The Sentiero delle Cipolliane and the Ciolo

A breathtaking route

Just a few kilometres from Masseria Alcorico, one of the most spectacular itineraries in Salento unfolds: the Sentiero delle Grotte Cipolliane, connecting Marina di Novaglie to the famous Ciolo, a canyon that plunges into the Adriatic Sea in a striking meeting of rock and light.

The trail begins among ancient pajare, dry stone walls and the scents of euphorbia, thyme and wild herbs. Walking along the cliff, your gaze drifts between the deep blue of the sea and the white of the exposed rock, in a landscape shaped by wind, silence and ancient civilisations. It is a narrow line you will follow: between land and sea, between untamed nature and the traces of those who lived here thousands of years ago.

Grotte delle Cipolliane

Caves suspended between sky and sea

Along the path, about 30 metres above sea level, the Grotte Cipolliane open up: rocky shelters used since prehistoric times, true natural balconies overlooking the horizon. Inside these cavities, time seems to stand still. Along the walls, you may still notice marine fossils embedded in the stone – pecten, rudists, shells – evidence of when this entire area lay beneath the sea, millions of years ago. The silence of the caves blends with the sound of the waves breaking below, and each step becomes part of a story that reaches beyond the present.

The Ciolo – The deep soul of Salento

The trail culminates at the Ciolo, one of the most evocative places in the entire Capo di Leuca. A canyon carved into the rock that suddenly opens up, revealing emerald waters, towering cliffs dotted with natural caves, and a walkway suspended above the sea that takes your breath away.
The name “Ciolo” comes from the local dialect and refers to the flight of the crow – “u ciuolu” – which once inhabited these cliffs. Today, it is a beloved destination for hikers, trekking enthusiasts, photographers and travellers in search of authenticity. Walking here, between rock and sea, means connecting directly with the most rugged and captivating soul of Salento.

An experience within easy reach

At Masseria Alcorico, we will be happy to guide you along the route and provide useful information for a guided excursion along the Sentiero delle Cipolliane, all the way to the Ciolo. It is a way to experience the landscape slowly, to listen to it with your steps before even your eyes. A walk through nature, memory and horizon: essential, like everything that truly lasts.

Esperienza lungo il Sentiero delle Cipolliane