Egnazia and the Via Traiana an unforgettable journey

Where is Egnazia and why is it the ideal starting point for a journey along the Via Traiana?

Egnazia is located between Fasano and Savelletri, in the province of Brindisi, along the Adriatic coast of Puglia. The Archaeological Park of Egnazia is easily accessible by car or public transport from Fasano. This site is the main starting point for those wishing to visit the Via Traiana, as it preserves evidence from the Messapian and Roman periods and offers essential services such as parking, ticketing, guided tours, and refreshment areas.

What to see in the Archaeological Park of Egnazia before departing on the Via Traiana?

In the park, visitors can explore the monumental area with the remains of the Roman forum, the civil basilica, the Messapian walls, the necropolises, and the museum that houses historical artifacts from the excavations. Opening hours can be checked on the official website, and the entrance fee typically ranges from 5 to 10 euros. Guided tours can be booked, which facilitate the understanding of the historical stages of the site.

How can the journey on foot along the Via Traiana be organized?

From the Park of Egnazia, the ancient path heads north, following trails through centuries-old olive groves and dry stone walls. The most frequented itinerary leads to Ostuni, a city with excellent tourist services. The distance is about 28 km. It is advisable to divide the walk into two stages, planning a stopover in Torre Canne where there are bars, refreshment points, supermarkets, and pharmacies. A good endpoint is the historic center of Ostuni, easily reachable on foot from the final point of the route.

How to plan the cycling journey along the Via Traiana?

The route can be completed entirely by bicycle in about 3-4 hours, thanks to the paved rural roads and easy-to-navigate dirt paths between Egnazia, Torre Canne, and Ostuni. Before departing, it is advisable to rent a bicycle in Fasano, Ostuni, or Torre Canne and bring a repair kit, water, snacks, GPS devices/smartphones with downloaded maps. It is good practice to have accommodation booked for the night. Bike Hotels and agritourisms equipped for cyclists are available in all major centers.

What are the historical and cultural points of interest along the Via Traiana?

Along the route, in addition to the Park of Egnazia, locations such as Torre Canne, known for its watchtower and beaches, are crossed. There are historic farms open for visits, minor archaeological areas, and rural churches. Ostuni, the destination, offers baroque monuments, museums, typical restaurants, and B&Bs. Nearby, visitors can explore the Dolmen of Montalbano, the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, and small museums dedicated to peasant life.

How are Egnazia, Torre Canne, and Ostuni connected by public transport?

The area is served by local buses and regional trains. Fasano and Ostuni have FS stations connected to Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce. Torre Canne is served by buses and seasonal shuttles. At the end of the itinerary, it is possible to return to the starting point with the Ostuni-Fasano regional train, or rent a private transfer.

What are the best seasons and how to manage the practical organization of the visit?

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and low tourist influx. In summer, it is advisable to start early in the morning and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to manage the heat. In winter, wear thermal and waterproof clothing. In every season, check weather forecasts and opening hours of parks and museums.

Where can you find refreshment points and useful services along the Via Traiana?

In the towns of Fasano, Torre Canne, and Ostuni, there are restaurants, bars, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Agritourisms offer tastings, lunch, and services for hikers, including bike parking, emergency kits, and tourist information. The main pharmacies are located in Fasano and Ostuni.

Is it possible to stay overnight along the Via Traiana?

It is advisable to book in advance B&Bs, hotels, or campsites in Fasano, Torre Canne (an ideal location for the intermediate stop), and Ostuni. Hotels often provide bike storage and assistance in case of emergencies. During high season, accommodations should be booked at least a few weeks in advance.

What digital tools and maps to use to avoid getting lost on the itinerary?

Maps of trails and cycling routes can be downloaded from portals like Komoot, Wikiloc, and the tourist websites of the involved municipalities. Some museums and information points offer paper brochures and panels in different languages. It is advisable to save GPS tracks before departing to avoid route errors on less marked sections.

What should you know about the hours and costs of museums and archaeological sites?

The Archaeological Park of Egnazia generally opens from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, but it is important to check for any seasonal variations. The average entrance fee is between 5 and 10 euros. Local museums and nature reserves may charge an extra 3-8 euros. It is useful to book tickets online to avoid queues.

How to ensure safety during the journey?

Always carry a charged mobile phone, inform relatives or friends of your travel plan, check forecasts before departing, and bring a basic first aid kit. In case of need, the emergency number is 112, with main medical centers in Fasano, Torre Canne, and Ostuni.

How to organize the trip if traveling in a group or with children?

For groups, it is advisable to book professional guides available locally, in both Italian and English. For children, divide the stages with quiet stops in parks or beaches, have snacks and water on hand, and plan educational activities at the Egnazia museum.

Are there guided tours or organized excursions available?

Yes, local tourist agencies and private operators offer guided walks and cycling tours, with expert accompaniment and services such as luggage transport and transfers. It is advisable to contact the tourist office of Ostuni, Fasano, or Egnazia for updates on active proposals.

How to integrate the visit with food and wine experiences?

The itinerary offers the opportunity to stop at agritourisms and farms along the route for tastings of local products such as extra virgin olive oil, wine, and typical cheeses. These stops can be booked online or directly on-site.

What nearby attractions can be visited independently, beyond the Via Traiana?

Beyond the Via Traiana, it is advisable to deviate towards the Torre Guaceto Reserve, the Dolmen of Montalbano, minor museums, and historic farms. These places are reachable by short trips by car or bike from the main points of the itinerary.