Walking in Puglia

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded easy to moderate. Puglia is relatively flat and the elevation gains and losses will be minimal. You will mostly be walking on small country roads, lanes and tracks, plus some trails. Please be aware that when on country roads and lanes that you will likely be walking on tarmac, so it is important to be prepared for this.

Navigation

The route is at times waymarked but outside of this there will be little way-marking. Detailed routes note and GPS data will be provided for you via the Macs Adventure App. Further information will be provided upon receipt of your booking.

• Overnights in good quality B&B's, 3* & 4* hotels
• Breakfast included
• Baggage transfers
• Transfers as per your itinerary
• Information Pack, maps, route notes, GPX tracks, access to our smartphone app
• 24-7 Emergency telephone support

• Travel insurance (required)
• Travel to starting point/from finish point
• Lunches & Dinners
• Public transport (e.g train fares)
• Tourist taxes (approx €1.50 per day)
• Drinks and snacks
• Personal equipment

• Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When To Go

You can start this walking tour anytime between March to July and September to October. This trip is not available in August due to the high season and the difficulties of confirming accommodation during this time, as well as the summer temperatures being very high.

It is best to avoid starting this trip on Sundays/Mondays as trains/buses between Lecce and Otranto are not available on Sunday's, however if this is something you would like to do then you will need to extend your stay by a night to avoid this problem. If you are beginning your trip on a Monday, then we would recommend extending your stay by a night in Lecce which would then mean that you are travelling to Otranto on a Monday and back to Lecce for your onward journey to Bari on a Tuesday. If you are beginning your trip on a Sunday, then we would recommend extending your stay by a night in Otranto which would then mean that you are travelling back to Lecce for your return journey to Bari on a Monday.

Peak Season Availability

We recommend making your booking as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May, June, and September, as the region can be busy, limiting accommodation availability. 

Time of Year

In March the spring is starting to arrive and the amount of rainfall is lessening. It's a good time to go walking before the temperatures in Italy start to rise. The springs months offer warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and pleasant walking conditions. May is when most wildflowers are coming into bloom. The autumn months are also a favourable time of year, boasting cooler weather and a striking landscape made up of autumnal colours. It's worth noting that the later in the year you choose to travel the higher the likelihood of rain (October-March is when the rainfall is more likely). Also before Easter and in late October some local shops, and restaurants may have reduced opening times or have closed for the winter. July is a good month to go but can be very hot for walking and therefore isn’t best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. Although the towns and villages are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see.

Getting to the Start

By Air: You can fly into Bari Airport which is the closest one to Alberobello. There are daily flights from the UK to Bari and from other major European hubs.

To get to Alberobello you can take a train direct to Bari Centrale Stazione. It is a 10 minute walk to the platform, the journey takes 20 minutes and they run approximately every  20mins to 1H depending on the time of day. More information on the train times may be found here www.ferrovienordbarese.it/times. To reach Alberobello from Bari Centrale Stazione you can board a local direct train. The journey takes approximately 1H45 and the trains leave about every hour.

We can also arrange a private taxi transfer from Bari Airport to Alberobello. Please ask your Destination and Adventure Specialist for details.

Getting from the End

The closest airport to Lecce is Brindisi Airport. You can take a direct bus from Lecce City Terminal to the airport,  running approximately every 1-2 hours, depending on the time of day. The journey takes 40 mins. We suggest taking a taxi to the City Terminal Bus Station from your accommodation. You can find timetables here at Puglia Air Bus.

You can also fly out of Bari Airport if you wish. Trains run from Lecce to Bari Centrale every hour or so and take about 1H20. You will find schedules on the Trenitalia website. As on arrival you can then take a train to the airport from here.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. On this itinerary (Days 2, 4 & 6) you will have private transfers to the beginning of your walks, but you need to take your luggage with you as the driver will take it onwards to your next destination. Also please note when taking the train from Ostuni to Lecce you will be carrying your own luggage, so please pack accordingly. In other words pack light!

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.