Itinerary
- Day 1
Otranto
You'll arrive in Otranto and have time to get settled into your accommodation. In the afternoon, wander through the old town and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. This is a good chance to get your bearings before the hiking starts tomorrow, maybe grab dinner somewhere local and take an evening walk along the waterfront.
Optional Activities
- Visit the old town of Otranto
Landmarks Otranto Old Town 
- Day 2
Otranto
Start with a day hike through the Idro Valley as a warm-up for the week ahead. You'll walk through fertile olive groves and pass the stone church of S. Angelo, then head along the river that gave Otranto its name. The round trip takes you back to Otranto by evening, so it's a good way to test your legs without going too far.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Round trip hike in Idro Valley (approx. 7.5 km, approx. 02:00 walking time, approx. 96m ascent, approx. 96m descent)
Landmarks Idro Valley Church of S. Angelo Monte S. Angelo - Day 3
Otranto to Porto Badisco
Head out along the coast from Otranto toward Porto Badisco. You'll pass Second World War bunkers and see a bauxite lake along the way. The trail leads to Punta Palascia lighthouse, Italy's easternmost point. On clear days you can see the Albanian mountains across the water, and there are multiple spots to swim during the hike.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Otranto to Porto Badisco (approx. 12.5 km, approx. 05:00 walking time, approx. 270m ascent, approx. 240m descent)
- Visit Punta Palascia lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Detour to bauxite lake
Landmarks Punta Palascia lighthouse Porto Badisco Bauxite Lake 
- Day 4
Porto Badisco to Santa Cesarea Terme
Continue hiking the coastline from Porto Badisco. You'll come across traditional pagliari shepherd buildings and climb to a plateau with narrow field paths. After a picnic in a pine forest, the trail descends toward Santa Cesarea Terme where you can swim in this spa town before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Porto Badisco to Santa Cesarea Terme (approx. 13 km, approx. 04:00 walking time, approx. 200m ascent, approx. 170m descent)
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Santa Cesarea Terme
Landmarks Santa Cesarea Terme 
- Day 5
Santa Cesarea Terme to Marittima
This day takes you inland to Castro, an ancient Messapian town with impressive city walls still standing. Spend time exploring the old town and then head down to the harbor for a swim. Later, go down to Acquaviva Bay to see the freshwater spring, then climb through the Acquaviva Valley to reach Marittima.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Santa Cesarea Terme to Marittima (approx. 11.5 km, approx. 04:50 walking time, approx. 309m ascent, approx. 245m descent)
- Visit ancient town of Castro
Optional Activities
- Swimming at Castro harbor
- Swimming at Acquaviva Bay
Landmarks Castro Acquaviva Bay Marittima - Day 6
Marittima to Marina Serra
Pick up sandwiches in Marittima in the morning, then hike through ancient olive groves while following tratturi, which are old road systems used for centuries. You'll pass Tricase Porto, a good spot to grab iced coffee or take a quick swim. After that, continue on paved roads to Marina Serra, a small coastal village with excellent swimming options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike from Marittima to Marina Serra (approx. 13.5 km, approx. 04:50 walking time, approx. 310m ascent, approx. 370m descent)
Optional Activities
- Swimming at Tricase Porto
- Swimming at Marina Serra
- Caffe in ghiaccio (iced coffee) at Tricase Porto
Landmarks Tricase Porto Marina Serra 
- Day 7
Marina Serra - Gagliano del Capo to Lecce
Your final hiking day starts with the challenging Path of the Enemy. Follow ancient tratturi inland and stop at Novaglie beach, then take the scenic Cipolliane Trail which has caves along the way. Cross the Ciolo Bridge, your last swimming opportunity, before climbing through Ciolo Valley to Gagliano del Capo. From there, catch a train to Lecce, a baroque town where you'll spend your last night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Marina Serra to Gagliano del Capo (approx. 12.5 km, approx. 05:00 walking time, approx. 530m ascent, approx. 380m descent)
Optional Activities
- Visit caves along Cipolliane Trail
- Swimming at Novaglie beach
- Swimming at Ciolo Bridge area
Landmarks Novaglie Cipolliane Trail Ciolo Bridge Gagliano del Capo Lecce 
- Day 8
Lecce
After breakfast in Lecce, you'll head home. This morning gives you time to grab coffee and reflect on the week before starting your individual journey back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
