Via Francigena in Salento

Arrive in the Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy, Lecce has a lovely historic center (Centro storico), you can easily spend a day exploring its picturesque little lanes and discovering its treasure: the architecture and the Baroque churches. This lovely town will charm you with its attractive countryside, seashore and small towns close to it.

The journey begins in Martano, one of the cultural hearts of Grecìa Salentina, where Greek traditions and language still linger. Leaving the town, the path winds through olive groves, dry-stone walls, and quiet country lanes typical of the Salento countryside. As you approach the coast, the landscape opens up and the air becomes saltier. The final stretch leads downhill toward Otranto, dramatically perched above the Adriatic Sea. The arrival is memorable: ancient walls, the Aragonese Castle, and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, home to the famous mosaic floor. Otranto’s historic center is an ideal place to rest, reflect, and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. 

Distance: 22 or 30 km

Elevation Gain: +150/-235 m

Leaving Otranto behind, the route initially follows coastal paths with beautiful views of cliffs and turquoise waters. Soon, the trail turns inland, returning to a quieter rural atmosphere of farmland and olive trees.You pass small chapels and traces of ancient pilgrimage routes before reaching Uggiano la Chiesa, a peaceful village with a strong spiritual heritage. The Crypt of Santa Maria di Leuca del Belvedere, with its medieval frescoes, is a highlight and a reminder of the deep religious roots of this land. This is a short stage, perfect for a slower pace and cultural exploration. 

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +160/-100 m

This longer stage crosses the interior of the Salento peninsula. The walk alternates between country roads, paths through olive groves, and small rural settlements. You pass near Giurdignano, known as the “garden of megaliths,” with its menhirs and dolmens scattered across the fields. As you continue south, the terrain becomes more undulating. The approach to Marittima, a hilltop village overlooking the Adriatic, offers sweeping views of the sea. The town retains a strong local character, with narrow streets and traditional architecture, making it a welcoming stop after a demanding day. 

Distance: 16 km 

Elevation Gain: +100/-90 m

A relatively short and gentle stage. Leaving Marittima, the path descends toward the coast and follows quiet roads through olive groves and small hamlets. The proximity to the sea is felt in the light, the vegetation, and the breeze. 

Distance: 11 km

Elevation Gain: +100/-95 m

This stage continues south through the deep Salento countryside, passing stone farmhouses (masserie), fig trees, and dry-stone walls. The route is quiet and reflective, ideal for walking meditation. As you approach Gagliano del Capo, the land becomes more rugged, hinting at the dramatic coastline nearby. Gagliano has long been a gateway for pilgrims heading to Leuca, and the sense of nearing the journey’s end becomes tangible here. 

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +95/-55 m

The final stage is short but emotionally powerful. From Gagliano, you walk toward the southern tip of Puglia, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The path offers striking views of cliffs, caves, and open sea. The arrival in Santa Maria di Leuca is symbolic and moving. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae (“at the end of the land”) marks the traditional end of the Via Francigena del Sud. Standing by the lighthouse, overlooking the vast sea, pilgrims often take time for reflection, gratitude, and closure before concluding their journey. 
At the end of the walk a private transfer will take you back to Gagliano del Capo. Then return by bus or train to Lecce.

Distance: 6,5 km

Elevation Gain: +40/-100 m

The trip and our services end after breakfast unless you have pre-book an extra in night in Rome or other destinations in Italy. 

Accommodation on Our Trips

Our adventures feature a variety of accommodations, depending on the location and the type of trip you choose. We carefully select each property, ensuring it is well situated along the route and locally run, so that you receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable, authentic experience.

Your comfort is a priority throughout your travels. Most of our trips include stays in friendly, independent, or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs. Each accommodation is chosen for its charm, cleanliness, and those personal touches that make you feel at home. Some trips offer more elevated stays that feel like a special treat, while others may include simpler options, such as mountain refuges, particularly in remote areas.

Classic Hotels – Comfort with Character

Most of our trips combine a variety of accommodation styles to suit the route and location. You will typically stay in charming, locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, inns, and small hotels that offer a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings. These properties often feature extra touches such as distinctive regional character, leisure facilities, or renowned local cuisine.

All accommodations feature private ensuite bathrooms unless otherwise specifically noted for mountain huts, refuges, and pilgrim hostels.

On some mountain adventures and selected pilgrimage routes, the experience may also include more basic accommodation, such as mountain huts, refuges, or pilgrim hostels, where ensuite rooms are not always available and shared bathrooms or dormitory-style accommodation may be part of the experience.

While simpler in style, these accommodations are often rich in atmosphere and camaraderie, providing an authentic connection with fellow travellers and the places you visit.

This section of the Via Francigena in Salento continues beyond Rome and is perfect for walkers seeking a wild, less touristy route that challenges and surprises. 

The route is generally easy in terms of elevation, with low differences in height, even if much of it follows unpaved or country roads. If you love the sea, this is the journey for you: it winds through the inland Salento between Otranto and Gagliano del Capo, combining scenic landscapes, charming villages, and coastal panoramas.