TheCamino del Salentois an exciting route that combines the wild charm ofthe Mediterranean naturewith thehistorical and cultural richness of one of the most fascinating people of Italy. This walking itinerary, which winds through spectacular coasts, ancient villages and centuries-old olive groves, allows you to discover an authentic and evocative Salento, far from the clichés of mass tourism. Every step is an immersion in the beauty of Puglia, among the scents of Mediterranean scrub, ancient farms and landscapes overlooking two seas. A unique experience for those looking for a slow journey, in harmony with nature and local traditions.
If you are thinking of organizing your own Camino del Salento in this article you will find all the information you need .
General information on the Camino del Salento Puglia
The Cammino del Salento is a hiking itinerary that crosses the southern end of Puglia, allowing you to explore the area on foot, immersed in the nature and history of the region. It is a long-distance route that connects some of the most iconic places of Salento, from the Adriatic coasts passing through rural landscapes, centuries-old olive groves, ancient farms, and villages rich in traditions.
The path winds through several stages, generally practicable over several days, which allow you to explore not only the natural beauty, such as the coastal caves and the cliffs overlooking the sea, but also the cultural heritage, with archaeological sites, baroque churches and watchtowers. The Cammino del Salento is designed to be undertaken in a slow and sustainable way, offering a unique opportunity to experience Salento in an authentic way, far from the most crowded tourist circuits. It is accessible to hikers of various levels, with easy and more challenging sections, but always with the possibility of enjoying breathtaking views and direct contact with nature.
This route, born from an idea of young entrepreneurs from Puglia, is divided into different stages, proposing two different itineraries.
Way of Salento stages
The Salento Way route, as we mentioned, offers two main itineraries:
- The Via del Mare: This 115 kilometre-long route focuses on the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and covering 5 stages.
- The Via dei Borghi: This itinerary, 135 kilometers long, goes into the hinterland, allowing you to discover ancient villages, farms and underground oil mills, touching 6 stages.
In the last stretch south of Otranto, the two routes join, following an itinerary that winds through paths, coastal towers, natural pools, caves and enchanting bays.
Way of Salento Via del Mare stages
First stage of the Camino del Salento: Lecce – San Foca
The “Via del Mare” route of the Cammino del Salento starts from Lecce, near Porta Napoli, a triumphal arch that marks the entrance to the historic center. Here it is possible to admire the Palazzo dei Celestini, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Roman Amphitheatre. From Piazza Sant’Oronzo, continue towards the Castle and then exit Lecce via Via Merine.
The route continues towards Merine and then towards Acaya, a beautiful example of a fortified city. We recommend a visit to the square with the clock tower before continuing towards the Cesine nature reserve.
After reaching Cesine beach, continue along the coast, passing Torre Specchia Ruggeri up to the San Foca seafront.
- Distance: 25 km
- Terrain: Asphalt and dirt road
- Travel time: 6 hours
Second stage of the Camino del Salento: San Foca – Otranto
We start from San Foca, following the cycle path and crossing a small beach until reaching the Roca Vecchia Archaeological Park and the Grotta della Poesia.
The journey continues towards Torre dell’Orso, with the famous stacks of the Two Sisters, and then along the coastal path up to the stacks of Torre Sant’Andrea, a spectacular natural work.
After admiring the Scoglio Tafaluro, you cross the pine forest towards the Alimini Lakes, continuing on an equipped path that leads to the Baia dei Turchi. The last part of the stage ends with the arrival in Otranto.
- Distance: 24.6 km
- Terrain: Dirt road
- Travel time: 6.5 hours
Third stage of the Camino del Salento: Otranto – Santa Cesarea Terme
We start from Otranto, passing through the Castle and continuing along a coastal trek that includes the Torre del Serpe, the Masseria Orte and the Palascìa lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy. You then arrive at Porto Badisco, famous for its sea urchins and the landing place of Aeneas.
The journey continues along paths and local roads up to Santa Cesarea Terme, with its Mother Church of the Sacred Heart and the characteristic Palazzo Sticchi.
