Official partner accommodation

The Cammino del Salento

From Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca on foot, past cliffs, olive groves and ancient villages. Santa Cesarea Terme is one of the most beautiful stages of the route: stay with us, get your credential stamped and set off again well rested.

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Official partner accommodationVisit the official Cammino del Salento website →

The Cammino del Salento is one of Italy’s most fascinating treks: over 100 km along the “heel” of Puglia, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Villa Cesarea is an official partner of the Cammino: we welcome pilgrims with the official stamp for their credential and offer dedicated discounts to those who have purchased the Pilgrim Passport and book directly with us.

Why stop at Villa Cesarea

After one of the most spectacular (and demanding) coastal stages of the Cammino, a charming guesthouse overlooking the sea awaits you.

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Official stamp

We are an official stamp point of the Cammino del Salento: add the Santa Cesarea Terme seal to your credential, valid for the Testimonium in Leuca.

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Pilgrim discount

The discount is reserved for walkers who have purchased the Pilgrim Passport, the official credential of the Cammino, and book directly on our website, by phone or on WhatsApp.

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Rest with a sea view

Elegant rooms, many with a private jacuzzi, a short walk from the town centre and the sulphur spas: the perfect reward after more than 20 km on foot.

A trail between two seas

The Cammino starts at Porta Napoli in Lecce, where you receive your first stamp, and splits into two routes: the Via dei Borghi (Villages Route) through the inland Grecìa Salentina, and the Via del Mare (Sea Route) along the Adriatic coast. The two routes meet again in Otranto and continue together to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, at the end of the land.

Whichever route you choose, Santa Cesarea Terme is a must-stop: here the stage from Otranto ends and the one towards Castro and Marina Serra begins.

115–135km in total

5–6stages

2routes, 1 goal

Mediumdifficulty

Coastal path of the Cammino del Salento near Santa Cesarea Terme

The stages from Otranto to Leuca

This is the section shared by both routes, and the most scenic: sheer cliffs, coastal towers, caves and crystal-clear coves.

Otranto → Santa Cesarea Terme · approx. 22 km

The wildest coastline

From the city of the Martyrs to the Serpent Tower, the bauxite quarry lake, the Punta Palascìa Lighthouse (Italy’s easternmost point) and the bay of Porto Badisco, where according to Virgil Aeneas first landed.

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Arrival and overnight stay · Villa Cesarea

Santa Cesarea Terme: stamp, hot shower and sea-view relaxation

End of the stage among the Moorish architecture of Villa Sticchi and the sulphur caves. Drop by for the official stamp, leave your backpack and enjoy the sunset: tomorrow morning a hearty breakfast awaits you before you set off again.

Santa Cesarea Terme → Marina Serra · approx. 24 km

Caves, castles and natural pools

You start from the bay of Porto Miggiano, climb up to the Aragonese castle of Castro, then Cala dell’Acquaviva, Torre del Sasso, the Sette Pajare, Tricase Porto and the natural pool of Marina Serra.

Marina Serra → Santa Maria di Leuca · approx. 19 km

Towards the end of the land

The Cipolliane Trail, the Ciolo Bridge 40 metres above the sea, the stone ritual at Erma Antica and finally the 284 steps of the monumental staircase up to the Sanctuary of Leuca, where you collect your Testimonium.

Room at Villa Cesarea, charming guesthouse in Santa Cesarea Terme

The pilgrim package

Official Cammino del Salento stamp on your credential
Reserved discount for Pilgrim Passport holders who book directly with Villa Cesarea
Breakfast to set off with the right energy
Tips on the route and on water points for the next stage
Option to stay longer and explore Santa Cesarea, its caves and spas

The discount only applies to guests who have purchased the Pilgrim Passport. Mention “Cammino del Salento” when booking and show your passport at check-in: without the passport the discount cannot be applied.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Villa Cesarea in relation to the route?

In Santa Cesarea Terme, on the Adriatic coast between Otranto and Castro: right on the section shared by the Via dei Borghi and the Via del Mare, at the end of the stage from Otranto and the start of the stage towards Marina Serra.

How do I get the pilgrim discount?

The discount is reserved exclusively for those who have purchased the Pilgrim Passport. Book directly with us (website, phone, email or WhatsApp), let us know you are walking the Cammino del Salento and show your passport on arrival. The discount does not apply to bookings made through external portals or to guests without the passport.

Can I get my credential stamped even if I’m not staying with you?

The stamp is intended for our guests; if you are passing by, message us on WhatsApp and, if we are on site, we will be happy to welcome you.

When is the best time to walk the Cammino?

Spring and autumn are ideal: mild temperatures, paths in bloom and the sea still (or already) warm enough for a swim. In summer it’s best to set off at dawn and carry plenty of water.

Where can I buy the Pilgrim Passport and what is the Testimonium?

The Pilgrim Passport (the credential) can be purchased through the official website camminodelsalento.it and at participating points: besides collecting the stage stamps, it is the document that entitles you to our discount. Arriving in Leuca on foot with your stamps, you receive the Testimonium, the certificate of completion.

Your Cammino deserves a special stop

Book your night in Santa Cesarea Terme: official stamp, Pilgrim Passport discount and all of Villa Cesarea’s hospitality.

Book now WhatsApp +39 353 4492695

Official information on the route and the credential: camminodelsalento.it