The Route of Two Seas
The Route of Two Seas is a trail between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, an immersive experience in Apulian nature and history.
Polignano a Mare, a municipality in the province of Bari, is one of the most famous gems of the Apulian Adriatic coast. Beyond its cliffs and marine caves, Polignano is also the starting or ending point of a fascinating itinerary: the Route of Two Seas. This hiking trail connects two seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The idea is simple yet evocative: to start from the Adriatic Sea, dipping your feet in Polignano, and arrive at the Ionian Sea, usually in Taranto, or vice versa. The route winds through central Apulia, touching villages, countryside, ancient paths, dry stone walls, and centuries-old olive groves.
The path is designed to be walked, but in several sections, it can also be cycled. However, not all segments are suitable for less experienced cyclists. It is a trail immersed in nature, in the rural landscape of Apulia, and in the history of the area. Some stages cross ancient communication routes and paths dating back to the transhumance era, offering a unique experience of connection with the past.
In recent years, the trail has been made clearer thanks to the work of volunteers, associations, and local entities. However, it is still not comparable to the more famous trails at the national or European level. There are signs, but in some sections, they may be poorly visible. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a GPX map, a trekking app, or a reliable guide to avoid getting lost along the way.
There are several organizations that offer the trail as a guided experience. Some provide luggage transport services, while others offer overnight stays in farmhouses or B&Bs. While it is not appropriate to mention specific names, these options can be found by searching for tours or experiences on the Route of Two Seas on major hiking and tourism portals. This makes the experience even more accessible and enjoyable for those who wish to explore without worrying about organizing every detail.
The difficulty of the route is medium. It is not a technical path, but it stretches for about 135-150 kilometers, depending on the chosen variants. Therefore, it requires a minimum of training and familiarity with walking. The elevation changes are modest, but the summer heat can make the stages more tiring. The ideal times to tackle it are in spring or autumn when the weather is milder and temperatures are more favorable.
Absolutely, the trail is divided into stages, generally between 15 and 25 km each. This makes it suitable for those who want to cover only a part, perhaps over a weekend, or split the journey into several moments throughout the year. There are various locations along the route where it is possible to stay overnight and replenish water and food supplies, making the experience even more convenient and accessible.
The Route of Two Seas is gaining increasing notoriety, especially among lovers of hiking and slow tourism. It is not yet as famous as the Via Francigena or the Camino de Santiago, but this is precisely why it retains a more authentic charm. It is still little-trodden by mass tourism, making it perfect for those seeking a more intimate and immersive experience. Walking along this route is a way to discover Apulia slowly and deeply, a journey through landscapes, cultures, and traditions that unites two seas and two souls of the region: the agricultural and the maritime.
