Apulia walks

Otranto is a very pretty town to visit and, to escape the crowds of tourists in its narrow streets, there's nothing better than a tour of the old bauxite quarry and then returning along the seafront.

Who would have thought that, in the heart of Puglia, one might find a place resembling the forest of Huelgoat? Here, olive and mastic trees have given way to beech and moss. Starting from Laghetto d’Umbra, a magnificent path winds its way between majestic trunks supporting a dense canopy that the light struggles to penetrate. And who is this giant who built these mounds of rock by excavating the nearby sinkholes? Could Gargantua have something to do with the Gargano?

Trulli dot the countryside around Locorondo. This countryside walk follows quiet country lanes that pass close to trulli, some restored and some not. The best times to visit are May and June, or alternatively in autumn to avoid the heat.

This one-way hike from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli is completed by using the train. To start, go to Monopoli station, where there is free parking (white lines) on the left opposite the station. Take the train to Polignano a Mare, which takes 5 minutes and costs €1.30 per person. At the station, head to the seafront and follow it to Monopoli.