Hiking in Puglia

Looking for an active and healthy holiday?

Whether you’re trekking along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea or wandering through centuries-old olive groves, Puglia offers a diverse range of hiking experiences that combine natural beauty with cultural discovery.

With a mild climate that makes hiking enjoyable year-round and trails suitable for all levels, Puglia is an ideal destination for those looking to explore on foot. From coastal walks to countryside treks, here’s your guide to the best hiking experiences in Puglia.

Here you will find some good tips for some beautiful hiking and trekking routes in Puglia!

1. Bosco delle Pianelle Nature Reserve

• Location: Martina Franca
• Google Maps Starting Point: Bosco delle Pianelle Parking
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Ancient oak forests, limestone formations, and diverse wildlife.

This serene forest reserve is perfect for family-friendly hikes. The shaded trails wind through a lush woodland filled with wildlife and unique karst formations. Keep an eye out for rare orchids and birds as you enjoy the tranquility.

2. Ciclovia dell’Acqua – Locorotondo to Villa Castelli

• Google Maps Starting Point: Locorotondo Trailhead
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Scenic countryside, aqueduct bridges, and charming towns.

This unique trail follows the Apulian Aqueduct, blending hiking and cycling paths through the rolling landscapes of the Valle d’Itria.

3. Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve

• Location: Near Brindisi
• Google Maps Starting Point: Torre Guaceto Visitor Center
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Coastal dunes, marshlands, and pristine beaches.

This marine protected area is a paradise for nature lovers. The trails here combine hiking with opportunities to spot wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Finish your hike with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

4. Gravina di Laterza

• Location: Taranto Province
• Google Maps Starting Point: Gravina di Laterza Parking
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: One of Europe’s largest canyons, ancient rock churches, and dramatic vistas.

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Puglia,” this trail offers awe-inspiring views and the chance to explore ancient cave dwellings and frescoed rock churches.

5. Alta Murgia National Park

• Location: Near Castel del Monte
• Google Maps Starting Point: Castel del Monte Parking
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Highlights: Wild landscapes, prehistoric settlements, and the iconic Castel del Monte.

This vast park offers a mix of rolling plains, rugged hills, and archaeological sites. Hike through canyon-like ravines and past Neolithic dolmens, and don’t miss the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte.

6. Valle dell’Inferno – San Giovanni Rotondo

• Google Maps Starting Point: Valle dell’Inferno Trailhead
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Highlights: Rugged terrain, breathtaking views, and spiritual significance.

Nestled near the pilgrimage town of San Giovanni Rotondo, this trail takes you through dramatic landscapes with rocky outcrops and serene valleys.

7. Sentiero delle Cipolliane (Cipolliane Trail)

• Location: Otranto-Leuca Coastal Path
• Google Maps Starting Point: Marina di Novaglie Parking
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Stunning sea views, cliffside caves, and wild Mediterranean flora.

This trail runs along the Adriatic coast, connecting Marina di Novaglie to the Ciolo Fjord. The path meanders past prehistoric caves and breathtaking cliffs, offering panoramic views of the turquoise sea below. It’s a must for those seeking dramatic coastal landscapes.

8. Parco di Punta Pizzo – Salento

• Google Maps Starting Point: Punta Pizzo Parking
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Sandy beaches, pine forests, and Mediterranean scrub.

Located near Gallipoli, this park offers tranquil trails that lead to unspoiled beaches and pristine waters, ideal for combining hiking with a relaxing seaside escape.

9. Parco di Porto Selvaggio

• Location: Nardò, Salento
• Google Maps Starting Point: Porto Selvaggio Parking
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, pine forests, and crystal-clear coves.

One of Salento’s most picturesque parks, this trail combines lush greenery with stunning seaside views, making it a favorite among nature lovers.

10. Parco delle Querce – Castro

• Google Maps Starting Point: Parco delle Querce Parking
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Majestic oak forests and serene countryside views.

Located near Castro, this park offers peaceful trails surrounded by ancient oak trees, perfect for a relaxing hike.

Why Hike in Puglia?