Places
Hike·Moderate·Scenic·Hidden gem
Costa Otranto–Santa Maria di Leuca clifftop path
Puglia
The Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto–Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase protects a coastline of white-and-ochre limestone cliffs, sea caves, watchtowers and pockets of Aleppo pine. A near-continuous path links the coves and headlands past the Palascìa lighthouse, the Ciolo canyon and the Bauxite quarry, walkable in stages.
Duration
Full day
Distance
16 km
Elevation
+400 m
Best season
March – June
Parking · Paid
Paid summer parking in Otranto, Castro or Leuca; the route is linear — use the coastal bus.
Water
Fountains in the coastal villages; carry water between them.
Highlights
- Continuous Salento clifftop route
- Sea caves, watchtowers and the Ciolo canyon
- Ends at the "finis terrae" of Santa Maria di Leuca
With your dog
Leashed dogs welcome; the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges in places.
