Overview
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE DATES ARE SET, AND THIS IS A PRELIMINARY POSTING WHILE WE CALCULATE TRIP PRICING.
This 15-day journey follows the southern Via Francigena from Bari to Lecce, then continues along the Cammino di Salento to Santa Maria di Leuca, the dramatic point where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It is a walk of history, pilgrimage, and natural beauty, blending bustling coastal towns, peaceful countryside, and unforgettable seascapes.
We begin in Bari, where pilgrims have set out for centuries, and trace the Adriatic south. The route passes Torre a Mare, Mola di Bari, and Polignano a Mare, perched on its limestone cliffs. Monopoli, with its old harbor and medieval heart, welcomes us before we move onward through Egnazia, Savelletri, and Torre Canne. From here we walk to Torre Santa Sabina, then reach Brindisi, the great Roman port at the end of the Via Appia, once the main embarkation point for crusaders and pilgrims bound for the Holy Land.
From Brindisi the Via Francigena heads inland through Torchiarolo and farmland to Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its dazzling Baroque architecture. Here we join the Cammino di Salento, a newer route that carries us to the tip of Italy’s heel. Along the way we visit San Foca, Otranto with its remarkable cathedral mosaic, and Santa Cesarea Terme, a spa town overlooking the Adriatic.
The final stretch is the most dramatic: through Marina di Serra and along rugged cliffs before arriving at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Sanctuary of Finibus Terrae stands at the edge of land and sea. This symbolic ending place has drawn pilgrims for centuries and remains one of Italy’s most stirring destinations.
Daily distances are moderate, transfers are provided where needed, and luggage is carried for you. Each night offers welcoming accommodations and the renowned cuisine of Puglia: fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and robust wines. This is a journey of landscapes, culture, and faith, culminating at the southernmost point of the Via Francigena.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary
Friday, April 3, 2026 - Gather in Bari
Friday, April 3, 2026 - Gather in Bari
Description
Arrive in Bari, the capital of Puglia and historic gateway to the Adriatic. Explore the medieval old town with its Romanesque cathedral and lively seafront. An evening orientation introduces the group and sets the stage for our journey south along the Via Francigena and Cammino di Salento.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0

Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Bari to Mola di Bari
Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Bari to Mola di Bari
Description
Our walk begins at Bari Cathedral, heading south along the coast. Passing Torre a Mare’s harbor, we reach Mola di Bari, a fishing town known for its fortress and bustling fish market. A first taste of Adriatic landscapes and Puglian hospitality greets us here.
distance: 23 km
ascent: 95 m
descent: 96 m
% hard surfaces: 94
difficulty rating: 4

Sunday, April 5, 2026 - Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare
Sunday, April 5, 2026 - Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare
Description
Today’s path hugs the Adriatic, leading to Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs. Famous for sea caves and narrow whitewashed streets, this town is a highlight of the region. Evening strolls reveal breathtaking views of the turquoise waters below.
distance: 19 km
ascent: 136 m
descent: 112 m
% hard surfaces: 74
difficulty rating: 5

Monday, April 6, 2026 - Polignano a Mare to Monopoli
Monday, April 6, 2026 - Polignano a Mare to Monopoli
Description
A shorter walking stage brings us into Monopoli, with its medieval harbor, labyrinth of alleys, and baroque churches. This allows time for rest and exploration. Enjoy a relaxed evening soaking in the town’s authentic southern Italian atmosphere, rich with maritime heritage.
distance: 10 km
ascent: 72 m
descent: 96 m
% hard surfaces: 62
difficulty rating: 3

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Monopoli to Torre Canne
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Monopoli to Torre Canne
Description
Heading south, we pass sandy beaches, vineyards, and the archaeological remains of Egnazia, once a thriving Roman city. The day concludes at Torre Canne, known for its lighthouse and spa waters. A transfer takes us to the welcoming countryside retreat of Masseria San Martino.
distance: 31 km
ascent: 175 m
descent: 175 m
% hard surfaces: 81
difficulty rating: 8

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Torre Canne to Torre Santa Sabina
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Torre Canne to Torre Santa Sabina
Description
A longer stage follows coastal paths past olive groves, fortified farmsteads, and medieval watchtowers. The walk ends at Torre Santa Sabina, a picturesque seaside village. After exploring the harbor, a transfer returns us to Masseria San Martino for a restful evening.
distance: 26 km
ascent: 112 m
descent: 114 m
% hard surfaces: 22
difficulty rating: 6

