Top Puglia Nature Walks - page 2

1) From the ancient Posta Santa Croce walking along the transhumance routes in Puglia. We will start from Dolmen La Chianca, a prehistoric megalithic tomb from the Bronze Age. Crossing one of the typical blades of this territory we will reach a vast complex of karst origin characterized by the presence of caves where in 1955 a femur belonging to an adult individual of Homo sapiens neandertalensis was found. 2) Along the sea with a fantastic coastline full of sea caves that they were inhabited since the Neolithic, as attested by the materials found by Majellaro and Prelorenzo. We will discover the Caves of Ripalta. Along this stretch of the Via Francigena you can also admire the typical Apulian rural landscape with its dry stone walls, haystacks and small houses. We will continue on a short stretch through a fantastic meadow of spontaneous orchids and we will be able to reach Cala Pantano, a small inlet created by the blades, erosive furrows typical of the Apulian landscape.

This is not just any visit: it is a dive into the real life of the port, led by those who have always lived that port. We have been a family of fishermen for generations, and we take you where no one goes: between nets stretched out in the sun, hands marked by salt and tales that smell of the sea. You will walk with us along the pier, listening to authentic stories and closely watching the slow and skilful gestures of fishermen as they repair their nets, just like they used to. We will open the doors of our fishing boats, real boats that brave the sea every night, and we will tell you what life on board is really like, between effort, tradition and pride. You will not find sets or scripts: you will find real people, voices that tell the deepest and most sincere Puglia. It is an experience designed for those who want to know, understand, get excited. And bring home a memory that smells of wind, saltiness and truth!

Experience a culinary journey through the charming streets of Bari with our exclusive Walking Food Tour, guided by a knowledgeable local. Indulge in a feast for the senses as you delve into the rich food culture of the city, savoring an array of delectable treats such as the iconic focaccia barese, crispy sgagliozze, mouthwatering panzerotto, succulent grilled octopus sandwich, and irresistible gelato. This immersive excursion offers more than just a taste of Bari's culinary delights; it provides an intimate opportunity to uncover hidden local gems, from traditional eateries to bustling markets, where you can interact with friendly vendors and learn about the city's gastronomic traditions firsthand. Join us for a gastronomic adventure like no other, where every bite tells a story and every step reveals the soul of Bari.

The archeological sites at the coast of Porto Cesareo tell us about a local history that was intimately bound to the rest of the Mediterranean. Indeed, the archeological remains that we will see will lead us to consider the relationships with other parts of the basin and to talk about ancient navigation, the “marble route” coming from the Aegean and deities coming from ancient Egypt. In addition, it will appear clear the relevance of physical geography shaping local history. Thus, we will talk about the main features of the Mediterranean Basin, the evolution of coastal topography and geomorphological processes. After describing and talking about the history of modern and contemporary buildings that we will see, we will try to reconstruct the evolution of the coastal landscape and the destruction of the coastal ecosystems. This tour is recommended for archeology, history, geography and culture enthusiasts, naturalists, swimmers, active tourists and adventure seekers.

This tour mainly follows the coastline south of the town of Otranto. This area is characterised by a picturesque landscape, rich in natural beauty, and home to a number of archaeological and historical sites: Roman and modern watchtowers, and Second World War bunkers. The route follow roads with little or no traffic and paths that, in some sections, run along rocky outcrops or are covered in gravel. The total distance is approximately 7 km (4.4 miles) with a total elevation gain of 80 m (265 feet). Along the way, we will make a few stops to visit natural and archaeological sites. This tour is designed for those who enjoy walking in nature and are interested in history and geography.

Immersed in the wilderness made of vast rocky pastures and thick oak forests extended as far as the eye can see, a place of botanical study on some rare species of wild orchids. The excursion starts from Quasano, at the gates of the Alta Murgia National Park, a hamlet of Toritto (BA), and after saying goodbye to the monumental Tree of Lie, we will enter the oak grove, along shaded paths we will reach the panoramic point where you can admire the Adriatic Sea, the centuries-old La Gloria Oak and the ancient Jazzo Lamadenza among expanses of grasses and legumes, where a stone cistern is habitat for amphibians and dragonflies. In this place of transhumance you immediately felt like retracing the steps of the people who lived here a few centuries ago, where in addition to shepherds and flocks of sheep, there are also large wild mammals, birds of prey, less common reptiles, alimurgical plants, aromatic herbs, and the precious Toritto Almond, a typical local product to be enjoyed.

Discover the authentic flavors of Alberobello with this exclusive Street Food Tour, a culinary experience that will take you into the heart of Apulian tradition. Stroll through the famous trulli and the charming alleys of the old town, where history, culture and gastronomy blend in a unique atmosphere. During the tour you will taste local street food specialties and discover curiosities, anecdotes and traditions related to Apulian cuisine, experiencing Alberobello as a true local. An ideal experience for lovers of good food and for those who want to explore the city in an authentic and original way, involving all the senses.

Lecce is best known for its sumptuous baroque architecture, but the city has an equally rich cuisine worth exploring. Discover both its cultural treasures and gastronomic delights with this tour that combines a guided walk past the Basilica of Santa Croce, the cathedral, and other highlights of the historic center with stops to sample traditional specialties like savory “rustico” and “frisella” pastries, and the sweet custard-filled “pasticciotto”.

It is an authentic experience that allows you to visit privately owned farms, where you can admire mammoth thousand-year-old olive trees, as well as compare underground oil mills of the past with modern oil mills, in operation in the winter months.

The coast of Castellaneta Marina is home to large beaches of soft sand which are bathed by a crystal clear sea which has received the Blue Flag title.