Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
Italy
Apulia
Taranto

Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Routes
Hikes
Italy
Apulia
Taranto

Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

The best walks and hikes around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

4.3

(89)

585

hikers

14

hikes

Hiking around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale offers diverse landscapes, from dense holm oak woods and Mediterranean scrub to coastal environments. The region features significant natural elements such as the Salina dei Monaci, ancient salt pans that are vital wetland habitats, and the dunes of Torre Colimena. The Foce del Chidro, a karstic spring meeting the Ionian Sea, adds to the varied terrain. Clear streams originating from the inland woods also flow into the sea, contributing to the area's natural…

Last updated: July 8, 2026

4.4

(9)

43

hikers

#1.

Monaci Salt Pan – Salina Monaci Nature Reserve loop from Torre Colimena

9.79km

02:28

10m

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 10 more hikes around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Running Trails around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Cycling around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Road Cycling Routes around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

MTB Trails around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Gravel biking around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Tips from the Community

G.G.P.
May 3, 2025, Salina dei Monaci Nature Reserve

In some parts the sand on the trail is quite thick: if you are travelling with a very heavy bike it might be better to push it.

Translated by Google

0

0

The Salina dei monaci of Torre Colimena is a small earthly paradise located on the Ionian coast of Salento a few kilometers from Porto Cesareo

Translated by Google

0

0

One of the many coastal towers in the area. Among the most beautiful and imposing.

Translated by Google

1

0

Nice traffic-free section. The asphalt is not in such good condition in places. There are potholes and cracks. Nevertheless, it is still rideable with a racing bike. But you will definitely have more fun on the route with a gravel bike or mountain bike

Translated by Google

0

0

SALINA MONACI Salina Monaci, part of the Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Taranto Coast, was established in 2002 as a protected area, characterized by a salt pan no longer in use, subject to a variation in the water level and formation of extensive salt crusts in the summer season. In 1600, the area was owned by the Benedictine monks of Aversa and later passed to the Imperiali family. In the 19th century and, in particular, after the expulsion of the Bourbons, the Salina came under the control of the State Property Agency. The Salina has survived two reclamation interventions: in 1882, when Avetrana was not included in the drainage program and in the mid-twentieth century, when the intervention was limited due to the scarce economic resources allocated. In 1960 it was separated from the sea with the construction of the Salento coast road, later removed in that stretch with the establishment of the Reserves. The illustrated book "The never-ending story" by Fulvio Filo Schiavoni, a Rotarian friend, tells the story of the place, long disputed, between Manduria and Avetrana.

Translated by Google

2

0

COLIMENA TOWER The Colimena cove was chosen as the highest lookout point by the engineer Giovanni Maria Tommaso Scala, responsible for designing new watchtowers. A small tower already existed, but for economic reasons, it was decided to preserve it and incorporate it into the base of the new one, completed in 1570. From that moment on, Torre Colimena represented a fully-fledged defense structure, with its harquebusiers, machicolations and falconate and access regulated by retractable ladders. Its garrison was entrusted to a tower keeper with the rank of corporal, accompanied by companeros with whom he monitored the horizon to promptly warn of the arrival of the enemy with alarm signals (smoke during the day, fires at night, shots from stone cannons and the sounds of the trumpet). Once the Turkish danger had subsided, in 1730, the tower passed into the custody of Giulio Briganti; in 1777 to that of the soldiers of the Invalid Regiment; in 1820 to the Customs Guards and then went through a period of abandonment, until it was entrusted in 1877 to a Brigade

