South-East Route is an 8-day tour for trekking and nature enthusiasts, exploring the most striking stretch of the Salento coastline. Along scenic trails, cliffs, caves and seaside villages, the itinerary takes in places such as Otranto, Porto Badisco, Castro, Tiggiano, Santa Maria di Leuca and Lecce. A journey that combines hiking, spectacular scenery, local traditions and authentic flavours, letting you experience Salento from a unique, immersive perspective.
Arrival in Puglia (Brindisi or Bari airport) and transfer to Otranto. Check-in at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure, with a short warm-up trek for those who want to try out their boots on Salento soil. Introduction of the guides and the trip programme, dinner on your own and a quiet evening in the historic centre of Otranto. Overnight stay.
From Otranto to Porto Badisco – After breakfast, guided tour of Otranto and departure southwards to the Bauxite Quarry along the edge of Orte. In the warmest months you can swim in the lake, an unforgettable experience. Still heading south, we continue towards Torre Sant’Emiliano and Porto Badisco. Stop at a farm with a dairy, where you can buy cheese. Traditional dinner and tasting of Salento wines. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 5 hours – Route
length: 16 km – Difficulty level: Easy.
From Porto Badisco to Castro – Breakfast and departure for a stop on the seafront of Santa Cesarea Terme, passing Torre Minervino and Torre Specchia la Guardia. A stop in Santa Cesarea Terme in front of Villa Sticchi before reaching Porto Miggiano and its splendid bay, where you can go for a swim. We then climb back up through pine woods and country paths to the Zinzulusa Cave. Visit of the cave, arrival in Castro and visit of the Castle. Check-in at the hotel. We recommend an aperitif in the heart of Castro town or at Castro harbour. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 7 hours – Route
length: 20 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
From Castro to Tiggiano – We say goodbye to Castro, and a few kilometres later we are immersed in the lush vegetation of the Acquaviva inlet, which opens onto a splendid little bay of crystal-clear water. The temptation of a morning swim will be irresistible. We resume the walk to Torre Capo Lupo, with its incredible panoramic views, then pass Torre del Sasso and enter the sunny countryside that leads to the little harbour of Porto Tricase. Climb up again and then descend to the Canale del Rio at Tricase; down some steps overhanging the sea, you will find yourself heading for Marina Serra, with the beautiful Torre Palane and the incredible natural pool that draws every hiker in for a refreshing dip. After a peaceful break, we head back towards Tiggiano along the little path surrounded by the woods of Tricase. Short visit to the Baronial Palace and the church of Sant’Ippazio. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 9 hours – Route
length: 21 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
From Tiggiano to Grotta della Mannuta – A good wake-up and a hearty breakfast to face a demanding day along the coast. We descend towards the sea through ancient olive groves and, on reaching the fascinating Torre Nasparo, we are back by the sea, immediately tackling the trails of the “Salt Roads”, the rocks of “Scalamascu and Funnuvojere”, and returning to the “Nsepe” wood, which continues along the narrow drovers’ track leading to Torre Specchia Grande. From the track we descend to the sea, reaching Marina di Guardiola and the Canale del Rio Guardiola, then climb up to Marina di Novaglie. From here, only ancient drovers’ tracks will lead us to our final destination. Along the Cipolliane trail, a stop to visit the caves of the same name is a must, and after a few kilometres of dry-stone walls we arrive at the Ciolo for a well-deserved break and an almost compulsory swim. From the beautiful little cove under the bridge, we climb out of the Canyon along the steep stretch of the Aspro; from here, a descent leads to the Grotta della Mannuta, completely surrounding hikers with Mediterranean scrub, euphorbia, myrtle and ancient crops overlooking the sea. Once at Mannuta, transfer by minibus to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 8 hours – Route
length: 18 km – Difficulty level: Difficult.
From Grotta della Mannuta to S. Maria di Leuca – Lecce – The final stage: although the shortest, it will be the most challenging. The narrow path leading from the Grotta della Mannuta to Santa Maria di Leuca has many exposed sections and plenty of changes in elevation. A thrilling stage high above the sea, overlooking the many caves from above. Arrival at the lighthouse and the Sanctuary of Leuca, descent of the monumental staircase and arrival in Leuca. A compulsory stop for a refreshing drink by the sea, then departure for the accommodation. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 6 hours – Route
length: 7 km – Difficulty level: Difficult.
Lecce walking tour – Breakfast and city trek through Lecce, the capital of the Baroque. With a guide, we will discover the historic centre of this beautiful southern Italian city, which captivates with its houses, churches, palazzi and squares. We will visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Santa Croce, the Roman Amphitheatre and Piazza Duomo. Free time in the city to explore the shops and the many restaurants and trattorias offering traditional menus at very attractive prices. Our tip: try the typical Lecce pastry, the “pasticciotto”. Overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 8 hours – Route
length: 10/12 km – Difficulty level: Easy
Departure – Breakfast and departure for the airport.
