The climb to Masseria La Porta, although paved for a long stretch, maintains intact the charm of a rural and pastoral environment, overlooking the Varano lagoon and the charming ancient village of Cagnano Varano. The most upstream part, however, remains the angular mule track of the past, drawn within hedges of lush Mediterranean scrub or framed by fields, pastures and "macerė", the characteristic and inevitable dry stone walls. Those who climb must not forget to often look backwards to enjoy the unique views offered by this route, an essential alternative to the steep steps of the Sentiero dell'Arcangelo.