The Alta Murgia Trail from Altamura to Gravina is an 18-kilometre one-way walk across the sweeping limestone plateau of the Alta Murgia National Park in inland Apulia, southern Italy. The trail traverses one of Italy's most ecologically significant upland landscapes — the Murge plateau, a vast calcareous tableland characterised by low scrub, ancient dry-stone walls (muretti a secco), and the distinctive giare (rocky outcrops) formed by millennia of erosion. The trailhead begins at the Alta Murgia National Park Visitor Centre (Via Appulo Lucana 28, 70022 Altamura BA) and terminates in Gravina in Puglia.
Altamura is served by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) rail from Bari in approximately 45 minutes. A return journey from Gravina is available on the same FAL line — confirm the current timetable at fal.it before departure as services are infrequent. The route is one-directional, so coordinating return transport in advance is essential. Parking is available at the Altamura visitor centre for those arriving by car.
The terrain throughout is generally gentle rolling tableland at an elevation between 400 and 680 metres, with no steep climbs. The trail surface alternates between gravel tratturi — ancient drove roads used for seasonal livestock migration across Apulia — compacted earth, and occasional exposed rock. Shade is minimal across most of the route, making sun protection essential. No water sources exist along the route; hikers should carry at least three litres per person.
Key landmarks include the archaeological Dolmen di Giovinazzo near the midpoint of the trail, ancient masseria (farm estates) visible across the plateau, and the dramatic ravine edge as the path approaches Gravina in Puglia. Gravina itself overlooks a deep gorge cut by the Gravina stream, with cave churches and a historic town centre at the journey's end. No refuges or shelters exist along the trail. The walk is best completed in 5–6 hours with regular breaks and is most rewarding during the spring wildflower season (March–May), when orchids, asphodels, and Apulian field poppies carpet the plateau.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Alta Murgia National Park
- Best season
- March–May (wildflowers), October–November
What to bring
- hiking boots
- 3 litres water
- snacks
- trail map
Location
Trailhead: Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia Visitor Centre, Via Appulo Lucana 28, 70022 Altamura BA
40.8245, 16.5527 View on map
Highlights
- Murge plateau landscape — ancient limestone tableland with dry-stone walls and giare formations unique to Alta Murgia
- Tratturi (historic drove roads) forming much of the trail surface, walking routes unchanged for centuries
- Dolmen di Giovinazzo archaeological site near the trail midpoint
- Approach to the Gravina in Puglia ravine, with views into the deep gorge carved by the Gravina stream
- Spring wildflower meadows (March–May): orchids, asphodels, and field poppies across the open plateau
Tips for visiting
- Carry at least 3 litres of water per person — no sources exist between Altamura and Gravina on the trail
- Confirm FAL train schedules from Gravina to Bari before departure as services are infrequent (fal.it)
- March to May is the optimal season; summer crossings should begin at dawn to avoid dangerous midday heat on the exposed plateau
- Wear a sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen — tree cover is virtually absent for over 12 km of the route
- Download an offline GPS track (Gaia GPS or Komoot) as mobile signal is weak on the plateau and waymarking can be intermittent
When to visit
March to May is the optimal period, when wildflowers carpet the plateau and temperatures are mild. October and November offer pleasant autumn walking. Summer crossings are possible but demand a very early start (before 07:00) to avoid dangerous heat on the exposed, shadeless plateau.
Accessibility
The Alta Murgia Trail is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The trail crosses open, uneven limestone plateau terrain with no accessible infrastructure. The tratturi gravel tracks and rock surfaces present significant barriers for strollers and mobility-impaired visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is the trail marked and easy to follow?
The trail follows established tratturi and is marked with CAI waymarkers and national park signage. Navigation is generally straightforward, though an offline GPS map is strongly recommended as signage can be intermittent across open plateau sections.
Can the walk be done as a day trip from Bari?
Yes. Bari to Altamura by FAL train takes approximately 45 minutes. The 18 km walk takes 5–6 hours, and a FAL return train from Gravina completes the trip. Confirm both FAL schedules (Bari–Altamura outbound and Gravina–Bari return) the day before travel.
What wildlife might be seen on the Alta Murgia plateau?
The plateau supports significant raptor populations including the lesser kestrel (a rare colony nests near Altamura), golden eagles, and hen harriers. Hares, foxes, and wild boar are also present. Orchid species peak in April.
Is there any shade or shelter along the route?
Shade is extremely limited across the Murge plateau, which is an open treeless landscape. There are no shelters or refuges between Altamura and Gravina. Carry sufficient sun protection and water for the full unsheltered route.