From footpaths overlooking the sea to those more inland, amidst dense Aleppo pine forests and the scents of the Mediterranean Sea, Salento trekking landscapes are so numerous and varied as to offer everyone pleasant alternatives. For let it not be said that the Salento only means sea; on the contrary, it is now clear that there are many beauties. In fact, for those who love nature walks, hikes or simply strolls, the Salento peninsula has a lot to offer.
We have prepared a guide to the best trekking routes in Salento: our advice, however, is to contact the associations that organise these activities, as the paths are not always signposted. Moreover, local guides are familiar with myths, legends, culture, traditions and the territory and are happy to share their knowledge.
Salento trekking
Salento trekking routes
1. Porto Selvaggio Regional National Park
One of the most beautiful trekking routes in Salento is undoubtedly that in Porto Selvaggio Regional National Park. It became a protected natural area with Regional Law No. 6 of March 15th 2006. It covers about 1,000 hectares and includes three Sites of Community Interest (SCI) Torre Uluzzo – Torre Inserraglio – Palude del Capitano, and numerous areas of archaeological and palaeontological interest, belonging to the municipality of Nardò. In 2007, it was also included by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) in the list of “100 places to save”.
The area is characterised by a rocky and jagged coastline with pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. Along the route, which is fairly simple and accessible, it will be possible to admire various points of interest such as Torre dell’Alto, Torre Uluzzo, Torre Inserraglio, Grotta del Cavallo and much more.
Salento trekking – Porto Selvaggio
2. Trekking from the Grotta della Poesia to Torre dell’Orso/Torre Sant’Andrea
Trekking from the Grotta della Poesia to Torre dell’Orso is a fairly easy excursion accessible to all. We are on the Adriatic coast between dreamy seas, hidden caves, bays and breathtaking landscapes. On the way, you can admire the wonderful bay of “Portulignu”, the grotto of the “Speziale” or “Grotta dei fidanzati”, the “n’foca Ciucci” beach, the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima, the crypt of Roca Vecchia, the suggestive Grotta della Poesia, continuing in the direction of Torre dell’Orso until you reach the “Due Sorelle” beach and the grotto of San Cristoforo, splendid places to which numerous legends are linked.
The route after Torre dell’Orso, could continue until you reach the beautiful stacks of Sant’Andrea, depending on how tired you are.
3. Trekking from the Otranto Bauxite Quarry to Punta Palascia
There are no maps or signs for this trail, but we can certainly say that the colours and landscapes are among the most picturesque of Salento treks. Starting from the port of Otranto, you reach the Torre del Serpe and then the Bauxite Quarry, an extraordinary show of dazzling colours. From here you continue to the Palascia Lighthouse, the most easterly point of the boot, towering imposingly over the sheer rock in the blue Adriatic Sea.
4. The Cipolliane Path in Leuca
The Cipolliane Path is one of Salento’s best known and most popular hiking trails, and it is not difficult to understand why. It is located on the cliff between Marina di Novaglie and the beautiful Ciolo, where there is a bridge connecting the two strips of land, creating one of the most evocative views. The route, about 30 metres above sea level, offers beautiful views, Mediterranean scrub and rural landscapes that take us back in time. The route is slightly more demanding than the previous ones, so we do not recommend it to those who are not sufficiently trained or experienced.
But how long is the Ciolo trail? The Ciolo trail is approximately 4 km long.
5. Punta Pizzo Park
If you are looking for a trekking route in Salento that is simple and free of technical difficulties, the Punta Pizzo Park in Gallipoli is for you. A hike through dense vegetation rich in wild plants with Mediterranean scents, a splendid view of the crystal-clear waters, all the way to Punta della Suina.
6. Cammino del Salento
If you are a fan of trekking, then you cannot miss one of the most beautiful, yet challenging, routes in Salento. A real walk that combines nature, landscapes, faith, friendship and adventure. The Cammino del Salento is a route that starts from Porta Napoli in Lecce and ends in Santa Maria di Leuca with two different routes
- the Via del Mare, 115 km long in 5 stages, characterised by the seascapes of the Adriatic coast;
- the Via dei Borghi, 135 km long in 6 stages, characterised instead by rural landscapes, countryside and sea.
In the last stretch from Otranto downwards, the two routes coincide, continuing along paths, towers, natural pools, caves and bays.
Walking the Cammino del Salento is quite easy, as everything is well organised and signposted, and you can also download a free map from the official Cammino del Salento website.
You can walk the Cammino in three ways:
- together with a small group organised by the association itself, with an escort and luggage transport;
- on your own but organised by the association
- on your own with the Pilgrim’s Passport.
How much does it cost to do the Cammino del Salento?
You can request the Pilgrim’s Passport at a cost of 15 euros.
Where to go hiking in Salento
If you want to go on simple hikes in Salento, without any particular difficulty, we suggest some natural parks that you absolutely cannot miss:
- The Rauccio Park in Lecce;
- Salina dei Monaci;
- Bosco di Tricase and Quercia Vallonea (Tricase);
- Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area;
- Alimini Lakes;
- “Le Cesine” Nature Reserve.
Salento Trekking Associations
For Salento trekking routes, trekking maps and the calendar of events, we advise you to check the websites of the associations that organise trekking in Salento. Unfortunately, trekking routes are not always signposted, so it may be difficult to move around in an unknown territory. With organised tours, on the other hand, you do not run any risks and in addition you make new friends. Here is where you can find more information:
- Speleo trekking Salento
- Naturalmente Salento
- Cammino del Salento
- Tour Eventi Italia
- Avanguardie
- Salento Adventure
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