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Puglia & Basilicata Walking Tour (8 days): Sassi, Trulli, and Baroque in Italy’s Most Beautiful South
8-Day Hiking Tour of Puglia and Basilicata: The Most Beautiful Part of Southern Italy
This 8-day hiking trip through Puglia and Basilicata is: waking up in the morning among the cave dwellings of Matera, hiking through the olive groves of the Itria Valley in the afternoon, and a few days later, looking out over the coast near Otranto. Right where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea and Italy experiences its “first dawn.” Over the course of 8 days, you’ll hike from Matera to Otranto; your luggage will be transported for you, so you can enjoy light hiking with just a daypack.
This self-guided walking tour in southern Italy combines UNESCO World Heritage sites, quiet country roads, charming towns, and a generous helping of local flavors (bread from Matera and DOC wines from Locorotondo).
Difficulty: 1/5 (suitable for anyone in reasonably good shape)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Type: self-guided + luggage transport + route app
Bonus: pet-friendly (pets welcome)
Booking: You can book this trip using the registration form at the bottom of this article through our local specialist (you’ll be traveling independently, but with excellent support).
Puglia & Basilicata Walking Tour: A Quick Overview
Take a walk through two UNESCO cities: Matera and Alberobello
Stay in Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce (with day hikes and transfers)
Peaceful routes along unpaved trails and country roads, usually with little traffic
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel: travel light
End your trip with the sea, cliffs, and scenic trails around Otranto
Why this walking tour is such a great mix
What makes this route so clever is that it lets you discover Italy layer by layer. First, the ancient rocky landscapes of Basilicata; then the rolling hills dotted with trulli and dry-stone walls; and finally, the Baroque city atmosphere and the sea of Salento.
Memorable Highlights
Matera (Sassi): cave dwellings, a rugged landscape, and the famous Pane di Matera
Rock Churches Park (Murgia Timone): Panoramic Views and Frescoes in Cave Churches
Locorotondo: winding streets, traditional cottages, and local wines
Alberobello & trulli: that fairy-tale-like UNESCO site in real life
Martina Franca & Lecce: Baroque at its southernmost (warm, opulent, photogenic)
Ostuni: The White City Perched High on the Hill
Dune Costiere: a nature park with old masserias and centuries-old olive groves
Otranto & Cape Otranto: coastal trails, two seas, and the “Blue Lake” (bauxite quarry)
Day-by-Day Itinerary (8-Day Hiking Trip through Puglia & Basilicata)
Day 1: Welcome to Matera
Arrival and check-in. Time to wander through the Sassi: narrow alleys, stairways, caves, and lookout points. Tip: Be sure to try Matera’s bread (with that wonderful story about the bread stamps).
Day 2: Park of the Rock Churches (± 12 km | +340 m / -350 m)
You’ll start off with a bang: hiking through the gorge and up toward Murgia Timone in the Rock Churches Park. Lots of views, lots of history, lots of “wow” moments. In the afternoon, you can explore Matera further (for example, with an informative tour that brings the Sassi to life).
Day 3: To Locorotondo, through the Itria Valley (± 13.5 km | +180 m / -140 m)
Take a transfer to the Itria Valley and then walk toward Locorotondo, passing along the “green route” near the aqueduct, among other sights. Then take the train back to Alberobello (where you’ll stay for 2 nights).
Day 4: From Alberobello to Martina Franca (± 19 km | +240 m / -220 m)
Today you’ll walk through a landscape of trulli, meadows, low walls, and the lush Bosco Selva. Final destination: Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque town. Return to Alberobello by bus or train.
Day 5: From Alberobello to Ostuni (± 12 km | +250 m / -130 m)
Transfer to a masseria near the Dune Costiere Nature Park. Hike through fields, orchards, and woods toward Ostuni. Along the way, there’s a short tasting (included), perfect for getting a feel for the local rhythm.
Day 6: Ostuni & Dune Costiere (± 14 km | +10 m / -220 m)
A gentle descent toward the sea, through the protected area with ancient olive groves and historic farmhouses. Then transfer to Lecce for 2 nights.