Thursday, April 9, 2026 - Torre Santa Sabina to Brindisi
Thursday, April 9, 2026 - Torre Santa Sabina to Brindisi
Description
Today we reach Brindisi, the great Roman port and end of the Via Appia. Passing Specchiola and Torre Testa, we walk into the city once central to crusaders and pilgrims. Brindisi’s waterfront and Roman columns still mark its importance as a historic gateway east.
distance: 31 km
ascent: 148 m
descent: 144 m
% hard surfaces: 80
difficulty rating: 8

Friday, April 10, 2026 - Brindisi to Torchiarolo
Friday, April 10, 2026 - Brindisi to Torchiarolo
Description
Leaving Brindisi, the route heads inland through farmland and vineyards, offering a quieter day of walking. Our destination is Torchiarolo, a typical Puglian village with whitewashed streets and rural charm, where we experience the slower rhythms of traditional southern life.
distance: 25 km
ascent: 183 m
descent: 163 m
% hard surfaces: 55
difficulty rating: 7

Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Torchiarolo to Lecce
Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Torchiarolo to Lecce
Description
Our time on the Via Francigena del Sud concludes as we pass the medieval Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate and nearby villages. Our goal is Lecce, the Baroque jewel of southern Italy. Its ornate churches and palaces, carved in soft golden stone, make for an unforgettable arrival.
distance: 23.2 km
ascent: 151 m
descent: 127 m
% hard surfaces: 72
difficulty rating: 7

Sunday, April 12, 2026 - Lecce to San Foca
Sunday, April 12, 2026 - Lecce to San Foca
Description
The Cammino di Salento begins, leading us east from Lecce to the Adriatic. We finish in San Foca, a fishing town with sandy beaches and a lively promenade. Here, local seafood and seaside views provide the perfect close to the day.
distance: 24 km
ascent: 61 m
descent: 109 m
% hard surfaces: 74
difficulty rating: 7

Monday, April 13, 2026 - San Foca to Otranto
Monday, April 13, 2026 - San Foca to Otranto
Description
Today’s walk follows beaches and clifftops, passing Torre dell’Orso and the Alimini Lakes before reaching Otranto. Known for its Aragonese castle and cathedral’s vast 12th-century mosaic, Otranto blends seaside beauty with deep medieval history. Evening time allows exploration of its vibrant old town.
distance: 23 km
ascent: 127 m
descent: 126 m
% hard surfaces: 42
difficulty rating: 6

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme
Description
Continuing south, we pass olive groves, rocky headlands, and coastal villages en route to Santa Cesarea Terme, a spa town renowned for Moorish-style villas and thermal baths. This is a gentler day that balances steady walking with time for relaxation by the sea.
distance: 21 km
ascent: 303 m
descent: 297 m
% hard surfaces: 12
difficulty rating: 5

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Santa Cesarea Terme to Marina di Serra
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Santa Cesarea Terme to Marina di Serra
Description
This rugged stage follows dramatic cliffs and passes through small fishing hamlets. We overnight in Marina di Serra or nearby Castro, both offering spectacular sea views and ancient grottoes. The landscape grows wilder here, preparing us for our final approach to Leuca
distance: 23 km
ascent: 374 m
descent: 390 m
% hard surfaces: 61
difficulty rating: 7

Thursday, April 16, 2026 - Marin di Serra to Santa Maria di Leuca
Thursday, April 16, 2026 - Marin di Serra to Santa Maria di Leuca
Description
Our final stage carries us to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The sanctuary of Finibus Terrae marks the symbolic end of our pilgrimage. A stirring conclusion to the journey, with time to celebrate this achievement.
distance: 22 km
ascent: 374 m
descent: 327 m
% hard surfaces: 81
difficulty rating: 7

Friday, April 17, 2026 - Depart Santa Maria di Leuca
Friday, April 17, 2026 - Depart Santa Maria di Leuca
Description
A celebratory transfer takes us west to Gallipoli, the Pearl of the Ionian, with its fortress and island old town. From here, we return to Lecce for onward travel, or transfer to Bari airport.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What we provide
- All (14) overnight accommodations
- Host - author and Pilgrim Paths CEO Sandy Brown
- Professional Italian hiking guide - Giovanni Ramaccioni
- Van and driver support
- Baggage service (Max 40 lbs/17kg)
- E-guidebook by Sandy Brown
What you provide
- Transport to Bari and from either Lecce or Bari Airport
- Lunches and snacks
- Dinner in Lecce on April 12
- Gear for the trip and adequate fitness to walk 20-30km/day