Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Apulia

Apulia Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Apulia — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Apulia has 9+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Sentiero degli Dei del Gargano — Monte Calvo Loop, Foresta Umbra Nature Walk and Alta Murgia Trail — Altamura to Gravina. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Apulia (Puglia) is the sun-drenched heel of Italy's boot, stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts with over 800 km of coastline, centuries-old whitewashed towns, and a food culture that rivals anywhere in the country. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the iconic trulli of Alberobello and the enigmatic Castel del Monte — Apulia blends Norman castles, Baroque Lecce stonework, and ancient masserie (fortified farmhouses) into an unforgettable landscape.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Sentiero degli Dei del Gargano — Monte Calvo Loop

    12 km loop4–5 hoursmoderateHighest point 1,065 m / 3,494 ft; total gain ~550 m

  2. 2

    Foresta Umbra Nature Walk

    5 km loop (easy version); 9 km (full)1.5–3 hourseasyMinimal; forest trails flat to gently undulating

  3. 3

    Alta Murgia Trail — Altamura to Gravina

    18 km one way (arrange return transport)5–6 hours one wayhardPlateau at 400–680 m; gentle rolling terrain

  4. 4

    Valle d'Itria Countryside Walk — Locorotondo to Cisternino

    11 km one way3 hoursmoderateGentle hills; 50 m total gain

  5. 5

    Sentiero delle Murge — Gravina Canyon Walk

    6 km return2.5 hoursmoderateCanyon descent 150 m; rocky terrain

  6. 6

    Gargano Coastal Path — Vieste to Pugnochiuso

    14 km one way4–5 hoursmoderateCliff paths 0–150 m; exposed coastal terrain

  7. 7

    Salento Olive Grove Pathway — Ostuni to Cisternino

    20 km one way5–6 hourshardGentle 80 m variation through flat olive grove landscape

  8. 8

    Monte Sant'Angelo Pilgrimage Path

    22 km one way (pilgrim route from Manfredonia)6–7 hours uphillhard796 m total gain — strenuous

  9. 9

    Salento Coastal Cycling Path — Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca

    45 km one way (cycling route; partially walkable)Half day by bike (3–4 hours); 12 hours on footmoderateMinimal; mostly flat coastal road

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Flat or gently rolling terrain; no specialist equipment needed

Moderate

Some elevation; hiking boots recommended; 3–5 hours

Challenging

Significant elevation, longer distances, good fitness required

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Apulia.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Extreme heat: July–August temperatures exceed 38°C on exposed paths — hike only before 9 AM or after 5 PM

Medium

Hazard: Rough terrain in Gargano — limestone karst can be slippery; proper boots essential

Medium

Hazard: Limited water sources on all trails — carry a minimum of 2 litres per person

Medium

Hazard: Ticks active March–October in grassland and forest areas — check skin after hiking; wear long trousers in Foresta Umbra

Medium

Hazard: Vipers (Vipera aspis) exist in rocky areas — stay on marked paths and watch where you step

Medium

Hazard: No trail rescue teams in Apulia — inform someone of your route before hiking; carry a fully charged phone

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