- Distance: 22.6 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 6 hours
Fourth stage of the Camino del Salento: Santa Cesarea Terme – Marina Serra
Continuing along the Cammino del Salento, you just need to walk 800 meters to reach the bay of Porto Miggiano. We then continue on asphalt roads and paths up to Castro. From here, you descend towards Castro Marina and follow a challenging coastal stretch up to Cala dell’Acquaviva.
The route continues along panoramic paths, passing through Tricase Porto, renowned for its waters, and finally arriving at Marina Serra, famous for its natural swimming pool.
- Distance: 24 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 6 hours
Fifth stage of the Camino del Salento: Marina Serra – Santa Maria di Leuca
The stage begins with the Sentiero del Nemico, which leads to the Baronial Palace Serafini-Sauli in Tiggiano. We then continue towards Corsano and the Marina di Novaglie, passing coastal towers and caves.
Crossing the Sentiero delle Cipolliane, you arrive at Ciolo, where a bridge 40 meters from the sea connects two high rocks. From here we continue towards Gagliano del Capo.
The route ends in Santa Maria di Leuca, with its 284 steps leading to the Santuario de Finibus Terrae, the final destination of the Cammino del Salento.
- Distance: 20 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 6 hours
Way of Salento Via dei Borghi stages
First stage of the Camino del Salento: Lecce – Sternatia
The route of the “Via de Borghi” of the Cammino del Salento begins at Porta Napoli and, also on this route, you can admire the Palazzo dei Celestini, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Church of Santa Chiara and Porta San Biagio. The route also includes the Lecce Urban Forest, which can be visited with WWF guides.
After leaving Lecce through secondary streets, you arrive at San Cesario, known for its distilleries and the Palazzo Ducale, enriched with mythological statues. Along the way towards San Donato di Lecce, you come across the Madonna della Giggiola Chapel.
We continue towards Galugnano where the church of the Madonna della Neve is located, a well-preserved medieval area with pagghiare and menhir. The stage ends in Sternatia, a center in the Greco-Salento area, where griko is still spoken. Worth visiting are the Granafei baronial palace, the underground oil mill and the Porta Filia, linked to traditional community rites.
- Distance: 21.7 km
- Terrain: Asphalt
- Travel time: 5 hours
Second stage of the Camino del Salento: Sternatia – Corigliano d’Otranto
The second stage passes through Soleto, famous for the Church of Santo Stefano, which represents the meeting between Salento and the East, and the spire of Raimondello Orsini. We then continue to Galatina, where there is the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a national monument since 1870.
Continuing along the marked route, you arrive at Corigliano d’Otranto, where you can admire the castle, the Lucchetti Arch, Palazzo Comi, the Mother Church with the floor mosaic and the Chapel of San Leonardo.
- Distance: 20 km
- Terrain: Asphalt and dirt road
- Travel time: 4 hours
Third stage of the Camino del Salento: Corigliano – Otranto
The stage begins in Melpignano with a visit to the Church and Convent of the Augustinians, the Palazzo Marchesale and the Porticoes of Piazza San Giorgio. Through country roads you reach Cursi, famous for the Lecce stone quarries and Palazzo Maramonte.
After 7 km you will find the Santuario di Montevergine, linked to a local legend. The route also passes through Giurdignano, known as a megalithic garden, and the Selva del Turchese. Finally, you arrive at Otranto, with its historic center, the Cathedral, the Church of San Pietro and the Aragonese Castle, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
- Distance: 26.5 km
- Terrain: Asphalt and dirt road
- Travel time: 7 hours
Fourth stage of the Camino del Salento: Otranto – Santa Cesarea Terme
This stage offers spectacular coastal trekking. You pass by the Torre del Serpe, the Masseria Orte, the former bauxite quarry lake and the Palascìa lighthouse, the easternmost point in Italy. You reach Porto Badisco, famous for the first landing of Aeneas, with a fresh water spring that flows into the sea.
After crossing panoramic paths, you arrive at Santa Cesarea Terme, where you can visit the Mother Church of the Sacred Heart, Palazzo Sticchi and the bay of Porto Miggiano.
