The Cammino del Salento is structured in six stages, from Lecce to the Santuario de Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca: the end of the world, the end of the earth that becomes a peninsula, between the Ionian and Adriatic seas.

The first three stages are inland, following the orange arrow that identifies the route you will discover villages of Grecìa Salentina among dry stone walls, castles, ancient palaces, underground oil mills, dolmens and menhirs. We could not miss a stop in Galatina, a taste of the original "pasticciotto" and a visit to the Basilica Santa Caterina with its 15th-century frescoes.

After 68 km we arrive in Otranto and the Adriatic Sea that will accompany the walker to the end of the journey. In the last three stages, in fact, the Cammino del Salento yields to the lure of the coast, on paths and sheep-tracks by the sea, reaching first the spectacle of the bauxite quarry, with its small lake, and then the most easterly point of Italy (Punta Palascìa) with its lighthouse looking towards Albania.

Passing coastal towers overlooking the sea, such as Torre Sant'Emiliano, small fjords and inlets with crystal-clear waters, you arrive at Santa Cesarea Terme, where you will feel as if you are in the Orient thanks to Villa Sticchi with its Moorish dome. After a walk along the walls of the castle of Castro and a trek along the rocky coast, we arrive at the Acquaviva inlet, characterised by fresh water and wild nature.

Another unforgettable part of the Cammino del Salento is the Cipolliane path, on the last stage, halfway along the cliff, from which it is possible to visit the caves of the same name, and then arrive at Ciolo, a fjord enclosed by high limestone walls, with its bridge suspended between sky and sea. About one kilometre from the Sanctuary of Leuca, the destination of the Cammino del Salento, it is possible to perform the ritual of the ancient pilgrims around the Erma Antica: it is here that they deposited a stone, symbol of their sins, to then continue with a lighter heart towards De Finibus Terra

Cammino del Salento is a PIN - Pugliesi Innovativi (Innovative Apulian) Winning Project - Initiative promoted by the Youth Policies of the Apulia Region and ARTI. Presented in June 2019, more than 500 walkers have walked it, mostly from Northern Italy, from 14 to 72 years old!

The creators

Federica Miglietta, 30, graduated in civil engineering, master's degree in International Hospitality Management, ten years' experience in hospitality.

Mariarita Scarpino, 32, two master's degrees in music and guitar, expert in organising events and creating musical experiences.

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