Salento, with its unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes, offers ideal scenery for trekking enthusiasts.
Unmissable trekking routes in Salento
If you are looking for trekking routes in Salento, you are in the right place! With practical advice on how to best prepare for these excursions and suggestions on the points of interest not to be missed, this article will be an indispensable guide to discover Salento at a slow pace, breathing in the history and nature of this magical land.
Otranto, S.M. di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase - 12 km
Explore the regional park from Costa Otranto, S.M. di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase, walking through unspoiled nature. The many trails offer unique views and a variety of flora and fauna. The routes for visitors are many and diversified: from dry stone walls to the ancient "salt roads", the routes are diversified. The hike culminates in Torre Sant'Emiliano.
Sentiero delle cipolliane - 6.5 km
The Cipolliane Trail starts from Gagliano del Capo and offers breathtaking views thanks to its vertical parts that emerge from the sea up to 90 meters high. The inlet of Ciolo, known as the "gully", hides rare natural beauties among its slopes, shaped in an era characterized by more humid climatic conditions. Water has shaped this landscape: the slopes collect rainwater, while karst groundwater springs refresh the first few meters of this blue sea. The path, recovered to allow visitors to explore ancient walkways, crosses the flora of the Park and leads to the Cipolliane Caves.
From the Bauxite Quarry to the Punta Palascia Lighthouse - 8 km The itinerary starts near the Bauxite Quarry, located south of Otranto. This quarry offers a unique spectacle of colors, but it is not swimmable! Following the path east along the coast, you can admire the base of a World War II bunker and then proceed along the cliff to the Palascia Lighthouse, erected in place of an ancient watchtower from the sixteenth century, originally built to protect the coasts from Turkish pirate raids. Today, it remains one of the 5 most important lighthouses in the Mediterranean Sea. Porto Selvaggio Regional Park - 14 km Starting from Masseria Torre Nova, the heart of the Porto Selvaggio Regional Park, the route heads south-east along already marked paths. Along the way, you can admire Torre Uluzzo and a wonderful panorama overlooking the sea and the city of Gallipoli. Through a luxuriant pine forest you arrive at the Bay of Porto Selvaggio, characterized by a pebbly shoreline. Continuing, you reach Torre dell'Alto, used as a fire-fighting outpost, and pass by the farm of the same name. Along the path towards Villa Tafuri, you can admire the wonderful Quercus Trojana. Li Foggi Torre Pizzo Regional Park - 11 km Starting from the Baia di Gallipoli Village, the route leads to the Torre del Pizzo, crossing dunes and pine forests. After passing the tower, you return to the coastal road that connects Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca and climb towards the hill known as the "hill of the seven villages", offering a panoramic view of Gallipoli, the island of S. Andrea and the seven villages surrounded by olive trees. Continue past the "Baia di Gallipoli" campsite and reach the "Li Foggi" pine forest.
What to bring
Before setting off on your adventure, make sure you have the essential equipment: hiking shoes and shorts, water bottle, cotton cap, sunscreen and binoculars... And why not, even a swimsuit for a refreshing dip! Travel light, bringing only the essentials, for a more enjoyable experience. Happy trekking!
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