Self Guided Walking in Puglia: From Lecce to Matera

Arrive in Lecce. We brief you on the week’s walking, then discover the main monuments of the Salento region’s capital, with its baroque architecture, stunning basilica and Roman amphitheatre.

Take a morning train or bus to Otranto (1hr 30mins each way; train or bus ticket not included), a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea and known as the gateway to the Orient. Visit its Aragonese castle and cathedral, home to the impressive ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic which covers its entire floor and is well worth a visit. Then follow the coastline, past imposing coastal watchtowers, to the Orte cove. Return to Lecce by bus or train (pay locally).

Private transfer (1hr) to the golden sands and crystal clear waters of Lido Morelli. Then set off through the rich and verdant wetlands of the Dune Costiere Natural Park, passing traditional masserie (farmhouses) and ancient olive trees – at 1000 years old, they are the oldest in the Mediterranean. End the day in the striking hilltop town of Ostuni, known as the ‘white city’ due to its brightly whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Explore Ostuni’s enchanting maze of Greek-style winding streets before dinner.

We take you (40 mins) to the sleepy village of Correggia, then make your way through the gently rolling countryside of the Itria Valley, past ancient olive groves, vineyards and trulli, to the wine town of Locorotondo. Take a short (15 minute) train ride back to Alberobello (train ticket not included). Spend the night in a typical ‘Trullo’ in the historical centre of Alberobello.

Discover Alberobello, UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic town owing to the 1000 white-tipped trulli that can be found here. Alternatively, walk through a patchwork of trulli dotted meadows, wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves to the elegant Baroque town of Martina Franca. There is an optional transfer to the start of this walk to make a shorter walk of 14km.

After a private transfer (1 hour), this scenic walk takes you across the Murgia plateau facing Matera, and the impressive 8th century rock churches that pepper the landscape. This area is perfect for a spot of birdwatching as you walk amongst the pastures and stone farmhouses, keeping your eyes out for birds of prey as you go. We take you into the centre of Matera; those wanting a bit more of a challenge can opt to walk down through the gorge and across the Ponte Tibetano into the centro storico (walking poles recommended).

Matera’s Sassi district is renowned for its cave-houses, which have been inhabited for centuries and have since been converted into comfortable accommodation. Take a guided tour to learn more of this UNESCO recognised city (payable locally), or hop on the train to Gravina, birthplace of Pope Benedict XIII, with its historic palaces and dramatic canyon. From the town’s iconic 17th century aqueduct bridge, head uphill to the Botrugno Hill for sweeping views of this picturesque town, before returning to its atmospheric centro storico. Return to Matera by train.

End in Matera after breakfast.