- Distance: 22.6 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 5.5 hours
Fifth stage of the Camino del Salento: Santa Cesarea Terme – Marina Serra
The route crosses the Cala dell’Acquaviva and the belvedere nature trail. We continue passing the Sasso tower and the seven pajare, up to Tricase Porto, awarded with the 3 Sails of Legambiente.
Finally, we reach Marina Serra, known for its splendid natural swimming pool.
- Distance: 24 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 6 hours
Sixth stage of the Camino del Salento: Marina Serra – Santa Maria di Leuca
The route passes through the Serafini-Sauli Baronial Palace of Tiggiano and continues towards Corsano, with its Capece Feudal Palace. You then arrive at Marina di Novaglie, famous for its coastal towers and sea caves.
The path continues along the Sentiero delle Cipolliane, overlooking the sea, up to the Ciolo inlet and then to Gagliano del Capo. The final destination is Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Santuario de Finibus Terrae is located, accessible via 284 steps from the monumental waterfall.
- Distance: 22.3 km
- Terrain: Dirt road and asphalt
- Travel time: 5.5 hours
www.camminodelsalento.it
The Pilgrim’s Passport
The Pilgrim’s Passport is the official document for those who travel the Camino del Salento, certifying identity and motivations. Includes sections for stamps, travel diary, route advice, water points, checklist and useful information. With it you have access to discounts in affiliated facilities, free entrances such as to the Grotta della Poesia, and a souvenir magnet. By participating in the purchase, you contribute to the maintenance and promotion of the journey. The cost is €15, with fast or standard shipping available.
Salento path gpx
The Camino del Salento is marked with orange arrows, but we advise you to always carry the GPX tracks with you to be safer. With a GPS app on your smartphone, you can easily view your route and track your location in real time. Just download the GPX file and open it with an app like Komoot. Don’t forget a powerbank in your backpack, so your phone won’t leave you halfway! You can also save battery by downloading the offline map and turning off data. If you need updated GPX tracks, you can request them on the Cammino del Salento website.
Salento path difficulty
The Cammino del Salento will offer you a variety of challenges: you will cross asphalt sections and dirt paths, with some rougher routes that could test your endurance. Daily stages range from 20 to 26 km and can take 4 to 7 hours of walking, with some moderate climbs along the way. In some more isolated areas, you may find fewer services and accommodation options, so it is important to prepare well. Make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes and a good map or GPS track to orient yourself.
To experience your journey you can choose between three modes:
- Join a small group organized by the association, with a companion and luggage transport service.
- Travel the path independently, but with the organization managed by the association.
- Live the experience in complete autonomy, using the Pilgrim Passport.
How much does the Salento journey cost?
The cost of the Cammino del Salento can vary depending on your personal choices and the period. In general, for accommodation, you can spend between 30 and 80 euros per night, depending on whether you opt for a hostel, a bed and breakfast, a farmhouse or a hotel. For meals, the average cost can be 15-25 euros per day if you eat out, while preparing your own meals could drop to 10-15 euros. Don’t forget to also consider the costs of transport to and from the starting point, and for insurance and necessary equipment. In total, you could estimate a daily expense of around 50-100 euros, but you can adapt the budget according to your preferences and needs.
Salento route by bike
Doing the Cammino del Salento by bike is an excellent idea if you love cycling and want to discover this fascinating region from a different perspective. The Cammino del Salento route was originally designed for trekking on foot, but many people adapt it for cycling, taking advantage of the existing network of roads and paths. However, there are specific routes designed for Salento by bikethat may interest you.
Cammino del Salento when to go?
If you are thinking of doing the Cammino del Salento, the best time to experience it to the fullest is during spring, between April and May, or in autumn, between September and October. In these months, the temperatures are pleasant and the landscape is truly breathtaking: spring offers you flowers and nature in full bloom, while autumn gives you warm colors and a cool climate, even if sometimes there can be some rain. Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, so be prepared to pay attention to hydration and plan your stops to avoid the hottest hours. In winter, although temperatures are milder than other parts of Italy, the climate can be cool and rainy, and some facilities may be closed.
