The best hiking routes in Parco naturale regionale Dune costiere da Torre Canne a Torre San Leonardo

Parco naturale regionale Dune costiere da Torre Canne a Torre San Leonardo is a narrow coastal strip in Puglia defined by a succession of distinct ecological zones running parallel to the Adriatic Sea. Walking here means moving from active sandy beaches and high, juniper-covered dunes into brackish wetlands, before reaching cultivated olive groves. The terrain is flat, lacking any significant elevation or deep valleys, but it offers a clear cross-section of Mediterranean coastal habitats within a short distance.

Underfoot, the paths vary from soft sand along the seaward dunes to firmer dirt tracks and gravel roads that wind through the agricultural hinterland. In the wet areas, such as around the Morelli river, wooden boardwalks allow passage over the marshy ground without disturbing the fragile vegetation. The landscape is heavily shaped by historic water management, with ancient fish ponds still visible alongside the modern footpaths.

In late spring, particularly around May, the inland fields and dune scrub are marked by flowering wild rosemary and yellow gorse, while the ancient olive trees, some over a thousand years old, provide the only substantial shade. The area is easily accessible, meaning the coastal paths near the main access points at Torre Canne can be busier with beachgoers, while the inland paths through the olive groves remain quieter.