The best hiking routes in Riserva naturale regionale orientata Boschi di Santa Teresa e dei Lucci

Riserva naturale regionale orientata Boschi di Santa Teresa e dei Lucci preserves a rare remnant of the ancient plain forests that once covered the Apulian coast near Brindisi. Unlike the open olive groves and agricultural fields that dominate the surrounding landscape, this reserve offers a dense canopy of cork oaks and holm oaks. The terrain is flat and low-lying, characterized by a transition from dry woodland soils to damp, clay-heavy depressions that collect water during the winter months.

Walking here means navigating a mix of wide, unpaved forest tracks and narrower, overgrown paths where the underfoot is mostly hard-packed earth, leaf litter, and patches of loose soil. The canopy provides significant shade, creating a cooler, more enclosed atmosphere than the exposed coastal scrub nearby. You will notice a distinct lack of elevation changes, as the paths wind gently through the trees without any steep climbs or descents.

In May, the undergrowth of wild myrtle and mastic shrubs is particularly vibrant, and the contrast between the dark oak foliage and the lighter Mediterranean scrub becomes more pronounced. This reserve is suited for those seeking a straightforward, shaded walk through a rare pocket of native woodland, rather than expansive coastal views or rugged terrain.