Santa Cesarea Terme 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.

The first stage of the Via Salentina, a 5-day hike along the Adriatic coast of Puglia.Best undertaken in April–May to enjoy the mild temperatures and walk through beautifully flower-filled landscapes. The route follows the stunning coastline and passes through the easternmost point of Italy. The finish is at Masseria Panarea, an agritourism centre that makes for an ideal stop. You can choose to continue on to Porto Badisco (see stage 2 itinerary), but accommodation options in this village are limited.