Stella Climb

2 km abundant with an average gradient of more than 10%: this is the visiting card of the ascent of the Stella. It starts on asphalt, turns into concrete and then becomes unpaved right in the section with the greatest slopes. The prize for those who face it are endless panoramas from Monopoli to Ostuni. Its name derives from the fact that on the top of the hill that climbs, Mount Laureto, during the Christmas period an enormous comet star is lit, visible tens of km away. At the base of the star, in a deep natural cave, a nativity scene with life-size characters is set up. Walkable all year round, to be avoided in the summer in the morning hours given the total sun exposure.

This climb is really tough. You practically climb a slope of Mount Laureto. The first part on asphalt is tough, but when you start with the dirt road the level of difficulty rises further and requires a high level of technique and training. The view, however, is wonderful, I suggest you try, so bad that you end up pushing. :) In my opinion, it is a mandatory trail in the Canale di Pirro area, it ends on the state road. Done downhill, pay attention to the high speeds that could be reached easily and to sharp corners with little grip as there is an overhang without protections on the side and therefore very dangerous.