Puglia is about more than beaches and historic centers: the interior hides a real playground for hiking and cycling, while the coast offers excellent snorkeling and diving spots, far from the crowds.
Here are the best places for these outdoor activities, between the wild Alta Murgia plateau, the Puglia aqueduct greenway and the protected marine reserves along the coast.
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- Hiking: Alta Murgia National Park (karst plateau, Pulo di Altamura) and the Foresta Umbra in the Gargano.
- Cycling: the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese between Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica, or the trails of the Alta Murgia.
- Diving and snorkeling: the Torre Guaceto reserve, the Porto Cesareo marine protected area and the Gargano coast.
- Best season: spring and fall for hiking and cycling (strong heat on the plateau in summer), the whole warm season for snorkeling.
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Hiking in Puglia
Alta Murgia National Park, a karst plateau of more than 68,000 hectares between Altamura, Gravina in Puglia, Andria and Ruvo di Puglia, is home to most of the hiking opportunities outside the Gargano. The best-known site, the Pulo di Altamura, is a huge sinkhole (a karst depression) that can be explored on foot, on a route of about 8 km (around 4 hours). The park also includes the Rocca del Garagnone, Norman-Swabian ruins perched at an altitude of 600 m, and the spectacular Spinazzola bauxite quarry, in vivid red tones. Numerous fortified masserie, converted into agriturismi, dot the plateau.
On the Gargano peninsula, the Foresta Umbra offers a completely different landscape, wooded and mountainous: see our complete guide to the Gargano for the trails in this forest and the rest of the peninsula.
The Alta Murgia plateau offers very little shade and becomes scorching in midsummer: aim for spring, fall, or an early-morning start in the hot season. Bring plenty of water, a hat and walking shoes, as the limestone terrain can be uneven at times.
Cycling in Puglia
The Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese, a greenway built along the Puglia aqueduct, currently links Cisternino to Ceglie Messapica through the countryside around Martina Franca, a flat route of about 22 km among century-old olive trees and trulli: an outing accessible to all levels, right in the heart of the Itria Valley. An extension project is due to eventually lengthen this greenway over a much longer distance; check how far the route has progressed before you set out. Alta Murgia National Park also has its own cycling network of around 100 km, for more athletic riders.
For a guided outing with nothing to organize, an e-bike experience combining a ride and a tasting (a visit to an olive oil mill or a wine estate) can be booked online: see our things to do in Puglia page for current activities.
Diving and snorkeling in Puglia
The Torre Guaceto nature reserve, in the municipality of Carovigno, is one of the most beautiful stretches of protected coastline in Puglia: pale sand, dunes and often crystal-clear water, with a good spot for easy snorkeling outside the summer peak. See its full listing for access and practical information.
Further south, the Porto Cesareo marine protected area is also known for its transparent waters. An introductory dive led by an instructor, open to beginners without certification, can be booked online there: see the first underwater diving experience listing. On the Gargano, the sea caves of Vieste and Peschici also offer excellent snorkeling conditions, usually explored on a boat excursion.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hiking on the Alta Murgia plateau in midsummer without protection: the very exposed terrain offers little shade and can quickly become grueling.
- Mistaking a nature park for the coast: the Alta Murgia is an inland plateau with no access to the sea, not to be confused with the marine reserves along the coast.
- Waiting until the last minute to book an electric bike: availability is limited in high season in the villages of the Itria Valley.
- Diving unsupervised without being certified: choose an introductory dive led by a professional instructor rather than an independent dive.
Plan your trip with APULIA
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Plan my trip with APULIAIn summary
Between the karst sinkholes and masserie of Alta Murgia National Park, the aqueduct greenway in the Itria Valley and the protected marine reserves of Torre Guaceto and Porto Cesareo, Puglia offers far more than beaches for outdoor enthusiasts. Aim for spring and fall for hiking and cycling, and do not hesitate to book a supervised introductory dive if you are new to the activity.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go hiking in Puglia?
Yes, notably in Alta Murgia National Park (Pulo di Altamura) and the Foresta Umbra in the Gargano.
Where can you cycle in Puglia?
The Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese between Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica, in the Itria Valley, or the network of trails in Alta Murgia National Park.
Where can you go snorkeling or diving in Puglia?
The Torre Guaceto reserve, the Porto Cesareo marine protected area and the Gargano coast are among the best spots.
Do you need to be certified to dive in Puglia?
Not for an introductory dive led by an instructor, open to beginners with no prior certification.
What is the best season for these activities?
Spring and fall for hiking and cycling, to avoid the heat on the plateau in summer; snorkeling can be done throughout the warm season.
