Salento Walk
Discovering a wonderful area of Puglia, walking alongside the sea to get to the southernmost point of the heel of Italy
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 of 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.
SERVICES
REFUELING POINTS
There are small stores and supermarkets at the STAGE points, except at Marina Serra. In Santa Cesarea Terme open only in summer.
PHARMACIES
There are pharmacies in Lecce, San Foca, Torre dell’Orso, Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme (summer only), Castro, Tiggiano, Corsano, and Leuca.
SIGNAGE
Signage present along the Salento Trail.
ROAD BOTTOM.
28% asphalt (low-traffic neighborhood roads)
IN TENT
Where can one set up camp?
Among the conventions related to pilgrim’s passports are campgrounds. Some affiliated b&Bs provide gardens.
Bivouac tolerated (avoid summer)
CREDENTIALS
Along the Salento Trail there is a 15€ Pilgrim’s Passport + list of affiliated facilities
CONTACTS
E-mail: info@camminodelsalento.it
Cel: 3382656261 (whatsapp only)
STAGE 01
STAGE 01: Lecce – San Foca 25 km
From Porta Napoli you enter the city’s historic center, where you can admire the Palazzo dei Celestini and the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Roman Amphitheater. From Piazza Sant’Oronzo, continue to the left in the direction of Castello (for the Via dei Borghi you must proceed to the right in the direction of Porta San Biagio). Via country roads you reach the village of Acaya, a beautiful example of a fortified town, where you also receive the first stamp on the Pilgrim’s Passport! Once on the beach, continue along the coast, with the sea always on the left!
STAGE 02
STAGE 02: San Foca – Otranto 23 km
We continue from San Foca on the bike path and on a backdunal path, arriving in Roca. Having admired the tower on the small island, we enter the Archaeological Park of Roca Vecchia and Grotta della Poesia (free admission by showing the Pilgrim’s Passport).
After a short distance, you arrive at Torre dell’Orso, follow the path to the two sisters and reach the stacks of Torre Sant’Andrea, a work of art of nature. You walk a short distance along the beach, arriving at the bridge of the Alimini lakes. Continuing through the pine forest, you reach the Bay of Turks and finally Otranto.
STAGE 03
STAGE 03: Otranto – Santa Cesarea Terme 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 04
STAGE 04: Santa Cesarea Terme – Marina Serra 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, head down to Castro Marina.
We continue via the belvedere path, the serra del mito path, passing the torre del sasso, the seven pajare and arriving at Tricase porto. Finally, you reach Marina Serra, famous for its fabulous swimming pool natural.
STAGE 05
STAGE 05: Marina Serra – Santa Maria di Leuca 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 land and sea arriving at the Ciolo inlet.
You reach Gagliano del Capo via a route dotted with caves and cliffs, and continuing on vicarious roads you arrive at Erma Antica, where the rite 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 Way.
