Nemico ("enemy's path"), which was once the ideal place to lay an ambush on unexpected visitors. After walking on some asphalt on the coastal road, the trail heads inland on another ancient "tratturi", finally reaching Novaglie, a lovely rocky beach. From here you start walking on the breathtaking "Cipolliane path", which is named after the caves you can visit along the way. This path leads you to the Ciolo bridge, the last great swimming spot of the trip. From the tiny Ciolo cove you walk up the Ciolo valley to Gagliano del Capo. Collect your luggage at the train station (Gagliano Leuca) and take the train to Lecce (approx. 2hrs)*. Overnight in the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, your hotel is located a short block from the train station. Walk: 12.5km/7.9mi, ascent: 530m/1739ft, descent: 380m/1247ft.*Note: In Spring and Autumn there is no public transport on Sundays from Gagliano del Capo train station to Lecce and a private transfer is required - supplement applies.
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Lecce. If you'd like to stay an extra night in Lecce please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights B&Bs and hotels -
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece per person, up to 20kg and dimensions of 60 x 50 x 40 cm.
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Digital information pack
A digital information pack is included, featuring a navigational app, route book, and maps.
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Emergency hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Travel to and from Otranto / Lecce
Travel arrangements to and from Otranto/Lecce are included.
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Transfers using public transport
A train from Gagliano del Capo to Lecce on Day 7 is included, with your luggage.
What's Not Included
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Meals not included
Lunch daily and 5 dinners are not included. Allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc., are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided tour, so no guide is included.
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A supplement for solo travelers or single rooms
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Tourist Tax
Allow EUR12-15 per person, payable directly to the hotels.
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Private transfer on Day 7
A private transfer from Gagliano to Lecce on Day 7 is available for a supplement if Day 7 is a Sunday when the train does not operate.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.
Grading
GRADE 2 - Daily walks between 2 and 5 hours, with a few coastal sections on more difficult rocky paths requiring care (days 3 & 4). During the tour you will walk 70km/43.5mi over 6 days (an average of 11.5km/7mi per day). The walks mostly follow rocky coastal footpaths, sometimes through low vegetation/bushes, mule tracks and footpaths and a few sections of secondary surfaced roads as you enter the villages/towns. Though the distances and elevation are generally short, some of the terrain can be rocky and the trail not always obviously visible. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking. Waymarking - there are no official walking trails maintained by the government in Puglia nor waymarking. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Otranto/Lecce is included, with luggage transfer provided (max 1 piece per person). On Day 7, a train from Gagliano del Capo to Lecce is included, with a private transfer option available on Sundays.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Puglia Coastal Walk?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
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Are meals included in the Puglia Coastal Walk tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners (or 1 dinner if staying at Santa Cesarea Terme on day 3). Lunches and 5 dinners are not included, and you should allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece per person, with a maximum weight of 20kg and size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. Note that on Day 7, luggage transfer is only to Gagliano train station.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the Puglia Coastal Walk?
The tour is graded as GRADE 2, with daily walks between 2 and 5 hours. Some coastal sections on more difficult rocky paths require care, particularly on days 3 and 4. The walks mostly follow rocky coastal footpaths, mule tracks, and footpaths, with some sections on secondary surfaced roads. ...more ...less
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Is the Puglia Coastal Walk guided?
No, this is a self-guided tour, so no guide is included.
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What happens if I have excess luggage?
A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the allowed 1 piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg and size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
The trip concludes in the morning after breakfast in Lecce. If you wish to stay an extra night in Lecce, you can inquire about the rates.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Puglia Coastal Walk
8 Days Starting in Otranto, Italy and ending in Lecce, Italy
Visiting: Otranto, Monte S. Angelo, S. Angelo rock church, Punta Palascìa Lighthouse, Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, Acquaviva Cove, Marittima, Tricase Porto, Marina Serra, Novaglie, Ciolo Bridge, Gagliano del Capo, Lecce ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PGC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
