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Puglia hikes/walks

We are leaving for Puglia next weekend for a week of mostly getting outdoors for some scenic hikes. Do you have some favorites to share?

We are 4 adults in our 50s and 60s, active and in decent shape. We'll be basing in Trani for the week, will have a rental car, and I expect we'll be focusing more on the northern areas of Puglia. I'm anticipating we'll get up, get going, do a 3 to 4 hour hike/walk each day, then look for a great lunch nearby. Then maybe do some in-town wandering or sightseeing before sunset (around 4:30) and head back to the Trani area for the evening.

Would love to hear of some hikes or walks (easy to moderate levels) that you have enjoyed. We have the AllTrails app and have a great starting list, but personal experiences are always helpful!

Posted by
39 posts

The drive would take an hour+ but maybe consider Matera? When I was there in July, I woke up very early one morning and hiked down to the ravine, crossed the suspension bridge and then hiked up to the previously occupied caves. It was a real adventure - the paths demanded attention due to loose stones and the heat in July quickly became intense, but the oasis of the stream with all its squawking birds was magical.

Posted by
735 posts

Thank you for the responses!

Jules, yes, I will post a trip report when we get back.

Posted by
301 posts

I just got back tonight from a month in southern Italy, with quite a bit of time in Lecce, Ostuni, Otranto, Matera, Polignano a Mare, etc. I did no hiking but I am concerned about your "looking for a great lunch nearby". I would say about maybe 10-15% of shops/resturants/etc were open. And unlike other regions, particularly around the large cities, shutdown between 12-4 or 1-5 was absolute. I learned very quickly never to leave my apt without some sort of food. Just a heads up.

Posted by
735 posts

Thanks, Janet, good to know. We are staying in apartments and worst case we can head “home” and eat there, but we’ll make sure we’re equipped with snacks to get us through.