Puglia by bike from Lecce
Here is a cultural and gastronomic bike trip to the south of Italy. Explore Puglia by bike and let yourself be swept away by its picturesque beauty. Large olive groves, grain fields and vineyards dot this sunny route. You are on the heel of the Italian boot, between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. This Italian region has beautiful whitewashed towns in the hills and offers miles of Mediterranean coastline. Your Apulian cycling holiday begins in Lecce, nicknamed the “Florence of the south” in the Salento region.
Highlights of the stay:
- Lecce and its architectural wealth
- Otranto, beautiful fortified city
- The coasts of the Ionian Sea
- Santa Maria di Leuca
- Picturesque villages
- Gallipoli and its fishing village
Day 1: Lecce
Arrival in Lecce in Italy, welcome and collection of bikes at the meeting point or at the first hotel. Lecce is located in the Salento region, it is a city of great cultural and architectural wealth with more than 40 palaces and churches to be discovered.
The essentials of the city:
- Lecce cathedral
- Piazza Sant'Oronzo
- the three city gates.
Overnight in Lecce.
Day 2: Lecce - Otranto (58 km)
Your cycling trip in Puglia begins with a flat route, of great cultural and natural richness. You visit the fortified city and the castle of Acaya, dating from the 16th century, before heading down to the Le Cesine, WWF nature reserve, which hosts many species of migratory birds. You cycle along the Adriatic coast to reach the Alimini Lakes and its magnificent beaches. On your way, you can see the Bronze Age ruins of Roca Vecchia and the town of Otranto. A few kilometres further on, the town of Otranto offers wonders around every corner: the frescoes in the Byzantine church of St. Pietro, the cathedral with its mosaic floor, and the walk along the ramparts with breathtaking views of the sea.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 3: Otranto and its surroundings (29 km)
This day is dedicated to the exploration of the lands of Otranto. You cycle along the small river "Idro" ("water"), which gave its name to the city before joining Casamassella. You can learn more about the old trades still practiced today by visiting the “Le Costantine” foundation. After a tour, you will pass through the megalithic garden of Giurdignano to observe its dolmens and menhirs from the Bronze Age up close. Before lunch, you will taste typical products cooked in a characteristic stone oven. Return to Otranto where you can go shopping, reach a beach near the town or take a horseback ride along the cliffs at sunset (suitable for beginners).
Overnight in Otranto or surroundings.
Day 4: The coast of Salento, from Otranto to Leuca (52 km)
Cycling route along the wildest coasts of Salento to the Punta Palascìa lighthouse. You will be able to see a singular small lake emerging in an abandoned bauxite quarry. You continue along the coastal road over the cliff. From here looking at the horizon : you can see, in the clearest mornings, the mountains of Albania and the nearest Greek islands. Then you can visit the Zinzulusa cave which penetrates up to about 200 meters into the bowels of the earth. Along the way you can admire the terraced crops. Before arriving in Leuca, you cross the Canalone del Ciolo, a small canyon hollowed out by water and characterized by the richness of its flora. In the evening, you join Santa Maria di Leuca where you can visit the sanctuary, in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims.
Overnight in Leuca.
Day 5: Leuca to Gallipoli (61 km)
Today, embark on a journey to Cape Leuca, the southernmost point of Apulia. You can admire the stunning defense tower nestled in the heart of a quaint village, an ancient mill carved into the rock and the mysterious Centopietre, a funerary monument composed of large stones. Continue your cycling tour to Leuca Piccola, a significant pilgrimage site that still features an extensive underground network. As you cycle through picturesque olive groves and admire traditional dry-stone walls, you will arrive in Ugento, where you can optionally visit its fascinating archaeological museum. In the afternoon, head backto the Ionian coast to reach the island of St. Andrews and the Punta Pizzo Nature Reserve. Finish your day in Gallipoli, a charming fishing village located on an island. Here, you can have an aperitif on a terrace overlooking the sea, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere created by its bright streets, narrow alleys, and bustling fish market.
Overnight in Gallipoli.
Day 6: Gallipoli and its surroundings (60 km)
Today, you go to Galatone, where you can admire stunning examples of Leccese baroque architecture, a hallmark of the region’s artistic heritage. Next, head to Galatina, where we recommend taking the time to visit the magnificent Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. This splendid church is a prime example of Romanesque architecture in Puglia, showcasing remarkable Gothic influences. On your return journey, stop by the charming cheese farm of Mariangela and Antonio, where you can experience the local cheesemaking traditions firsthand. As you pass through Alezio, take the opportunity to visit the Messapian Civilization Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient peoples who inhabited the region long before the Greek and Roman conquests, enriching your understanding of the area’s rich history.
We offer two options with included activities (optional):
- Cooking class with lunch included (42 km): You can cycle along the side trails lined with olive trees and old stone houses, within the "Donna Anna" estate. This is where the cooking class and lunch take place. The products used to prepare the dishes are harvested directly on site, in the family garden. On the menu: potato pita, pittule, orecchiette, pasticciotto, or tiramisu. All dishes are enjoyed with the family and accompanied by local wines. If the weather permits, you can enjoy the swimming pool.
- Boat excursion with lunch included: Meet at the port of Gallipoli. Embark aboard a 13-meter sailboat equipped with 4 cabins (used for occasional naps) and 3 toilets. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people, including the crew. While sailing, you can relax and enjoy the moment. It's also possible to learn the basic techniques and concepts of the game. You can visit the Puglia Natural Park (Sant'Andrea Island or Porto Selvaggio, for example). Here are some swimming and snorkeling breaks. Lunch on board.
Day 7: Return to Lecce (52 km)
Last day of your cycling trip in Puglia and return to Lecce admiring the many "masseries" (old fortified buildings used as farms) and the 19th century villas characteristic of the region. You will reach Nardò and its historic baroque-style center. Your route to Lecce passes through an area of very rich vineyards in the province. You will stop at Copertino to discover its castle of Norman origin. Before reaching Lecce, you can visit the traditional handcraft pottery workshop of the Martina Brothers, skillful guardians of this traditional art.
Overnight in Lecce.
Day 8: End of the cycling trip in southern Italy
Your stay in Puglia ends after a self-guided tour of the city of Lecce.
