Trail Running in Puglia: 5 Trails You Must Try at Least Once

By Vittorio Barbiero

Trail Running in Puglia: 5 Sentieri Che Devi Provare Almeno Una Volta

Puglia is often celebrated for its crystal-clear sea, incredible food, and enchanting villages. But runners know: there's also a different Puglia, one made up of dirt trails, climbs through silent woods, and descents overlooking the sea. It's a perfect land for trail running enthusiasts, with routes that surprise and offer authentic, unadulterated thrills.

Whether you're an expert looking for elevation gain or simply love to lose yourself in the scenery, we've rounded up five truly unmissable trails around the region. Tested, loved, and described by those who, like us, experience running as freedom.

1. Otranto – Punta Palascia Lighthouse: where light is born

  • Area : Adriatic coast of Salento

  • Length : approximately 13 km

  • Difficulty : medium

  • Difference in altitude : 330 m

There's something special about running towards a lighthouse, even more so if that lighthouse is the easternmost point of Italy. Starting from Otranto, you follow the coast between red earth and cobalt-blue sea, and you arrive at Punta Palascia. A route that offers climbs, incredible views, and a feeling of freedom that's hard to explain. Doing it at dawn is an experience that stays with you: you're among the first to see the sun rise over the entire country.

2. Foresta Umbra – Lago d'Umbra: the silence that runs with you

  • Area : Gargano National Park

  • Length : 4-5 km (extendable)

  • Difficulty : easy

  • Difference in altitude : minimum

If you're looking for a rejuvenating trail, with a soft surface and lush greenery, the Umbra Forest is the perfect place. The forest welcomes you with its deep greenery and gentle trails, ideal for a relaxing run or for taking your first steps in the world of trail running. The walk around the lake is short but evocative: tall trees, fresh air, and, with a little luck, a curious deer watching you pass by.

3. Monte Cornacchia: ascent to heaven (Puglian)

  • Area : Daunia Mountains, province of Foggia

  • Length : approximately 8 km

  • Difficulty : high

  • Difference in altitude : +450 m

When you want to really test yourself, this is the place. Monte Cornacchia is Puglia's highest peak, and the climb to the top is uncompromising: technical sections, thick forests, roots to avoid, and views that make all your efforts worthwhile. From the summit, your gaze wanders across hills, forests, and distant horizons. It's a trail for those who love a challenge and seek that unique feeling you only get at the top.

4. Cala Ripalta – Torre Calderina: running with the sea in your eyes

  • Area : between Molfetta and Bisceglie

  • Length : approximately 13 km

  • Difficulty : medium

  • Terrain : mixed, including coast, dirt and sand

This trail runs literally steps from the sea, past cliffs, hidden coves, and coastal towers. It's ideal for those who love running at sunset with the sound of the waves as a backdrop, but be careful: some sections require a sure-footedness. The surface varies between compact dirt, sand, and grassy sections, so it's best to choose lightweight but versatile trail shoes. Bonus: in summer, you can end the trail with a swim in Cala San Giovanni.

5. Mercadante Forest: the classic that never gets old

  • Area : between Cassano delle Murge and Altamura

  • Length : 10-12 km (changeable)

  • Difficulty : medium

  • Terrain : wooded, hilly

This is one of the most popular routes among runners in Puglia. It winds through the Mercadante Forest, the green lung of the Alta Murgia, among Aleppo pines and hilly paths. The trail is smooth but never boring: gentle ups and downs, technical sections, and ample shade make it suitable for all seasons. It's also perfect for long training runs, thanks to the variety of terrain and the possibility of creating longer loops.

🏁 Ready to go?

Puglia, when it comes to trail running, is much more than you might think. From the mountains to the sea, through forests and canyons, it offers trails suitable for everyone, with one common denominator: authentic beauty. The kind that needs no filters.

Now it's your turn. Choose a trail, pack a light backpack, and tell us about your run. We're here to recommend the right gear... and to run with you, at least in spirit.

Find out more at santacorsa.it – your go-to place for trail running in Puglia (and beyond).

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