Areal view of Matera city
Areal view of Matera city

Our Puglia Hiking Tours

Puglia and Matera: Sea and Sassi

Warm and inviting sun, hilltop white-tinted, labyrinths of alleys between white houses and of course the sea - blue and boundless, to admire along the ancient sheep tracks of the shepherds, or an expanse of centuries-old olive trees guarded by dry stone walls. Hiking in Puglia and Salento really feels like the iconic Italian experience. 

But none of this would be the same, without the greatest wealth of this region full of gifts: the people who inhabit it. Generous and welcoming, Apulians seem to invite you to look for a slower pace of life and find the sense of live in every step. At sloWays, we offer self-guided Puglia walking holidays that aim to immerse you in this region's delights.

Matera is in the nearby Basilicata region, but so close to the Apulian border it's almost a part of two regions which have always been influencing each other - the Way to Matera runs across Puglia to reach Matera.

The best Puglia hiking trails

Way to Matera


From Bari to the City of Sassi
The city of Matera and its typical stones

The Way to Matera runs across Puglia. The ancient stone city of Matera is in the nearby Basilicata region, but close to the Apulian border. It's almost a part of both regions which have been influencing each other forever.

It's a journey that starts from the sea and the alleys of Old Bari and leads to Matera, the City of Sassi, a unique place in the world. You'll pass through underground cities, ancient aqueducts, and towns where time seems to have stood still. Be surprised by lively squares, hospitable farmhouses, and charming bed and breakfasts.

Our Puglia Walking Holiday from Bari to Matera

Salento Coastal Walk


From Otranto to Lecce
Costal path on the Salento Coast

From Otranto and its castle to the baroque palaces of Lecce, this journey takes you along the Salento Coast. It's one of the finest Puglia coastal walks, resplendent with sea and sunlight. Wander paths lined with wildflowers, pass by fishing villages and lighthouses, and relish refreshing swims at the end of the day, before delighting in tasty food on idyllic, restful evenings.

Puglia Hikes along the Salento Coast 

The lighthouse of Punta Palascia


The Easternmost Point of Europe
Punta Palascia's lighthouse with view on te Mediterranean

One of the most photographed spots on the Salento Coast Path: Punta Palascia Lighthouse is also the easternmost point in Italy. Some of the best hikes in Puglia reach this special place, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea.

The Punta Palascia Lighthouse

People of Puglia


What makes Puglia our favorite region
The typical Trulli of Region Puglia

At sloWays, we travel far and wide across Italy, but we all agree that Puglia walking holidays take place in one of our favorite regions. Without a doubt, the fondest memories from the hiking trails in Puglia are of its people: as straightforward and generous as their homeland, with smiles as bright as the sun and a sense of hospitality that goes beyond any formality.

The lovely people of Puglia

What's a Self-Guided Trip?


Puglia, at your pace
Puglia a person taking a break from walking

All our walking holidays in Puglia are self-guided. This means you'll set off on your own, or with your travel companions, and move at your own pace. You won't be with an official group or travel guide, but we provide logistical support and detailed navigation supplies to help you cover new ground with confidence. We're here to help you travel light too: we book your accommodations and give you access to an exclusive app.

Learn more about self-guided hiking in Puglia, Italy

Puglia walking holiday highlights

  • History and Culture: Explore historical and cultural sites, from the rock churches of Matera to the baroque historical centers of Puglia.
  • Apulian Gastronomy: Taste the authentic flavors of Puglian cuisine, famous for its olive oil, bread, cheeses, and wines.

Trulli and Architecture: Admire the unique trulli of Alberobello and the unique architecture of the towns in Puglia and Matera.
Mediterranean Landscapes: Hiking Puglia means varied landscapes, from rugged coasts and golden beaches to countryside rich in olive groves and vineyards.

Hiking Puglia, Italy: FAQs

Are Puglia and Salento difficult to explore?

Puglia is mostly flat, making it ideal for gentle walking. However, it's worth noting that some walking holidays in Puglia, especially along the Salento Coastal Path, require good stability due to their unpaved and uneven terrain. In the weeks leading up to your trip, it's a good idea to build your endurance by going on hikes near home.

If you're looking for a different physical challenge during your time in Italy, why not book one of our walking tours in the Dolomites?

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Puglia? 

Thanks to pleasant weather and fewer crowds of tourists, it's a good idea to travel outside of peak season. July and August are generally hotter and more crowded. We love the spring months, between April and mid-June, and early autumn from September to October.

If you're happy to discover the hiking trails in Puglia under less intense winter sunshine, November could be the perfect month for you.

What kind of landscapes can I expect?

It depends on the kind of walking holiday that you choose! Puglia is typically more rural than the routes you'd find on our Amalfi Coast trips, but you'll still pass through delightful towns.

· The Salento Coastal Path is your typical Puglia coastal walk with great views over the sea and picturesque coastal villages.

· The Way to Matera, or Via Materana, runs across inland Puglia, so you'll find small villages, olive groves, pastures, and paths covered in wildflowers. Matera is a beautiful place with two troglodyte districts with houses made of stone and reminiscent of the Holy Land.

How do I book a walking holiday in Puglia?

If you've got your eye on a Puglia hiking tour, you have two options to get started. You can book your trip by:

1. Sending us an email at info@sloways.eu or giving us a call on (+39) 0552 340 736. We will ask for essential information about your trip. This usually includes the number of people in your group, your preferred travel dates, and any special requests.

2. Using our online calculator to receive a provisional price for your chosen tour. You'll find it on each trip page. If you're happy with the quote, please send a request to our office and we will respond and help you get booked. The final price of your Puglia walking trip will be confirmed once we've got your hotels booked.

What accommodation will I stay in while hiking in Puglia?

We provide various types of accommodation.

You could stay in B&Bs, rustic farmhouses, or 3-star hotels, with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. We aim to provide our guests with a blend of comfort and authenticity, allowing you to immerse yourself in regional customs and experiences. If you'd like to find out more about how we book accommodations, head to our FAQs page.

Can I book a tour guide in Puglia?

All our Puglia walking trips are self-guided holidays, which means there is no group or guide.

Travelers go on their adventures through the region using detailed walking maps of Puglia provided by our experts. We'll take care of the heavy lifting during your trip, though, including booking accommodation and transferring your luggage as you hike to your next destination.

Our Puglia Hiking Trips

Book online with sloWays today

Lace-up your boots and discover the serenity and natural delights of Puglia.

Our walking holidays in Puglia offer unique experiences and the chance to be hosted by some of the friendliest people on the continent. Along with enjoying the mesmerizing landscapes of this ancient region, here are a few more reasons to book with sloWays:

 

  • Happy customers: Our walking tours come highly recommended on Feefo, from those who’ve experienced our authentic walking adventures.
  • Vacations experts: We've got over 20 years' experience in creating seamless walking tours across Europe, we'll help you to see the very best of Italy.
  • Sustainable tours: We're proud to be Travelife Certified. and we handcraft every tour with the environment in mind.
  • Comfort first: We offer fully customizable itineraries that combine modern hotel stays with charming, traditional accommodations.

Your exploration of the mountains is just a few clicks away. To get started, please get in touch today.

 

 


Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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