4.4
(182)
1,140
hikers
25
hikes
Hiking in Riserva Naturale Statale Di Popolamento Animale Le Cesine offers routes through a diverse landscape of wetlands, coastal areas, and Mediterranean forests. The region is characterized by its last surviving marshland, featuring lakes, reed groves, and extensive sandy beaches with dunes. Woodlands of Aleppo pines, holm oak, and cypresses are interspersed with Mediterranean maquis, providing varied terrain for exploration. This WWF-protected oasis is a significant wetland, crucial for its ecological importance and rich biodiversity.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.8
(5)
13
hikers
13.5km
03:27
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
35
hikers
24.6km
06:15
60m
60m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
26.9km
06:48
40m
40m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
7.68km
01:57
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
22
hikers
4.65km
01:10
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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
As the patron saint for this house of God, one does not refer to one of the venerated saints, as is common in many places, but to the Cross of Golgotha, on which Jesus Christ died for us. For those staying in the church for meditation, I offer a short passage from the Way of the Cross meditation, which His Holiness Pope Leo XIV prayed on Good Friday 2026 in the Roman Colosseum: + "You are king and reign from the cross: you do not use the apparent power of armies, but the apparent powerlessness of love, which allows itself to be nailed to the cross. You are king, and your cross becomes the axis around which history and the entire universe revolve ..."
0
0
Catholic church in the baroque, neoclassical and Romanesque style in the village center.
0
0
Located in the middle of the city, with a view towards the cathedral
0
0
the beautiful church of Santa Maria della Grazia
0
0
Access to the Last Beach. A kite paradise.
0
0
Splendid example of Lecce Baroque
0
0
There are 24 hiking routes in Riserva Naturale Statale Di Popolamento Animale Le Cesine that are accessible from bus stations. These trails offer a variety of experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, allowing you to explore the region's diverse landscapes using public transport.
The trails in Le Cesine offer varied terrain, reflecting the reserve's diverse ecosystems. You can expect paths through wetlands, coastal areas with sandy beaches and dunes, and woodlands of Aleppo pines and holm oak. The region is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making many routes accessible.
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Acaya Gate – Acaya loop from Strudà is an easy 7.7 km hike with very little elevation gain, offering a pleasant introduction to the area's natural beauty.
Le Cesine is rich in natural features. You can expect to encounter wetlands, including the small lakes Salapi and Pantano Grande, extensive reed groves, and coastal stretches. The trails also pass through Mediterranean maquis and woodlands with Aleppo pines and holm oaks, showcasing the reserve's significant biodiversity.
Yes, many of the bus station accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point. An example is the Acaya Castle – Acaya Gate loop from Acaya, a moderate 13 km circular hike that explores the historical surroundings.
Le Cesine is open year-round, but the best times for hiking are typically spring and autumn when temperatures are milder and the natural landscape is vibrant. These seasons also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, as the reserve is a crucial stop on a major Mediterranean migratory route. Summer can be hot, while winter offers a quieter experience.
The Riserva Naturale Statale Di Popolamento Animale Le Cesine is a WWF-protected oasis. While specific dog policies for trails are not detailed, nature reserves often have restrictions to protect wildlife. It's advisable to check with the reserve's visitor center directly regarding their current pet policy before planning your visit with a dog.
Le Cesine is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. You might spot over 180 bird species, including wild ducks, grey and purple herons, gulls, hawks, cormorants, and egrets. The reserve is also home to mammals like foxes, badgers, and deer, as well as reptiles such as lizards and the rare leopard snake.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, routes like the Acaya Gate – Acaya loop from Acaya offer a difficult 20.6 km hike. Another challenging option is the Le Cesine Beach – Le Cesine Nature Reserve loop from San Cataldo, which covers over 26 km and explores both coastal and reserve areas.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.46 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the natural environment, the rich biodiversity, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the wetlands, coastal areas, and woodlands a rewarding experience.
Visits to Riserva Naturale Statale Di Popolamento Animale Le Cesine are exclusively by walking tours accompanied by expert guides. This guided approach helps ensure minimal environmental impact and enhances the educational experience. It is recommended to contact the visitor's center for booking information and specific requirements.
While the reserve itself focuses on natural preservation, the nearby towns and villages, such as Acaya and San Cataldo, which serve as starting points for some bus station routes, offer amenities like cafes and restaurants where you can refresh before or after your hike.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.