Paths of Salento: stages, where to sleep, Via del Mare

Trekking in Salento: explore the most enchanting routes

  Salento is a fascinating land that offers a wide range of natural and historical landscapes, ideal for those who love nature and culture. Among the many attractions of the region, trekking is an activity that allows you to discover the beauties of Puglia in a more intense and rewarding way.

Trekking routes in Salento

Trekking in Salento is an experience not to be missed for lovers of nature and adventure. Puglia, and Salento in particular, offers numerous trekking routes that cross its breathtaking landscapes, from unspoilt beaches to cliffs overlooking the sea, from lush woods to nature reserves. Furthermore, the paths offer the opportunity to discover ancient villages and art cities, such as Lecce, famous for its Lecce Baroque, Lecce stone and papier-mâché. These routes are suitable for everyone, from beginners to the most experienced, and can be walked on foot or by bicycle.

 

Paths of Salento: stages and where to sleep

The paths of Salento are some of the most famous and evocative routes in Puglia. This route starts from the historic centre of Lecce, reaching Roca Vecchia with its millennia-old archaeological site and the famous Grotta della Poesia, all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia, defined as de finibus terrae. During the walk, hikers can admire unspoilt beaches, cliffs overlooking the sea, lush woods and nature reserves. Furthermore, the route also passes through ancient villages and art cities, such as Otranto with its Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its famous floor mosaic and the chapel with the relics of the Martyrs of Otranto. The paths of Salento are made up of several stages, each with unique and fascinating characteristics. Hikers can choose to complete the route in one go or to divide it into several stages, stopping at hotels or agriturismi along the way. Stage 1: Otranto – Giurdignano The first stage of the Paths of Salento starts from Otranto, a city famous for its Romanesque cathedral and its tourist port. The route crosses the Porto Badisco Nature Reserve and continues towards the city of Giurdignano, known for its dolmens and menhirs. Stage 2: Giurdignano – Maglie The second stage takes visitors through the heart of the Salento countryside, among olive groves and vineyards, to the city of Maglie. Here, visitors can admire the noble palaces and the Baroque church of San Nicola. Stage 3: Maglie – Castro The third stage of the Paths of Salento takes visitors to the coast, through the Regional Natural Park “Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase”, to the city of Castro. This city, situated on a rocky promontory, offers a spectacular view of the coast. Stage 4: Castro – Santa Cesarea Terme The fourth stage of the Paths of Salento continues along the coast, through the cities of Marittima and Diso, to Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its thermal waters and sea caves. Stage 5: Santa Cesarea Terme – Porto Badisco The fifth stage takes visitors to the city of Porto Badisco, located within the nature reserve of the same name. Here, visitors can enjoy an unspoilt beach and still wild nature. Stage 6: Porto Badisco – Otranto The sixth stage brings visitors back to Otranto, through the city of Uggiano La Chiesa and the Alimini beach. Here, visitors can once again admire the Romanesque cathedral and the tourist port. Stage 7: Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca The seventh stage takes visitors along the Adriatic coast, through the cities of Torre dell’Orso and San Foca, to the extreme tip of the region, Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. Stage 8: Santa Maria di Leuca – Specchia The eighth stage crosses the Salento countryside, among dry-stone walls and olive groves, to the city of Specchia, known for its noble palaces and its Baroque architecture. Stage 9: Specchia – Nardò The ninth stage takes visitors through the city of Presicce, known for its underground passages, and the city of Galatina, famous for its church of San Caterina. The route then continues towards the city of Nardò, known for its well-preserved historic centre and its cathedral. Stage 10: Nardò – Lecce The tenth and final stage of the Paths of Salento takes visitors to the city of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its Baroque architecture and artistic beauties. The route crosses the Salento countryside, with a view of the Torre del Parco, an ancient medieval monument, before entering the city of Lecce through the Porta Rudiae. Here visitors can admire the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Castle of Carlo V, as well as many other places of interest. With this final stage, the Paths of Salento conclude after approximately 200 kilometres.

Via del Mare

The Via del Mare is a stage that offers a unique panorama of the crystal-clear sea of Puglia. This stage is particularly suited to those who love walking along the coast, immersed in unspoilt natural landscapes and a relaxing atmosphere. The Via del Mare is a route of approximately 115 km that starts from Lecce and arrives at Santa Maria di Leuca, passing through some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. The route is suitable for hikers of all levels, as it features flat stretches and others slightly more challenging, but always within reach of anyone used to walking. Along the route, you can encounter small fishing villages and admire the beauty of the Salento coast. As for accommodation, along the Paths of Salento there are many solutions for sleeping, from rooms in agriturismi to more luxurious accommodations, such as hotels or bed & breakfasts. It is important to book in advance to ensure you find a place, especially during the summer months.

Spiritual paths of Puglia

The spiritual paths in Puglia can be walked on foot, by bicycle and are suitable for people of all ages. Along the routes, it is possible to visit places of worship such as churches, monasteries and sanctuaries, and to pray and meditate in an unspoilt natural environment. Furthermore, the Paths of Salento also offer the possibility of experiencing unique spiritual experiences, through the spiritual paths that cross Puglia. These routes, which combine the scenic and cultural beauty of the region with inner search, offer walkers the opportunity to find inner peace and to get in touch with their own spirituality.

Trekking in Salento: conclusions

In conclusion, trekking in Salento offers many opportunities to live unforgettable experiences, both from a naturalistic and spiritual point of view. The Paths of Salento, the Via del Mare and the spiritual paths in Puglia are just some of the many attractions that this region has to offer visitors, and are certainly a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Puglia and to find oneself. If you too want to experience the emotion of the Paths of Salento, book Hotel Mare Blu, a hotel in Roca Vecchia that represents the ideal solution for a stopover to sleep, receiving our warm welcome. To find out more, click here for the offer reserved for all walkers.