Day 7: Otranto & the Cape: where two seas meet (± 9 km | +95 m / -110 m)
Take local transportation to Otranto. Walk along the coast toward the Cape of Otranto: rugged, open, and bright. Make a detour to the colorful “Blue Lake” (bauxite quarry). Finish up with a visit to the cathedral (mosaic) and the castle.
Day 8: Ends in Lecce
Breakfast and the end of the trip. Haven’t had enough yet? You can easily extend this route toward the very tip of the heel.
Practical Information and Quote for the Puglia & Basilicata Walking Tour
Departure Dates & Prices (per person, based on double occupancy)
Off-season (February 15, 2026–March 31, 2026 and November 7, 2026–December 16, 2026): €795 standard | €1,040 superior
Mid-season (April 1, 2026–April 30, 2026 and October 5, 2026–November 6, 2026): €905 | €1,190
High Season (May 1, 2026–June 30, 2026, August 30, 2026–October 4, 2026, and December 17, 2026–January 3, 2027): €935 | €1,249
Peak Season (July 1, 2026–August 29, 2026): €1,035 | €1,470
Request a quote for an 8-Day Hiking Trip to Puglia & Basilicata
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if approved. It’s a highly reliable local travel agency that offers personalized assistance. You’ll pay the same price as if you booked directly; we receive a small commission. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
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How do you get to Matera?
Matera is easy to reach by train, car, and plane.
By Train
The train stations near Matera are Bari, Gioia del Colle, Ferrandina, and Metaponto. For more information, visit the Trenitalia website. From Bari, you can reach Matera by train or by bus operated by FAL (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane). From Metaponto and Ferrandina, you can only reach Matera by bus (check the schedules on the SITA and FAL websites).
For information about changes or additions to stops, cancellations, delays, detours, and other useful information for Trenitalia train travelers, visit viaggiatreno.
Please note: There are no trains on Sundays and holidays; only a few buses run.
By plane
The closest airports to Matera are those in Bari, Brindisi, and Naples. Bari Palese Airport is about 60 km away and is served by various shuttle services. Alternatively, after arriving at Bari Central Station via the Ferrovie del Nord Barese, you can take the FAL train to the center of Matera (about 80 minutes).
Please note: On Sundays and holidays, there are no trains, but only a few buses.
Brindisi Casale Airport is about 150 km away. From there, you can reach Matera by taking the bus that passes through Bari Palese Airport. Please visit the Aeroporti di Puglia website for more detailed information. Naples Capodichino Airport is about 250 km away and is connected to Matera by several bus companies.
By bus
Matera is also accessible by bus. The main bus companies offering this service are: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Marozzi, Busmiccolis, and Petruzzi Autolinee.
By car
The nearest highway exits are Bari Nord and Gioia del Colle if you’re taking the A14 or the Adriatica Highway; take the Sicignano-Potenza exit if you’re coming from the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria.
Back to Matera
From Lecce, you can reach Matera by Trenitalia, first to Bari, and then by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane from Bari to Matera. The total cost of the trip ranges from €16 to €30, depending on the type of train; the travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Please note: On Sundays and holidays, buses run instead of trains. If you prefer to travel in comfort, you can book a private transfer on your arrival and departure days.
Sustainable travel: Get More Out of Your Hiking Trip to Puglia & Basilicata (With Less Impact)
It is best to travel to the starting point by train and bus (via Bari) and use local public transportation whenever possible.
Choose the low or mid season: quieter trails, more pleasant temperatures, and a more even distribution of tourists.
Buy local along the way: bread, fruit, wine, olive oil; that way, you’ll be directly supporting the region.
Please respect nature reserves such as Dune Costiere: stay on the trails and always take your trash with you (including organic waste).
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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A really beautiful six-day hike from Bologna to Florence. Communication with NatureTravelLab and the local agent was excellent. The information packet was waiting for us at the hotel in Bologna, and the app with the route worked great. Luggage transport was well organized every day, and our bags were waiting for us each time we arrived at our new room! We covered more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain, but unfortunately didn’t always get the views we’d hoped for due to cloud cover and some drizzle. Most days had great hiking weather. It was wonderful to walk into Florence on foot and stay there an extra day.
