📍 Italy

SALENTO AND MATERA: BEACHES, CAVES AND ANCIENT SOUL

Caves carved into rock for millennia, whitewashed coastal villages. Salento and Matera, layers of history and charm.

≈ 12
Days
820
Km
6
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Breathe the rural gentleness around Martano before descending into Matera's cave dwellings carved from rock. Reach light-bathed Monopoli and Ostuni, then discover Brindisi and its maritime heritage. The Salento unfolds coves, inland villages and deeply rooted traditions.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Martano

countryside village breathes pastoral silence

Martano - Photo 1Martano - Photo 2Martano - Photo 3Martano - Photo 4Martano - Photo 5Martano - Photo 6Martano - Photo 7Martano - Photo 8Martano - Photo 9Martano - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Short walk in the historic center of Martano
🎯

Activities

→
Twilight stroll on the central piazza and alleys of Martano
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h
2
Day

Martano

countryside village breathes pastoral silence

Martano - Photo 1Martano - Photo 2Martano - Photo 3Martano - Photo 4Martano - Photo 5Martano - Photo 6Martano - Photo 7Martano - Photo 8Martano - Photo 9Martano - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Otranto — old town, ramparts, cathedral and lungomare
2
Cava di Bauxite di Otranto — viewpoint over the emerald lake
3
Torre Sant'Andrea — Faraglioni (coastal trail)
4
Grotta della Poesia & site of Roca Vecchia (exterior)
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming allowed in nearby coves (excluding cave), light snorkeling
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h30
3
Day

Martano

countryside village breathes pastoral silence

Martano - Photo 1Martano - Photo 2Martano - Photo 3Martano - Photo 4Martano - Photo 5Martano - Photo 6Martano - Photo 7Martano - Photo 8Martano - Photo 9Martano - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Gallipoli — historic center, cathedral, castle and spiaggia della Purità
2
Spiaggia di Posto Vecchio (Marina di Pescoluse)
3
Santa Maria di Leuca — lighthouse and cape lookout point
🎯

Activities

→
Seaside walk in Gallipoli
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 3h20
4
Day

Martano

countryside village breathes pastoral silence

Martano - Photo 1Martano - Photo 2Martano - Photo 3Martano - Photo 4Martano - Photo 5Martano - Photo 6Martano - Photo 7Martano - Photo 8Martano - Photo 9Martano - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Lecce — baroque center, duomo, piazza Sant'Oronzo, Roman theater/amphitheater
🎯

Activities

→
Baroque route (churches and palaces) on foot loop
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h10
5
Day

Martano

countryside village breathes pastoral silence

Martano - Photo 1Martano - Photo 2Martano - Photo 3Martano - Photo 4Martano - Photo 5Martano - Photo 6Martano - Photo 7Martano - Photo 8Martano - Photo 9Martano - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Galatina — basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and historic center
2
Nardò — piazza Salandra, cathedral, baroque alleyways
🎯

Activities

→
Urban strolling and photography of baroque facades
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1h30
6
Day

Matera

cave dwellings cling dramatic rocks

Matera - Photo 1Matera - Photo 2Matera - Photo 3Matera - Photo 4Matera - Photo 5Matera - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Journey Martano → Matera
2
Matera — sassi, viewpoints (Belvedere Giovanni Pascoli), rock churches
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic loop at sunset over the sassi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 2h30
7
Day

Monopoli

harbor town glimmers mediterranean sun

Monopoli - Photo 1Monopoli - Photo 2Monopoli - Photo 3Monopoli - Photo 4Monopoli - Photo 5Monopoli - Photo 6Monopoli - Photo 7Monopoli - Photo 8Monopoli - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Journey Matera → Monopoli
2
Monopoli — old port, ramparts, Cala Porta Vecchia beach
3
Polignano a Mare — historic center, Lama Monachile viewpoint
🎯

Activities

→
Boat trip/coastal walk (weather permitting) around the caves
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1h50
8
Day

Ostuni

white town crowns coastal prominence

Ostuni - Photo 1Ostuni - Photo 2Ostuni - Photo 3Ostuni - Photo 4Ostuni - Photo 5Ostuni - Photo 6Ostuni - Photo 7Ostuni - Photo 8Ostuni - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Alberobello — trulli districts (Rione Monti & Aia Piccola)
2
Locorotondo — whitewashed old town, Madre di San Giorgio church
3
Cisternino — alleyways and viewpoints
4
Ostuni — cathedral, ramparts and viewpoints
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic car loop in the Itria valley (olive groves, stone walls)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h40
9
Day

Brindisi

port city guards historic maritime

Brindisi - Photo 1Brindisi - Photo 2Brindisi - Photo 3Brindisi - Photo 4Brindisi - Photo 5Brindisi - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Ceglie Messapica — historic center and castles
2
Journey to Brindisi — short walk along the seafront
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along Via del Mare and around the inner harbor of Brindisi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h20
10
Day

Aeroport Brindisi Bds

gateway welcomes southern italian travelers

Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 1Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 2Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 3Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 4Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 5Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 6Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 7Aeroport Brindisi Bds - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 10
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 15min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FROM THE OTRANTO COAST TO THE ITRIA VALLEY: A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF PUGLIA

📅 7 days 🛣️ 208 Km

8 HIDDEN BEACHES OF ITALY: BETWEEN COVES, CLIFFS AND TURQUOISE WATERS

📅 13 days 🛣️ 2716 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.