Family bike tour in Italy
The Salento region is perfect for bicycle tours, even for the youngest. The central part of the province is completely flat and populated with small villages that allow for many stops.
This family bike tour in Italy has been designed with shorter distances (15 to 30 km per day). Each itinerary takes place on secondary roads through the countryside, to also allow families to discover this beautiful region by bike.
Highlights of the trip :
- the landscapes of Puglia
- the Italian gastronomy
- the seaside
- Lecce, Galatina and Gallipoli
- The "Grecìa Salentina
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LECCE
You will be expected in the late afternoon for a briefing on your trip and the handing over of the bikes and the GPS.
You will then have the opportunity to take a family walk through the historical center of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South". You will be charmed by its Spanish-style baroque architecture and Roman ruins.
Overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 2: FROM LECCE TO MARTANO - 26 km
Discover a flat, picturesque route through the secondary roads of Salento. This flat cycling itinerary takes you through the most beautiful villages in Salento, along quiet country roads. Your first stop is Cavallino, where you can visit an open-air museum dedicated to the fascinating Messapian civilisation. Next, you'll pass through magnificent olive groves lined with dry-stone walls on your way to Calimera, another charming Salento village. Here, be sure to visit a natural history museum, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna, emblematic of this region of southern Italy. The itinerary ends in Martano, known as the capital of Salentine Greece. This village is a must for lovers of culture and history, thanks to its rich Greek heritage.
Day 3: SALENTINE GREECE - 23 km
In the Middle Ages, the Salento region was influenced by Greek culture, thanks in particular to the presence of Byzantine monks. Today, in a small region known as Grecìa Salentina, made up of 9 municipalities, a version of the Greek language called Griko is still spoken.
During your visit, explore picturesque villages such as Zollino, Sternatia, and Martignano, where you will be immersed in local history and culture. These authentic villages also offer you the chance to taste Italian culinary specialities. Be sure to try the famous sceblasti, a soft bread enriched with tomatoes, courgettes, onions and peppers. You can also try the Sibilla, a delicious marzipan-based pastry created by a local pastry chef and much loved by Italians. This cultural and gastronomic experience will plunge you into the living heart of Grecìa Salentina, where tradition and flavour meet.
Day 4: FROM MARTANO TO GALATONE - 35 km
Discover Grecìa Salentina by bike: an unmissable cultural and handicraft itinerary. The first part of this cycling tour takes you through the fascinating Grecìa Salentina region, rich in history and handicraft. Your first stop will be Castrignano dei Greci, where you can admire the ‘pozzelle’, an ancient and ingenious system for collecting rainwater, a testimony to the local heritage. Continuing on to Corigliano d'Otranto, famous for its majestic Baroque castle, a must-see for lovers of architecture and history. Your adventure continues in Cutrofiano, famous for its handmade pottery, which continues a centuries-old tradition.
Near Cutrofiano, you can visit an organic farm and local producers of artisan cheese and honey, for a total immersion in the gastronomic culture of Salento.
Day 5: AROUND GALATONE: GALATINA - 30 km
Enjoy a perfect day on a typical Salento farm, where you can pick fresh vegetables from the garden before taking part in a cooking class with Anna, who will welcome you to her charming country house with swimming pool. On the programme: learn how to make orecchiette, the traditional ear-shaped pasta, as well as pitta di patate, a traditional potato-based pizza, and the famous pasticciotto (this activity is optional).
In these peaceful surroundings, perfect for families, you can relax before setting off by bike to Galatina. Don't miss the must-see church of Santa Caterina, whose walls are decorated with magnificent Giotto frescoes.
For a gourmet touch, try the delicious pasticciotto, a typical local dessert topped with creamy custard. Try it hot for an even tastier experience!
Day 6: FROM GALATONE TO GALLIPOLI - 25 km
Explore Salento by bike: from the countryside to historic museums. This cycling itinerary takes you to the heart of the Salento countryside, through olive groves and the traditional ‘pajare’, dry-stone buildings typical of the region. Your first stop is Galatone, where you can discover the fascinating Fulcignano Castle. Continuing on, stop off at Alezio to visit the Museum of Messapian Civilisation, which traces the history of this ancient people. For an unusual experience, make a diversion to Tuglie to visit the Radio Museum, where dozens of models of old radios, all in working order, tell the story of communication. You finish your tour in Gallipoli, an essential coastal town in the Salento region, rich in history and magnificent scenery.
Day 7: AROUND GALLIPOLI - TO PORTO SELVAGGIO - 28 km
A relaxing family day out: coastal and nature walks in Porto Selvaggio. Enjoy a relaxing family day along the coast, ideal for a bike ride along the quiet beaches of Salento, especially outside the high season. Your route will take you to the magnificent Porto Selvaggio nature park, a vast wooded area of over 1,000 hectares bordering the sea, perfect for a nature break. On the way back, be sure to stop in Santa Caterina, a charming coastal village. A gourmet stop here is a must: try a delicious homemade ice cream to round off your day in style.
Day 8: End of the family bike trip in Italy
In the morning, you will have the opportunity to walk around the historical center of this fishermen's town.
Transfer to Lecce organized by our local partner.
