Self-Guided Puglia Cycling

Over View

On this self-guided cycle route around the ‘heel’ of Italy, in the sun-drenched region of Puglia, you discover the natural and cultural highlights of a land forged centuries ago by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and Spanish.

Lecce – Stunning Baroque city of southern Italy

Jagged coastline – Beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise seas

Local delicacies – Primitivo wine, mozzarella di bufala, fresh antipasti to name but a few.

Itinerary

Day 1 Holiday starts in Alberobello

Your holiday starts in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, famous for its Trulli (round conical-roofed houses). After checking in to your hotel, you may choose to spend the rest of your day exploring the town’s picturesque whitewashed streets.

Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

We are able to offer private transfers from both Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport(BDS). Please contact our self-guided team for further information.

Day 2 Cycle through the Murgia region to Ostuni

Hopping onto your bike, your cycling route commences through the culturally-rich Murgia region, where you will pass olive groves, vineyards and classic ‘Masserie’ farmhouses. The Medieval town of Cisternino, with its brilliant DOC wine, is worth stopping off in. Your base for tonight is the picturesque town of Ostuni. Positioned close to the Adriatic Sea and fortified by ancient walls, the town’s chic shops, bars and restaurants attract many Italian tourists. However, it is its fifteenth century cathedral which is its real draw card, described by many as ‘enchanting.’

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (total ascent 300 metres, total descent 500 metres).

Day 3 Pedal through the Salento region to Gallipoli

This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, from where you commence your ride through the Salento region. You take the bike with you on the train but your luggage is transferred separately to the hotel. Please note it is not possible to pre-book this train ticket, so you need to purchase this locally. Once outside Lecce it is just you and nature as you pedal across flat countryside, passing the occasional olive tree, pine tree forest and sand dune. Along the coast, you will pass several good swimming spots and some ancient seaside watch towers as you approach the Medieval fishing town of Gallipoli, which, in contrast to the landscape you have passed through, is bursting with life.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 56 kilometres (total ascent 240 metres, total descent 318 metres).

Day 4 Bike to Puglia’s southernmost tip

From Gallipoli, you will pedal along a coastal road to the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. En route, we recommend a relaxing break and refreshing dip at the paradisiacal Torre del Pizzo Beach, where you will be greeted by pristine white sand and turquoise water. Continuing south to your nightstop in Santa Maria di Leuca, this town is famous for its lighthouse, great beaches and wacky, colourful mansions.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres (total ascent 152 metres, total descent 170 metres).

Day 5 Pedal the coastal route to Otranto

Today’s cycling journey takes you along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating cliff tops, with a cooling sea breeze fanning your face. The phenomenal beauty of this coast is likely to encourage you to make frequent photograph stops. On your route, we recommend stopping off at the spectacular Zinzulusa Cave – one of the most endangered karst ecosystems in the world. Today’s destination is Otranto, a Greek-Roman port town with an imposing castle.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres (total ascent 520 metres, total descent 530 metres).

Day 6 Cycle through Greek Salento to Lecce

On your final day of cycling, you will pedal alongside the Alimini Lakes, running parallel to the sea, before heading into the Cesine Coastal Nature Reserve. Managed by the WWF, here you will find dense forest and typical Mediterranean flora and fauna. Cycling through the countryside of Greek Salento, this area is inhabited by the Griko people – an ethnic minority with Greek origins. You will notice that their language is akin to modern-day Greek and their food and architecture also draw many similarities. Later, you will arrive in Lecce – a stunning city in which to spend the last night of your tour. Nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ because of its rich Baroque heritage, the city’s palaces, churches and statues are made from the famous local stone and are well worth exploring.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 52 kilometres (total ascent 227 metres, total descent 90 metres).

Day 7 Holiday ends in Lecce

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

We are able to offer private transfers to both Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). Please contact our self-guided team for further information.