Via Francigena: Lecce to Santa Maria de Leuca

Your journey begins in Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South” for its richly decorated baroque churches, palaces and lively piazzas. Spend time wandering the atmospheric old town, where narrow lanes open onto elegant squares lined with cafés, artisan workshops and Roman ruins. Highlights include the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheater and the city’s many limestone façades glowing golden in the late afternoon light. Lecce is also an excellent introduction to the flavors of Salento, with traditional pastries, local wines and family-run trattorias showcasing the region’s celebrated cuisine.

After a short transfer to Cannole or Martano, your walk begins in the heart of Grecìa Salentina, a region where Greek traditions and language still linger. Following quiet country lanes and ancient rural tracks, you pass centuries-old olive groves, dry-stone walls and small farming settlements that reflect the agricultural heritage of the Salento peninsula. Gradually the landscape opens toward the Adriatic Sea, with the scent of salt air announcing your approach to the coast. The final stretch descends into Otranto, dramatically positioned above the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Enclosed by medieval walls, Otranto is one of Puglia’s most atmospheric coastal towns. Explore the narrow lanes of the historic centre, visit the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its remarkable mosaic floor, or relax by the harbour with fresh seafood and sea views. 22 or 30km/13.5 or 18.5mi, +150m/492ft, -235m/771ft, 69% paved/31% unpaved

Leaving Otranto behind, today’s route initially follows scenic coastal paths with sweeping views over limestone cliffs and the vivid blue Adriatic Sea. Small bays, rocky coves and Mediterranean vegetation accompany much of the morning walk before the trail turns inland through quieter agricultural landscapes dotted with olive groves and traditional stone walls. As you continue south, traces of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route appear in small chapels and historic pathways once used by pilgrims traveling toward the Holy Land. Your destination is Uggiano la Chiesa, a peaceful village with deep historical and spiritual roots. Nearby, the Crypt of Santa Maria di Leuca del Belvedere preserves medieval frescoes and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s religious heritage. Overnight Uggiano la Chiesa/Porto Badisco area, where the usual accommodation is a masseria (a converted farmhouse, characteristic of the Puglia region). 12km/7.5mi, +160m/525ft, -100m/328ft, 24% paved/76% unpaved

Today’s walk explores the rural interior of the Salento peninsula, following a varied network of country tracks, quiet roads and walking trails through farmland and olive groves. Along the way you pass near Giurdignano, often called the “garden of megaliths” for its remarkable collection of prehistoric menhirs and dolmens scattered across the countryside. The landscape becomes gently undulating as you continue south toward the Adriatic coast. Arriving in Marittima, a small hilltop village overlooking the sea, you are rewarded with expansive coastal views and a peaceful local atmosphere. Narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and quiet piazzas make this an inviting place to pause and enjoy the slower pace of southern Italy. 16km/10mi, +100m/328 ft, -90m/295ft, 91% paved/9% unpaved

Today’s shorter stage allows time to appreciate the coastal scenery and village life of southern Puglia. Leaving Marittima, the route descends gradually toward the sea along quiet local roads lined with olive groves, fig trees and traditional dry-stone walls. The nearby Adriatic influences the landscape, bringing sea breezes and bright coastal light throughout the walk. Your destination is Tricase, a lively historic town with longstanding maritime connections and a charming old centre filled with churches, cafés and stone palaces. If time permits, you may wish to visit nearby Tricase Porto, a small fishing harbour framed by rocky coastline and clear blue water. 11km/6.8 mi, +100m/328 ft, -95m/312 ft, 67% paved/33% unpaved

Continuing south, the route takes you along quiet lanes that wind between ancient olive groves, dry-stone walls, fig trees and traditional masserie (fortified farmhouses), encouraging reflective walking. Approaching Gagliano del Capo, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, hinting at the dramatic coastline nearby. Historically an important stopping point for pilgrims approaching Santa Maria di Leuca, the town carries a strong sense of anticipation as you near the end of your Via Francigena journey. 12km/7.5 mi, +95m/312ft, -55m/180ft, 95% paved/5% unpaved

Your final stage may be short, but it is rich in symbolism and coastal scenery. Walking toward the southernmost tip of Puglia, you follow clifftop roads and paths overlooking sea caves, rocky inlets and expansive Adriatic views. The coastline here feels wild and elemental, shaped by wind and waves over centuries. Arriving in Santa Maria di Leuca, pilgrims traditionally reached the “end of the land” before continuing onward by sea to the Holy Land. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae and the lighthouse overlooking the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas mark the traditional conclusion of the Via Francigena del Sud. Take time here to reflect on your journey before returning to Gagliano del Capo (by transfer, included) and public transport to Lecce (not included). Overnight in Lecce. 6.5km/4mi, +40m/131 ft, -100m/328 ft, 90% paved/10% unpaved. *Note: In Spring and Autumn there is no public transport on Sundays from Gagliano del Capo train station to Lecce and a private transfer is required - supplement applies.

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Lecce. If you'd like to stay an extra night in Lecce please ask for our rates.