Hiking in Puglia

Our guide to the best hiking and trekking in Puglia – breathtaking adventures under the southern Italian sun.

Puglia offers some absolutely stunning scenery and some superb walking territory. Nestled between the Adriatic on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other, the region is surprisingly varied and there can surely be no better way to appreciate this beautiful countryside than on foot. Puglia’s hiking routes are plentiful with  the option of enjoying one of the many coastal routes on offer or instead you could opt to head inland and enjoy a more rural hike.

If you’re looking to enjoy some longer and more strenuous hikes during your stay, we would recommend travelling in either the Spring or across late Summer and early Autumn. This when temperatures tend to be kinder. Arguably, the best time to visit is in the Spring, when you will be treated to a glorious abundance of wildflowers dotted across the beautiful countryside.

In recent years, Puglia’s infrastructure has seen significant investment. As a result hiking in Puglia is also much improved with better marking of paths and routes to follow. While there is still value in visiting a local tourist information office, nowadays there are some superb apps with easily downloadable maps and routes to help you plan your hike. Our favourites are probably All Trails and 10 Adventures. Both offer excellent interactive maps, however 10 Adventures also have the option of joining walking tours with local guides.

For this guide to hiking in Puglia, we’ve chosen some of our favourite trails for you to try on your next trip to this magnificent region in southern Italy.

Hiking in Puglia: National Parks

If you are planning on doing some serious walking during your stay, certainly aim to base your stay near to one of the two National Parks in the region. Both are excellent to explore and provide a good range of routes from those suitable for all the family to more seriously challenging walks and climbs. We also always recommend a trip over the order to Basilicata. Perhaps Italy’s most unsung region, Basilicata is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. And, it is also home to the largest National Park in Italy: Parco Nazionale del Pollino. However, for the purpose of this guide to hiking in Puglia, these are our highlights in Puglia’s National Parks.

Parco Nazionale del Gargano

One of our favourite destinations if you want to enjoy plenty of time hiking in Puglia is the Gargano National Park. The landscape is simply stunning with white limestone cliffs overlooking bright blue seas contrasting with the dense forests and lush green meadows. The Umbra Forest that lies within the promontory covers an area of over 15,000 hectares and is protected as a national park. It’s a paradise for walkers and cyclists with plenty of paths and tracks for everyone to enjoy, and maps of the trails and paths are available to collect from the visitor centre and museum located in the middle of the forest.

• Vieste to Pugnochiuso Coastal Trail – A moderate hike with some of the most magical views of any hike we’ve ever experienced. Beginning in the village of Vieste, the route skirts the magnificent limestone cliffs and below you’ll be astounded by the majestic blue colour of the Adriatic sea below. At various points there is access to the sea so we’d definitely recommend packing your swim gear for this hike in Puglia.
• Foresta Umbra Nature Trails – This is a series of well marked gentle trails and paths which are an ideal way to discover this ancient beech forest which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an abundance of wildlife to spot and a lake to discover on your hike. Suitable for all the family this is the perfect introduction to hiking in Puglia
• Monte Sant’Angelo Pilgrimage Path – a more challenging hike up to one of the most stunning villages in Puglia. In fact, this is pilgrims way which has been followed for centuries. A spiritual highlight is the Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo however for most its the views over the Tavoliere plain which are the main event.

Parco Nationale dell’ Alta Murgia

Further South is the Parco Nationale dell’ Alta Murgia. This extends from the Adriatic coast to the uplands of Luciano and is where walkers will come across wildlife in abundance, including a variety of mushrooms as well as wild asparagus. A truly humbling experience, where hikers can find solitude in the beauty of nature. The crowning glory of the park is the Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II in the 13th century and now a UNESCO world heritage site.

• Bosco di Bitonto Trail – An easy family friendly hike which takes you through the forest where you can discover the stunning flora and fauna that punctuates this stunning park. Bring a picnic and some binoculars to relax and discover some of the wonderful native wildlife. 
• Castel del Monte Loop -A moderate hike which begins at Castel del Monte. It’s a moderate trail with some gentle hills giving way to stunning plateaus. Highlights include stunning shows of wildflowers and our top tip is to aim to visit as the sun begins to set for a real golden hour treat.
• Jazzo Rosso and Murgia Landscape Trail – Now this is a more challenging hike in Puglia – not suitable for the inexperienced. The route involves some climbing on rocks and scrambling in fairly rough terrain. However, the rewards are well worth the effort! Hikers will discover drystone outbuildings which have stood for centuries in this stunning corner of Puglia. Along the trail you’ll discover wild orchids amongst other natural beauty in the heart of the Alta Murgia.

Tips for Hiking in Puglia

• Plan ahead – check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.
• Wear good hiking shoes or boots.
• Try to avoid hiking in Puglia in July and August.
• Bring plenty of water – the region can have some very warm weather even in the spring and autumn- remember to keep hydrated.
• Consider hiring a guide – especially if you’re new to hiking.
• Take your time – Puglia is too beautiful to rush.

Accommodation in Puglia

Looking for somewhere to stay while hiking in Puglia? Here at Bookings For You we have decades of experience in helping our guests find their perfect villa or apartment in Puglia. Discover our full collection here or contact us for the best advice on where to stay in Puglia.