We experienced the Walk of the Gods as a great adventure. Our start in Bologna didn’t go quite as planned because our app wasn’t working yet and we couldn’t find a single sign for Via degli Dei in the square. Fortunately, we were quickly able to join two young hikers from Florence who were also doing the hike. After a wonderful night’s stay at the beautiful Rio Verde agritourism farm, Day 2 went much better with the help of the hiking app. Along the way, we enjoyed stunning views, met some great fellow hikers, and sampled delicious local dishes. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t always on our side, and we had a day of heavy rain, which made the trail very slippery and required us to be careful. It’s a real treat when, on the last day, you can already see Florence in the distance and walk into this beautiful city a few hours later. Thank you so much for your quick and friendly responses to all our questions.
We enjoyed the trip. We also made some changes to our itinerary, and the email correspondence went very smoothly. We started in Mantera; the next day, our first and only hike was a really beautiful one. The taxi picked us up right on time. Unfortunately, the second day’s route was almost the same when we cycled to Ostuni. The bikes were well-maintained, including panniers and helmets (these were simply included). You could even bring your own water bottle!!! We found the route very scenic and varied. There were charming little villages where we could stop for lunch or coffee. The app worked great. All the hotels ranged from good to excellent, though we didn’t think the hotel in Leuca was worthy of 4 stars. We followed your advice for the two nights we stayed there. We found Leuca a bit underwhelming for a two-day stay. We would have preferred to stay in Gallipoli or Lecce for two days. We took this trip in April and were very lucky with the weather. It’s still a quiet time of year, but we didn’t mind that. We definitely recommend it!!!
Thanks to a great tip from Nature Travel Lab, we had a wonderful week in Italy. Fattoria di Maiano, just outside Florence, was a beautiful and peaceful place. And the suggested road trips were a great guide for exploring the region. We’ll definitely check here for tips for our next vacation, too. Highly recommended!
We spent a divine week in Italy: we walked the Path of the Gods, from Bologna to Florence—about 135 km spread over 6 days of hiking. Challenging distances and climbs, amazing views, nature, and a warm welcome every time we arrived at the agriturismo or albergo/hotel. All of this was perfectly organized by the Italian company Slow Active Tours, entirely in line with Nature Travel Lab’s itinerary proposal: upon arrival in Bologna, an information packet was waiting for us, complete with a hiking map, a booklet, and passports for the stamps. And the hiking app was very practical for along the way! Our luggage was transported every day and was always waiting for us when we arrived at the next location. Communication was smooth and clear. In short, highly recommended, well worth it, and well-organized.
In September, I walked the Cammino Materano. Communicating with Madelon about the booking was a pleasure. To be honest, I was quite nervous because it was my first time doing a multi-day hike—alone and in a region I wasn’t familiar with—but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hike to Matera was beautiful, and I was able to complete it without any trouble thanks to the clear on-site signage and the routing and advice provided by the GPS app. The rest of the organization was top-notch as well. My luggage always arrived on time at the right destination, and the hotels and B&Bs were of high quality. In addition, the organizers were easy to reach via WhatsApp if I had any questions. Highly recommended!
Slovenia was absolutely amazing. A beautiful country, friendly people, lovely hiking trails, and truly top-notch hotels. The staff at the local organization were also very easy to reach and helpful. The hiking was manageable. As Dutch people, we’re not used to high altitudes, of course, so it was pretty tough at times. But it was also a lot of fun.
We had a wonderful trip. Everything was well organized. Due to an unfortunate fall, I ended up traveling with my luggage for a day, but that was handled well, too. We really liked all the accommodations. Only the Hotel Hebe in St. Piero a Sieve was a little less impressive, but it was still okay.
Looks fantastic! I'm definitely going to book a trip with this company... they're committed to sustainability and personalized advice. Definitely worth it.
Madelon and her team are true experts. Thanks to their years of experience and passion for travel, they manage to surprise us time and time again.
Beautiful hikes, the most picturesque spots—it’s a real treat.
I highly recommend them!
Nature Travel Lab provided us with very helpful and honest assistance!
If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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