La Rotta dei due Mari

Stage 01: Polignano a Mare – Castellana Grotte

Length: 19.9 km
Travel time: 5.17 h
Height difference: +315/-35

Legend has it that in the 8th century B.C. the Spartan hero Phalanthus, consulting the Delphic oracle, learned that he would come to the land of Saturus and found a city at the place where he saw rain falling from a clear, cloudless sky. The oracle came true when Phalanthus arrived at the mouth of the river Tara and fell asleep leaning on the lap of his wife Ethra, who bathed his face with her own tears.

Traditional chronology assigns the date of the founding of Tarentum to 706 BC.

Sources handed down by the historian Eusebius of Caesarea speak of the transfer to this area of the Spartan Falanthus, son of the noble Aratus and descendant of 8th generation Heracles and other compatriots called Partheni, sons of the virgins of Sparta.

Stage 02: Castellana Grotte – Alberobello

Length: 18.55 km
Walking time: 4.50 h
Height difference: +220/-100

A city famous throughout the world for its trulli, there are more than a thousand of them scattered among the narrow streets of the Monti and Aia Piccola districts, so much so that the historic center has been included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List. The settlement is named after “Silvia Arboris Belli” because it was originally surrounded by oak forests. You will be enchanted by the small village, and photography lovers will have a thousand ideas for their scrapbook. Let yourself get lost in its narrow streets and take advantage of the night to enjoy the magical atmosphere. Only caution: the magic of Alberobello is addictive!

Stage 03: Alberobello – Locorotondo

Length: 20 km
Walking time: 5.30 h
Height difference: +140/-150

The town stands out on the hilltop overlooking the Valle d’Itria The characteristic old town that spreads out in a circular fashion, hence its peculiar name, is characterized by many narrow streets surrounded by rows of low whitewashed houses A gem of Locorotondo, and you will see this as you walk through its vozze, are the countless and colorful vases of flowers that seem to protrude from the balconies and balustrades. Another characteristic feature of this town are the so-called cummèrse, that is, the very sloping roofs characteristic of Locorotondo’s houses and made from a native stone.

In its charming historic center you can visit the Mother Church of St. George Martyr and the older Church of the Madonna della Greca. Don’t miss an aperitif on the “Lungomare” where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Itria Valley and the sea breeze that accompanies the summer evenings enlivened by the LOCUS FESTIVAL.

Stage 04: Locorotondo – Martina Franca

Length: 16.23 km
Walking time: 4.30 h
Height difference: +170/-140

Located on the southern Murgia plateau, the town was founded in the 10th century, when some citizens, fleeing the Saracen devastation of Taranto, built a village on Mt. St. Martin.

Martina Franca retains a timeless beauty, showcased especially by its illustrious Baroque-style buildings that are its crowning glory. The monumental symbol is its beautiful Basilica of San Martino. Martina Franca’s historic center reserves many other wonders that are the work of human ingenuity; in addition to other noteworthy churches, this city also offers to the eye many civic buildings that have been key players in the history of the place.

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Martina Franca, and the nightlife is characterized by clubs of all kinds and for all kinds of evenings, Highly recommended to get lost through its intricate cobbled streets and then find yourself to enjoy at every corner, at every turn an infinity of notes, scents, and lights that will leave you in love with this beautiful town.

Stage 05: Martina Franca – Crispiano

Length: 29.05 km
Walking time: 7.30 h
Height difference: +200/-390

Just 15 kilometers from Taranto as the crow flies, Crispiano is known for being the territory of “The Hundred Farms,” and the town still retains intact its simple nature that is deeply tied to the land.

The territory of Crispiano has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous finds from the Greek era, including a very interesting “grave goods” from the 4th century that constitutes one of the most important pieces of the famous “Ori di Taranto.” The small town stands on both sides of the Vallone Lizzitello where you can admire the Vallone Caves, once the refuge of Basilian monks.”

In December 2015, the European Community awarded the territory of “Le Cento Masserie” in Crispiano , the prestigious and important recognition of “European Destination of Excellence for tourism and local gastronomy.”

Stage 06: Crispiano – Taranto

Length: 27.88 km
Walking time: 6.30 h
Height difference: +90/-330

Just 15 kilometers from Taranto as the crow flies, Crispiano is known for being the territory of “The Hundred Farms,” and the town still retains intact its simple nature that is deeply tied to the land.

The territory of Crispiano has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous finds from the Greek era, including a very interesting “grave goods” from the 4th century that constitutes one of the most important pieces of the famous “Ori di Taranto.” The small town stands on both sides of the Vallone Lizzitello where you can admire the Vallone Caves, once the refuge of Basilian monks.”

In December 2015, the European Community awarded the territory of “Le Cento Masserie” in Crispiano , the prestigious and important recognition of “European Destination of Excellence for tourism and local gastronomy.”