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Day 1. Arrival in Otranto
As you settle into your accommodation, take a moment to embrace the invigorating freshness of the Mediterranean Sea's crisp air. Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic center, exploring its captivating streets and landmarks. Let the anticipation build for the remarkable independent walking adventure that awaits you. In the evening, indulge your senses, savoring the delightful flavors, sights, and sounds that will prepare you for the phenomenal journey ahead.
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Easiest arrival via Bari and Brindisi airports (from Brindisi - direct bus/train to Otranto; from Bari - train to Lecce and then bus to Otranto). We offer options for private transfer from Bari and Brindisi airports to Otranto too (contact us for details).
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Day 2. Otranto circular walk (8km, 2hrs, +100m/-100m)
Today's walk is the perfect warm-up hike, allowing you to explore the picturesque Idro valley that lends its name to Otranto (Hidruntum). Located approximately 5km from Otranto, the Idro river spring resides in the enchanting Monte S. Angelo region. As you traverse the fertile land, adorned with orchards, olive trees, oranges, and an array of vegetables, you'll advance from the orographic left side of the river, upstream, meandering through the olive tree fields. Along the way, you'll pass the S. Angelo rock church before descending on the right side of the stream, returning to Otranto, the treasured "Pearl of the Orient."
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Day 3. Otranto to Porto Badisco (13km, 4,30hrs, +270m/-240m)
In today’s section of the self-guided hiking adventure, you venture through the labyrinthine alleys of Otranto's old town until you reach the new port. From there, a flat and gravel coastal path unveils itself, tracing the contours of a series of picturesque coves. Along the way, you encounter remnants of WWII bunkers, and a short detour inland leads you to an intriguing "bauxite lake." Following the coastline, you discover numerous beach stops with inviting, crystal-clear waters. Your journey continues towards the prominent Punta Palascia Lighthouse, which serves as a guiding beacon. While navigating through sections of knee-high Mediterranean vegetation, keeping the lighthouse ahead and the sea to your left ensures you remain on the correct path. On clear days, the sight of the Albanian mountains across the Adriatic Sea enhances the awe-inspiring scenery. Finally, you arrive at Punta Palascia Lighthouse, marking the easternmost point of Italy and standing 71km away from Albania.
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Day 4. Porto Badisco to Santa Cesarea Terme (13km, 4hrs, +200m/-170m)
After a hearty breakfast, you are ready to head to your first destination, the stunning inlet of Porto Badisco. Before setting off, make a stop at the local bar/newsagent/supermarket, renowned for its excellent coffee and sandwiches, which will serve as a delightful picnic for today's adventure. Continuing along the coast, you follow a shepherd's path that unveils picturesque "pagliari," traditional dry stone buildings where shepherds used to rest. After approximately 6km, you leave the coastline behind and ascend to the inland plateau, where narrow paths wind through fields of natural beauty. Around the 8.5km mark, a charming pine tree forest provides a perfect picnic spot, offering refreshing shade on sunny days. The final section of the hike takes you along a surfaced road, descending to the enchanting spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme, where you'll find fantastic swimming spots to cool off and relax.
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Day 5. Santa Cesarea Terme to Marittima (12km, 4hrs, +310m/-250m)
Leaving Santa Cesarea, your journey continues as you ascend uphill on a surfaced road, eventually reaching an old gravel and grass dry-stone walled road. Following this path inland, you traverse narrow trails through fields until you arrive at the ancient Messapian town of Castro, characterized by its impressive high walls. Take some time to explore the old town, perhaps enjoying a leisurely lunch before descending to the port, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim. Continuing along the coast, you navigate an uneven and rocky trail that leads you to the enchanting Acquaviva cave. Here, you'll discover a picturesque hidden inlet and a fantastic swimming spot, where a freshwater spring emerges at sea level. Concluding this leg of your journey, the path ascends through the lushly forested Acquaviva valley, guiding you toward Marittima.
