Cammino del Salento - Via dei Borghi
A journey of discovery of Salento that winds through the villages of inland areas and the easternmost coast of Italy, embracing people rich in different values, colors, flavors and identities.
Two routes and one destination: the De Finibus Terrae sanctuary in Leuca, where Italy ends, the end of the land that becomes a peninsula, between the Ionian and Adriatic seas. It is a path of discovery that winds through the villages of inland areas and the easternmost coast of Italy, embracing people rich in different values, colors, flavors and identities. It is Porta Napoli in Lecce that is the starting point for both routes. After crossing the historic center and arriving in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the two routes divide: for the Via del Mare, one must proceed toward the Carlo V Castle, while for the Via dei Borghi toward Porta San Biagio.
STAGE-BY-STAGE SERVICES
REFUELING POINTS
Present at stopover points, except at Marina Serra. In Santa Cesarea Terme open only in summer.
PHARMACIES
Present in almost every village crossed. Santa Cesarea Terme (summer only).
ROAD BOTTOM.
36% asphalt (low-traffic neighborhood roads)
IN TENT
Where can one camp out?
Among the conventions related to pilgrim’s passports are campgrounds. Some affiliated b&Bs provide gardens.
Bivouac tolerated (avoid summer)
CREDENTIAL
Pilgrim’s Passport 15€ + list of affiliated facilities
CONTACTS
E-mail: info@camminodelsalento.it – Phone: 3382656261 (whatsapp only)
STAGE 01
ROUTE 01: Lecce – Sternatia
Length: 22 km
It is Porta Napoli in Lecce the starting point of the Salento Pilgrim’s Way, the first stamp on the Pilgrim’s Passport. Leaving the town you arrive in San Cesario, with its distilleries and the Ducal Palace full of mythological statues. Before reaching San Donato, one encounters the Madonna della Giggiola chapel in the middle of the road! Among noble palaces, pagghiare and menhirs on the outskirts of Galugnano, a glimpse of the Middle Ages that has remained unchanged: the church of Madonna della Neve. We proceed on our way to Sternatia, the town with the highest percentage of “griko” speakers, the ancient Hellenic idiom.
STAGE 02
ROUTE 02: Sternatia – Corigliano D’Otranto.
Length: 20 km
The journey continues with Soleto and its Church of Santo Stefano, an example of coexistence between Salento and the East. We pass through Galatina, city of the pasticciotto: not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. Following the route marked with orange arrows, we arrive in Corigliano d’Otranto, where the end-of-stage stamp awaits us in the beautiful castle and the Chiesa Matrice with its floor mosaic.
STAGE 03
ROUTE 03: Corigliano d’Otranto – Otranto.
Length: 26.5 km
Follow the orange arrow to Melpignano and Cursi, passing near the quarries where the famous pietra leccese stone is extracted. Continuing after Bagnolo is the Sanctuary of Montevergine. You reach Giurdignano, the megalithic garden of Italy, with its dolmens and menhirs. Through the Selva del Turchese and the Valle dell’Idro you finally reach Otranto. Finally the Adriatic Sea, which will be your companion until the end of the Salento Trail.
STAGE 04
ROUTE 04: Otranto – Santa Cesarea Terme.
Length: 22 km
Follow the marked path to reach the castle and descend from the moat to the harbor. Through a breathtaking coastal trek you reach the tower of the serpent, masseria orte, the small lake formerly a bauxite quarry, the palascìa lighthouse (Italy’s most easterly point), Sant’Emiliano tower, to Porto Badisco. Via paths and the Via Appia Calabro Salentina, passing Masseria Grande, we finally reach Santa Cesarea Terme, where we receive a beautiful stamp on the Pilgrim’s Passport!
STAGE 05
ROUTE 05: Santa Cesarea Terme – Marina Serra
Length: 23 km
Follow the orange arrow to reach the bay of Porto Miggiano and Castro, called the pearl of Salento. Having visited the historic center of the small village, after receiving the stamp in the castle, you descend to Castro Marina. Continue via the belvedere path, the serra del mito path, passing the sasso tower, the seven pajare and arriving at Tricase porto. You finally reach Marina Serra, famous for its fabulous swimming pool natural.
CAPTION 06
ROUTE 06: Marina Serra – Santa Maria di Leuca
Length: 22 km
Through the path of the Enemy and vicarious roads you reach the Baronial Palace of Tiggiano, from whose courtyard there is access to a splendid garden with orchard and a dovecote tower. You then reach Corsano, and then continue to Marina di Novaglie where the spectacular Cipolliane path begins, on the boundary line between the land and the sea arriving at the Ciolo inlet. You reach Gagliano del Capo via a path dotted with caves and cliffs, and continuing on vicarious roads you arrive at Erma Antica, where the ritual of the stones of the ancient pilgrims is performed.
Arriving at the foot of the monumental waterfall of Santa Maria di Leuca 284 steps separate you from the Santuario de Finibus Terrae, the final destination of the Salento Trail.