Translated by Google

2

0

A beautiful example of a medieval defensive tower on the coast of southern Italy with a museum of selected ceramics As part of the activities for the knowledge and enhancement of ancient, modern and contemporary ceramics, the National Association of Friends of Ceramics carried out research on ceramic containers for wine, in particular the Grottagliese jar. In Grottaglie the origins of the figurative art are lost in time, but it is the wine jar, called srulu in the local dialect, that characterizes the production of the last two centuries, when the wine for daily consumption was extracted from the capason in the srulu. The word srulu derives from the Latin urceolus, a diminutive of urceus, orcio, first adulterated in ursulu, then by apheresis in rsulu and finally by metathesis in srulu. probably it is an onomatopoeic voice that indicates the sound yes before when the wine is sucked out of the ceramic container SOTS I give with enthusiasm. Its shape is characterized by the ovoid body on a disc base and the wide neck esti or. the ribbon handle and the inverted nose pourer. Over time it suffers lie actions: in the nineteenth-century examples it is pot-bellied, while in those SH vi tends to lengthen gradually from 20 to 40 cm. with the ability to make it from poorly cleaned local clay and cover it with different enamels from ivory white to matte yellow. therefore from a simple, meager artifact that the figures of Grottaglie represent from embellished by short brushstrokes and with chromatic vivacity: ochre to iron yellow, from light blue to intense blue, from fat green to manganese brown; More or less bright colors, tastefully combined in a balanced and bright relationship with the base glaze. Meape covered Elumi, ilos values of ceramic production. The decorative motifs constitute the iconographic repertoire of the Grotagliese craftsmanship of the 19th and 20th centuries: from the anthropomorphic elements to the twisted, phytomorphic, landscape and geometric elements, up to the double continuous thread with daisies that always defines the limit of the artistic. It is therefore authentic folk art, expressing general feelings and views of authentic folk art, inspired by sophisticated or traditional models of thought. The more convincing the Arinium, the more authentic Tsula his language niae, the cultivated convinced". An art that every Rono or Rework Vescio Quil Sa Fire "Core in Heni's reality Well, dear friends, you know how to make exaggerations, but also joys, hopes and faith. Elio Scarciglia

Translated by Google

2

0

A Wonderful Example of a Battle Tower from the Middle Ages on the Southern Coast As part of the activities aimed at understanding and enhancing ancient, modern and contemporary ceramics, the National Association of Friends of Ceramics has conducted research on ceramic containers for wine, in particular on the Grottaglie jug. In Grottaglie, the origin of the art of pottery is lost in time, but it is the jug, called srulu in the local dialect, that characterizes the production of the last two centuries, when, for daily consumption, wine was poured from the capasone into the srulu. The word srulu derives from the Latin urceolus, diminutive of urceus, jug, corrupt or first in ursulu then, by apheresis, in rsulu and finally, by metathesis, in srulu. it is probably an onomatopoeic word, which indicates the sound that is made when the wine is sucked from the ceramic container SOTS done with gusto. Car zano its shape the ovoid body on a disk base, the wide neck esti o. the ribbon handle and the upturned nose pourer. Over time it has undergone changes: in the nineteenth-century examples it is pot-bellied, while, in the SH vi ones, it gradually tends to lengthen, from 20 to 40 cm. with a capacity of 20 to 40 cm. made with poorly purified local clay and covered with a variable glaze, from ivory white to dull yellow. a therefore of a simple, poor artefact, which the potters of Grottaglie da embellished with short brush strokes and with chromatic vivacity: ochre to iron yellow, from light blue to intense turquoise, from greasy green to manganese brown; more or less bright colors, tastefully combined in a balanced and luminous relationship on the background glaze. Meape ocqui brato elumi so ilos values of ceramic production. the decorative motifs constitute the iconographic repertoire of the Grotagliese manufacture of the 19th and 20th centuries: from anthropomorphic elements to twisted, phytomorphic, landscape and geometric ones, ending with the continuous double thread with daisies, which always defines the edge of the artistic, it is therefore authentic popular art, which expresses common feelings and siliations of authentic nal art, ana from sophisticated or rastal models of thought; a more persuasive arinio even more, though tsula his language niae an that persuaded cultured". An art that every rono or rework vescio quil sa fire "core in the reality of heni Bon, to pivar nichi mie of sa far i isiperssioni, but also of joys, of hopes and of faith. Elio Scarciglia

Translated by Google

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale?