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Day 6. Marittima to Marina Serra (14km, 4,30hrs, +310m/-370m)
After getting a delicious sandwich in Marittima, your independent walking tour continues by following a surfaced road that meanders through expansive orchards adorned with magnificent olive trees. Soon, you encounter the first of several traditional "tratturi" along the way. These ancient roads and footpaths, engraved with the toil and hardships of the local peasants, served as vital routes connecting villages, orchards, and the sea. As you descend, the glistening sea unfurls before you, leading you to Tricase Porto. Here, you can savor a refreshing "caffè in ghiaccio" (iced coffee) and take a rejuvenating swim. From Tricase Porto, you have a stretch of asphalt road ahead, guiding you to the final destination of the day: Marina Serra, a charming coastal hamlet renowned for its idyllic swimming spots.
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Day 7. Marina Serra - Gagliano del Capo - train to Lecce (13km, 4,30hrs, +530m/-380m)
On the final day of your adventure, you follow a short uphill trail known as the "enemy's path" or Sentiero del Nemico, once used as an ideal location for ambushing unexpected visitors in times past. Following a stretch of asphalt on the coastal road, the trail leads you back inland, tracing the paths of ancient "tratturi." These historic routes eventually guide you to Novaglie, a picturesque rocky beach where you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the surroundings. From here, the awe-inspiring "Cipolliane path" awaits, named after the caves that dot the trail and offer opportunities for exploration. This path leads you to the iconic Ciolo bridge, a magnificent sight and a perfect spot for a final swim on this remarkable journey. Leaving the tiny cove of Ciolo behind, you ascend the Ciolo valley, eventually reaching Gagliano del Capo, where you can catch a train to Lecce, the beautiful Baroque city, for your last night of the tour (in spring and autumn there is no public transportation on Sundays from Gagliano del Capo train station to Lecce and additional transfer needs to be booked and paid for - contact us for details).
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Day 8. Departure day
Your tour ends after breakfast, marking the end of your memorable adventure. We hope to see you again soon!
* We offer options for private transfer to Bari and Brindisi airports from Lecce (contact us for details).
Price
890 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (20/03-20/05; 21/09-31/10)
930 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (21/05-25/06; 06-20/09)
975 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (26/06-26/07; 01-05/09)
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Triple rooms for odd number of travelers available upon request (contact us for details).
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement:
350 Euro (20/03-20/05; 21/09-31/10)
380 Euro (21/05-25/06; 06-20/09)
430 Euro (26/06-26/07; 01-05/09)
Solo traveler supplement (incl. asgl. room supplement):
535 Euro (20/03-20/05; 21/09-31/10)
560 Euro (21/05-25/06; 06-20/09)
610 Euro (26/06-26/07; 01-05/09)
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of April and the end of October (excl. August!). The walks mostly follow rocky coastal footpaths, sometimes through low vegetation/bushes, mule tracks and footpaths and a few sections of secondary surfaced roads as you enter the villages/towns. Getting there and away: Bari and Brindisi airports are served by both major and low cost carriers. From Brindisi you can take either a private shuttle or a train to Brindisi train station and then a direct bus to Otranto. You can also take a train to Lecce and then a direct bus to Otranto. Arriving in Bari, you can take a bus or a train to Bari Centrale train station and then a train to Lecce, where you can take a direct bus to Otranto. On departure, you can take a train from Lecce to Brindisi or Bari train station and then a bus to the airport. We offer options for private transfers to/from Bari and Brindisi airport (contact us for details).
Accommodation
Selected 3-4* hotels are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cosy, friendly ‘agriturismo’ (farmhouses) and B&B. Rooms throughout the tour are en-suite. In Porto Badisco you are staying in a nice, typical “Masseria” just out of town. Dinner is only included in Porto Badisco and Marina Serra, because there are no alternative options available in the immediate surroundings. Day 1 + Day 2: Otranto; Day 3: Porto Badisco; Day 4: Santa Cesarea Terme; Day 5: Marittima; Day 6: Marina Serra; Day 7: Lecce.
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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