Depending on your arrival time in Otranto, you will be able to settle into your hotel and explore this 'Pearl of the Orient'. Take time to be enchanted by its compact old quarter and visit the macabre artefacts that lay in glass cabinets behind the altar of the cathedral - the bones of 813 martyrs who brutally fought in the infamous battle with the Turks in 1480. If you prefer to have a slightly less macabre start to your holiday we suggest taking a stroll along the town's strong walls to the delightful port and seafront where you can enjoy a drink and spot of people watching as you take in the views across the Adriatic towards the Balkans and Greece. In the evening venture to one of the local restaurants to enjoy more of the region's fantastic specialities.

Waking up to the fresh Mediterranean breeze you can enjoy a relaxed continental breakfast before putting on your walking boots to enjoy a fantastic introductory hike through the Idro valley. Today's route is a loop taking you along the Idro River, through fragrant orchards of oranges and fields of olive groves. Along your way you will discover the curious Sant Angelo Cave, a church carved into the rock with detailed frescos dating back to the 13th century. The church is the only one of its kind in Puglia with two underground floors where six tombs were excavated. You will have time to explore this unusual church before continuing your loop to Otranto to enjoy another delicious evening meal as the sun sets on a great first day of walking.

This morning you say farewell to Otranto as you make your way through the maze of narrow streets to the port. You will have opportunity to enjoy a coffee before heading along the coast. Before long you head inland to discover the intense emerald waters and deep red rocky walls of the Cava di Bauxite - it's hard to believe this lush lake area was once a quarry now that nature has taken hold. The trails return you to the coast where you will see the Punta Palascia Lighthouse in the distance, your next goal. The lighthouse marks the easternmost point of Italy, just 71km from Albania whose mountains you can often see in the distance. It is possible to easily combine this trip with our Self-Guided Walking the Coastal South of Albania via ferry so you can take a closer look at those mountains in the distance. As you continue along the coast to your home for the night in Porto Badisco you will be accompanied by the cooling sea breeze and witness locals enjoying a dip in the inviting crystal clear waters. This area known as Salento is known for its pristine beaches so today is certainly a day to pack your swimsuit.

Today's walk will take you further along this beautiful coastline along a shepherd's track, punctuated with typical 'pagliari' - round, flat topped stone building where shepherds traditionally slept as they kept watch over their flock. As you reach the half way point of your hike you steer away from the coast to ascend to a plateau providing far reaching views. Making your way along the plateau's narrow paths you are greeted by a pine forest providing the perfect shaded spot for a picnic. Descending from the plateau you arrive in the beautiful town of Santa Cesarea Terme standing proud like a glittering white gem above the Adriatic Sea. The town is famed for its wonderful natural hot springs known for their health benefits making them the perfect end to a day hiking.

Feeling refreshed and fuelled by a tasty breakfast in your hotel your walk today provides a lovely mix of scenery and several swimming opportunities too. Leaving Santa Cesarea you ascend to reach an old walled road leading inland through tranquil farmlands to the Ancient Messapian town of Castro. Castro is a gem of a town with its old world atmosphere protected by the strong fortress, towers and high walls. Walking through the narrow streets you will soon be led to the main square and the panoramic terrazza for fantastic views across to Corfu. You will have time to enjoy a spot of lunch before making your way to the port where you will see fisherman bringing in the day's catch, or in the summer months perhaps a dazzling yacht and holiday makers enjoying a dip in the cooling sea. Following the rocky coastline you make your way to the stunning and secluded Acquaviva Cove, a wonderful swimming spot where fresh water springs feed into the crystal clear Adriatic. When you have finished taking in this dreamy spot you will make a final ascent through the shade of the forested Acquaviva Valley to your hotel in Marittima. Take time to settle into your hotel and explore this welcoming town before enjoying a feast of local delicacies in a nearby restaurant.

Your walk today will take you through series of immense olive trees to tranquil countryside steeped in history. Joining a traditional 'tratturi' (a system of ancient roads and footpaths used by locals in the south of Italy to connect villages and orchards), you make your way towards the coast and descend to Tricase Porto. Take time to explore this sleepy harbour town, visit the Torre del Sasso sitting proudly on its majestic rock, or enjoy lunch and a 'caffe in ghiaccio' (iced coffee) in one of the harbour cafes before continuing on your walk. Arriving into Marina Serra you will have time to discover the town's natural swimming pool where the waves have cut into the rocky coast that wends between the reef to gift a fantastic pool complete with grottoes - a truly enchanting swimming spot.

Your final hike of the week begins with a short ascent along the Sentiero del Nemico (Enemy's Path) so named as it is the perfect place to plot an ambush to unexpected visitors during times of unrest. With no fear of an ambush today, you can instead enjoy the beautiful views. Before long you re-join the ancient tratturi network to take you inland to the sleepy town of Novaglie where you can reward your morning's efforts with a coffee. The final section of your walk is one of our favourites, as you join the spectacular Cipolliane Path as it wends its way along the coast, high above the clear waters below. Named after the caves below, the pathway is punctuated with prickly pear trees and euphorbia as it leads you to Ciolo Bridge, a lovely spot for a final swim. From the Ciolo Cove you make your way up the Ciolo Valley to Gagliano del Capo where you can raise a glass to a great week of walking in Puglia before catching the train to Lecce to spend your final night. Lecce is a city to experience and be captivated by as you soak in the city's architecture and character, be sure to take time to get lost in the narrow streets unveiling hidden piazzas and extravagant churches. Be sure to take time to discover the city's distinctive architecture and delight in dinner in one of the many open air restaurants around the city as locals take part in the 'la passeggiata'.

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and, if timings allow, take a final stroll through the narrow streets of Lecce as the city awakes. The city is a fantastic place for a city break and we can arrange additional nights' accommodation if you wish to stay and explore a little longer. Please ask our sales team for details. Alternatively, if you would like to turn your week's holiday into a much bigger adventure then this trip can be ideally linked with any of our other Italian trips (the Italian rail network is fantastic) or for something a little different you can hop on the ferry from Bari to undertake our Self-Guided Walking: Dubrovnik and Dalmation Coast and Self-Guided Walking the Coastal South of Albania trips for a full tour of the Adriatic.