The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Puglia
If you’re dreaming of an active yet relaxing holiday, hiking in Puglia offers the perfect balance between natural beauty, cultural discovery, and authentic Italian charm.
From dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Adriatic to ancient forests dotted with centuries-old olive trees, every trail reveals a new face of this enchanting region.
With mild weather all year round and trails suited to all levels, Puglia is ideal for travelers who want to explore on foot — and unwind in style in a luxury villa with a private pool after a day outdoors.
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Top 10 Hiking Trails in Puglia
1. Bosco delle Pianelle Nature Reserve
Google Maps Starting Point: Bosco delle Pianelle Parking
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Ancient oak forests, limestone formations, and rich wildlife.
This protected forest is a haven of peace. Shaded paths wind through centuries-old oaks and karst formations — perfect for families and casual hikers seeking quiet immersion in nature.
2. Ciclovia dell’Acqua – Locorotondo to Villa Castelli
Google Maps Starting Point: Locorotondo Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Scenic countryside, aqueduct bridges, and charming whitewashed towns.
Following the historic Apulian Aqueduct, this route connects the Valle d’Itria’s rolling hills with picturesque towns such as Locorotondo and Ceglie Messapica. Ideal for hiking or cycling.
3. Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve – Brindisi
Google Maps Starting Point: Torre Guaceto Visitor Center
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Coastal dunes, marshlands, pristine beaches, and marine life.
A UNESCO-protected paradise where flamingos, sea turtles, and Mediterranean flora coexist. Walk through coastal dunes and end your trek with a refreshing swim in crystal waters.
4. Gravina di Laterza – Taranto Province
Google Maps Starting Point: Gravina di Laterza Parking
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Canyon landscapes, rock churches, and archaeological sites.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Puglia”, this immense gorge offers dramatic views and fascinating rock-hewn chapels dating back to Byzantine times.
5. Alta Murgia National Park – Castel del Monte
Google Maps Starting Point: Castel del Monte Parking
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Wild landscapes, prehistoric remains, and UNESCO heritage.
The Alta Murgia plateau is one of Italy’s last wild frontiers. Explore Neolithic dolmens, vast open plains, and the enigmatic Castel del Monte, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
6. Valle dell’Inferno – San Giovanni Rotondo
Google Maps Starting Point: Valle dell’Inferno Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Rugged terrain, panoramic views, and spiritual landmarks.
Set in the Gargano mountains, this mystical valley combines spiritual heritage with unspoiled nature, leading to spectacular viewpoints over northern Puglia.
7. Sentiero delle Cipolliane – Marina di Novaglie to Ciolo Fjord
Google Maps Starting Point: Marina di Novaglie Parking
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Cliffside caves, turquoise sea views, and wild flora.
One of the most iconic coastal trails in Salento. The Cipolliane Path runs along the Adriatic cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramas and access to prehistoric caves.
8. Parco di Punta Pizzo – Gallipoli
Google Maps Starting Point: Punta Pizzo Parking
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Pine forests, golden beaches, and peaceful coastal walks.
A serene route combining nature and seaside relaxation. Ideal for families or travelers who want to pair hiking with a swim in Gallipoli’s crystal-clear waters.
9. Porto Selvaggio Nature Park – Nardò, Salento
Google Maps Starting Point: Porto Selvaggio Parking
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, pine woods, and hidden coves.
Perhaps the most picturesque hike in Salento. The path leads through lush Mediterranean vegetation and ends at a secluded turquoise bay — a perfect spot for a post-hike dip.
10. Parco delle Querce – Castro
Google Maps Starting Point: Parco delle Querce Parking
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Oak forests, countryside serenity, and panoramic views.
A peaceful escape surrounded by ancient oaks and dry-stone walls. Perfect for leisurely walks and picnics amid the rural beauty of southern Puglia.
Why Choose Puglia for Your Hiking Holiday
Hiking in Puglia is more than just a physical activity — it’s an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the rhythm of nature and the warmth of local life.
Whether you’re wandering through olive groves, exploring ancient villages, or resting by the sea, you’ll find a sense of authenticity that few destinations can match.
Stay in one of our handpicked Luxury Villas in Puglia to elevate your hiking holiday. Our Guest Angel service offers personalized advice on routes, dining, and local experiences — ensuring every detail of your stay feels effortless.
Plan Your Hiking Escape in Puglia
Ready to explore?
Combine your outdoor adventures with the comfort of a private villa, local gastronomy, and tailor-made assistance.
Discover our curated Travel Guide to Puglia and let your next Italian journey begin.
