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
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.
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. You can see wonders in every corner of the narrow streets such as the frescoes of the Byzantine Church of S. Pietro, the Cathedral and its mosaic floor and the promenade on the bastions with breathtaking views of the sea.
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. Mandatory stopover at “La Cutura” botanical garden where “Totò” will show us its incredible collection of plant species from all over the world. It is a unique place in Europe for its cactus species. Before lunch, you will taste typical products cooked in a characteristic stone oven.
Return to Otranto where you can go shopping or reach a beach near the town or take a horseback ride along the cliffs at sunset (suitable for beginners).
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 one 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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 7: Return to Lecce 52 km
Last day of your cycling trip in Puglia and return to Lecce admiring the many "masserie" (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 terracotta workshop of the Martina Brothers, skillful guardians of this traditional art.
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.