The reserve offers a diverse range of landscapes. You can explore dense holm oak woods and fragrant Mediterranean scrub inland, transitioning to coastal environments featuring ancient salt pans like the Salina dei Monaci, coastal dunes with junipers, and wetlands such as the Palude del Conte Beach. The Foce del Chidro, where a karstic spring meets the Ionian Sea, is another unique natural feature.

Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?

Yes, the Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale has several easy trails. For example, the Monaci Salt Pan – Salina dei Monaci loop from Torre Colimena is an easy 4.2 km path through the coastal wetland. Another accessible option is the Palude del Conte Beach loop from Torre Colimena, which is about 5.5 km long.

What kind of wildlife can be observed during a hike?

The reserve is a haven for wildlife, especially for birdwatching. The Salina dei Monaci is famous for attracting species like pink flamingos, mallards, cranes, swans, and wild geese. In the Mediterranean scrub, you might also encounter various reptiles, squirrels, hedgehogs, and foxes.

Are there any circular hiking routes available?

Yes, many of the trails in the region are circular. A popular moderate option is the Salina dei Monaci – Monaci Salt Pan loop from Torre Colimena, which covers about 9.8 km. For a longer moderate experience, consider the Monaci Salt Pan – Salina Monaci Nature Reserve loop from San Pietro in Bevagna, spanning 13.3 km.

What are some notable landmarks or points of interest along the trails?

Hikers can discover several interesting points. The historical Torre Colimena, a defensive tower, adds a cultural touch to the coastal landscape. The Salina dei Monaci is a significant natural monument and wetland. You can also visit the Chidro River Mouth, a unique karstic spring.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in this region?

The Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale is suitable for hiking for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and observing migratory birds. Summer can be warm, but coastal breezes make early morning or late afternoon hikes enjoyable, especially around the wetlands and beaches.

Are there any family-friendly hiking options?

Yes, the reserve has several easy trails that are great for families. The Monaci Salt Pan – Salina dei Monaci loop from Torre Colimena is a shorter, easy walk perfect for families. The varied scenery, including the salt pans and beaches, provides engaging experiences for all ages.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale?

The trails in Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, from the tranquil salt pans to the coastal dunes, and the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially birdwatching.

Are there any guided tours available in the reserve?

Yes, guided tours are available to help visitors explore the reserve's hidden gems and learn about its rich biodiversity. The Masseria della Marina, which serves as the 'Casa del Parco' (Park House), is a known starting point for adventurous excursions into the heart of the reserve.

What is the general difficulty level of the hiking trails?

The hiking trails in Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale are generally easy to moderate. There are 8 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, making the area accessible for various fitness levels. There are no difficult trails in the immediate area.

Can I combine hiking with beach activities?

Absolutely. The reserve's coastal areas, such as the Palude del Conte Beach and Torre Colimena Beach and Salt Flats, feature fine golden sand beaches. You can easily enjoy a hike through the dunes or wetlands and then relax by the Ionian Sea.

Is there a specific trail for birdwatching enthusiasts?

The Salina dei Monaci is the prime location for birdwatching. Trails like the Monks' Saltworks – Salina Monaci Nature Reserve loop from Torre Colimena offer excellent opportunities to observe pink flamingos and other aquatic birds in their natural wetland habitat.

Most popular routes around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Running Trails around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Most popular attractions around Riserve del Litorale Tarantino Orientale

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Martina FrancaRiserva Naturale Regionale Orientata "Bosco Delle Pianelle"GinosaAvetranaLaterzaManduriaSan Giorgio IonicoMassafraCrispianoMonteiasiCarosinoMottolaSan Marzano Di San GiuseppeMontemesolaParco Naturale Regionale Terra delle GravinePalagianoRoccaforzataPalagianelloFaggianoMonteparanoLizzanoTorricellaArea ProtettaStatteCastellanetaFragagnanoSavaPulsanoMaruggioLeporanoGrottaglie

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Avetrana

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy