Puglia is fast becoming the gay destination of South Italy and that is why we are sure that the Gay Running & Hiking Tour is the perfect choice for you! The area is rich in culture, food, awe inspiring landscapes, white sandy beaches and some gay nightlife for good measure!
Spend a full week running or hiking along some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. The Gay Running and Hiking tour strides along beautiful beaches and hectares of ancient olive groves. You set the pace, choose to either run or hike. Our experienced guides are there to ensure that you have the best experience. Starting from the land of Primitivo wine, we head SouthWest, seaward. We surpass soft sandy dunes, covered by wild shrubbery and finally follow the way of the beach and the sea. The winds may be with us or against us but they will bring fragrances of aniseed and typical Puglian smells that will captivate your heart. Stop to see the lagoons with pink flamingos and ancient crumbling towers typical of a bygone era.
Run or hike along beautiful sandy beaches and amazing landscapes
Experience Puglia like a local with authentic food and wine
All evening meals are included
Meet like-minded people and make new friends from all over the world
Optional holistic and sports massage services available
Join your Italy Gay Travels hosts, Sergio and Kendall
Route
Map of the Gay Running & Hiking Tour in Salento
Route stops
1Campomarino
2Torre Colimena
3Porto Cesareo
4Nardò
5Gallipoli
Day by day
Day 1
Welcome to Puglia
Welcome to Puglia, the Southeasternmost tip of Italy. Fly to either Bari or Brindisi airport. Make your way to Campomarino Maruggio, home to the most beautiful gay beach in Puglia: D’ayala. Here we stay in a gay-only bed and breakfast, moments away from the beach. Meet your hosts Kendall and Sergio and get your Gay Running Tour Welcome pack. Spend your afternoon as you like: have a dip in the pool or head to the beach. In the evening, join your fellow Gay Runners and hikers and your tour hosts, Sergio and Kendall, for a Complimentary Welcome Dinner by the pool. This will be your opportunity to get to know each other and have a full briefing on the adventure that lies ahead.
Meals: Aperitif Dinner
Day 2
Beach Day – Campomarino
After a hearty breakfast the group meets to collect their bikes and make any final adjustments before we set off on the Gay Cycling Tour. We meander through the rolling countryside, ending up in the UNESCO world heritage site of Alberobello. Here we will have the opportunity to explore the Trulli, conical shaped buildings that give this area its particular charm. Your luggage is transferred to the accommodation in Alberobello. Once here you have the rest of the day to wander through the history of this quirky town. Enjoy dinner on your own and grab a few drinks at the cute bars if you like!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Campomarino – Torre Colimena
Get fully charged at breakfast as we start the first chapter of this amazing Gay Running and Hiking Tour! 15km by the sea! From Campomarino’s beach we set off into a world of tranquility by the dunes. Set along the backdrop of the beautiful Ionian Sea we head south. We will take a break to have a dip in the beautiful sea. Upon arrival at our accommodation around Torre Colimena, you have the rest of the afternoon to relax by the beach, take a stroll, grab a massage or sleep! We all meet for dinner. Italy Gay Travels takes you to the best seafood in town. Savour the catch of the day and reminisce the day's achievements!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Torre Colimena – Porto Cesareo
After breakfast, it’s time for the second stage of this amazing Gay Running and Hiking Tour. We head to Porto Cesareo, 15 km away. We run along Punta Prosciutto with its crystalline waters. After passing through Torre Lapillo we make our way into the lively town of Porto Cesareo, famous for its long sandy beaches. At dinner, you will once again experience local cuisine in the best spots in town.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Porto Cesareo – Nardò
After breakfast we start the 3rd stage of our Gay Running and Hiking Tour: from Porto Cesareo we make our way to the enchanted town of Nardo’. This trail heads inland: through small woods and undulating downhill passes through a parade of hedges and gates that hide antique mansions, the remains of Salento’s aristocracy. The arrival in the Cathedral Square of Nardò is a worthy end to today’s journey. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to taste some of the best local wines around. Do Primitivo and Negroamaro ring a bell? We will visit a local winery and learn the secrets of winemaking from the masters of the art. For dinner, Italy Gay Travels will treat you to an authentic local dinner right in the centre of the beautiful Nardo’.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Rest Day – Cooking Class in Nardò
We are sure your muscles need some break! This Gay Running and Hiking Tour is not a Tour de Force. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to learn to cook like a local from the master chefs of Puglia. Learn the secrets of Puglia’s world renowned food! Cooking in Puglia is a very intimate experience (but you can keep your clothes on)! Recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and truly represent the Mediterranean diet. Naturally we eat what we’ve made. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area on your own, doing some shopping or relaxing by the beach. Your luggage is transferred to the accommodation in Gallipoli.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Nardò – Gallipoli
After breakfast, we set off on the final stage of this amazing Gay Running and Hiking Tour: from the enchanted town of Nardo’ we will head to the gay capital of Southern Italy: Gallipoli. It is a smooth 20 km glide through the beautiful seaside towns of Santa Caterina, Santa Maria al Bagno and Lido Conchiglie. We finish in Gallipoli, famous for its beaches, its Old Town and gay summer nightlife. After checking in into the hotel, the afternoon as you wish. Make sure to join us for the Farewell Dinner by the Beach. We will finish the night in Gogo Cafe: the local gay bar, boasting our achievements and mingling with the local talent.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 8
See you soon!
After breakfast, we all say goodbye (no tears hopefully) and hope that we see you the next time!
Meals: Breakfast
What you'll experience
Guided running or hiking stages along the Ionian coast
Relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches of Salento
Visiting charming historical towns like Nardò and Gallipoli
Socializing with a group of like-minded gay travelers
Experiencing the local gay nightlife in Gallipoli
What you'll taste
Welcome aperitif dinner
Tasting of local wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro at a local winery
Hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of Puglian cuisine
Dinners featuring fresh, local seafood and authentic regional dishes
Farewell dinner on the beach in Gallipoli
Accommodation & meals
The tour begins at a gay-only bed and breakfast in Campomarino. Subsequent nights are in local hotels and B&Bs in Torre Colimena, Porto Cesareo, Nardò, and Gallipoli. Solo travelers will be paired in a shared twin room. A single room is available for a supplement of €490 / US$549. If a roommate cannot be found, the single supplement will be applied before the final payment date.
Getting there
Fly to either Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS) airport. Make your own way to the starting point of the tour in Campomarino di Maruggio. For information and prices on airport transfers, please email info@italygaytravels.com.
What's included
7 nights accommodation with breakfast
All evening meals
Information material
24-hour phone assistance
Not included
, Return flights
, Some meals and drinks
, Entrance fees and tips
, Sports/holistic massage services
, Guided tours
, Hotel tourist taxes (about €14.00)
, Insurance and everything not listed as Included
Good to know
This tour includes 4 days of activity over 8 days total. Daily distances range from 15km to 20km, for a total of approximately 65-70km. The terrain varies from sandy beaches and dunes to inland country paths with some undulation. The tour is suitable for regular runners and hikers with a good level of fitness. You can choose to either run or hike each stage.
Support
This is a fully guided tour. Your Italy Gay Travels hosts, Sergio and Kendall, will be with the group for the entire trip. Luggage is transferred daily between accommodations, allowing you to run or hike with just a daypack. 24-hour phone assistance is also provided.
