Puglia Salento Bike Tour
Off the beaten path of bike trip in Puglia
The map says Italy, it is south point of heel of the boot shape: Salento
Though you may feel you’ve strayed into Greece, and that’s a part of Puglia’s appeal. Endless olive groves, a rugged coastline and the blue-green Adriatic.
The people are welcoming and down-to-earth, the cuisine rustic and satisfying: enjoy regional specialties that include fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and Salice Salentino the powerful red wine from Lecce.
Cycling Southern Italy Wow Moments
- The medieval village of Castro and Grotta Zinzulusa.
- The Aragonese Castle, the cathedral with its impressive Renaissance rose window and the village surrounded by walls, in Otranto.
- Cycling along Italy’s most stunning coastal road to Otranto: Baia di Enea.
- Bike from coast to coast, from the Ionian to the Adriatic.
Bike ride past ancient stone villages, prehistoric menhirs and crypts into the picturesque seaside town of Otranto, then dinner by the sea in this former Byzantine stronghold.
Explore a scenic cliff-side grotto and cycle along the coast to the southern tip of western Europe with views all the way to the Balkans on a clear day.
Cycle past the Alimini Lakes and through the Graecia Salentina, an area famous for its charming, historic villages and the distinctive local dialect.
We encourage to read very ultimate and funny article about Salento by Ondine Cohane, who lives in our town in Tuscany :
“There’s Something in the Air’ in Italy’s Salento”
The tour starts and ends in the gorgeous city of Lecce.
You’ve found your perfect cycling trip
DAY 1
Arrival in Lecce by train or by private transfer.
One day to visit Lecce and explore the surrounding delighting your sense with the local food & wine, astonishing your view with the Baroque architecture, Castles and Palaces that make this region unique. Take a walk in the beautiful historical center of Lecce, losing yourself among its baroque palaces, do not forget to visit the cathedral and its square, the Church of Santa Croce and Amphitheater.
DAY 2
Bike ride from Lecce to Gallipoli
After breakafst Meet&Greet at hotel and professional bike fitting.
Start the ride cycling towards the Ionian coast via Copertino explore charming villages and fascinating landscape – Reach the coast at Sant’isidoro where amazing beaches await for you – a stop for a jump is suggested. Continue skirting the coast going south and pass Santa Caterina e Santa Maria Al bagno- many option to stop for a lunch on beach club – arrive at the fishing town of Gallipoli enjoying the local food & wine with the people that craft it.
A must to do is the evening stroll in the typical streets of the old town
Distance 60 km /37,5 miles
Terrain: Flat
DAY 3
Bike ride from Gallipoli to Leuca
Leave Gallipoli along the beautiful Ionian Sea, directed towards south: today Cristalline water, amazing rocky gardens and eclectic villas, more epicurean adventure will disclose the eastern strip of Italy after a coast to coast ride to reach the Adriatic sea.
Cost about 25 km away and arrive Torre San Giovanni and continue to Torre Vado, Torre Mozza and San Gregorio another 25 km towards the southern part of the heel of the boot: Santa Maria Di Leuca. Here the land ends at a lighthouse and sanctuary that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Do not miss art nouveau buildings and the basilica de finibus terrae of Santa Maria Di Leuca
Distance 55 km /34 miles
Terrain: Flat
DAY 4
Bike ride from Leuca to Otranto
Today is the most spectacular ride: from Leuca , the direction of your cycling route will be the North, and with the Adriatic Sea on your right you will cycle towards Otranto distant about 55 km, crossing Tricase Porto and Castro Marina and Santa Cesarea Terme. Do not miss to stop at medieval village of Castro and Cave Zinzulusa adn Porto Badisco – called the baia di Enea
Once in Otranto we suggest the visit of the town: the beautiful Cathedral with its rose window and interior mosaic, and the Aragonese castle and its defensive walls. Strongly suggested a sea fish dinner.
Distance 54 km /33,5 miles
Terrain: Rolling hills
DAY 5
Bike ride from Otranto to Lecce
Skirting the coast pedaling north, along Alimini lakes , ponds of fresh water flowing into the sea, after about 20 km you will reach the seaside town of Torre dell’Orso, a must: beach and swim in a fantastic blue sea. pass San Foca and the the Cesine WWF natural reserve, famous for bird watching before arrive the little town of Acaya, with a huge castle at short distance from Lecce.
Distance 60 km /37,5 miles
Terrain: Flat
DAY 6
Enjoy your farewell breakfast at charming hotel in center of Lecce
INFO TOUR
best period April, May, June, September, October, November
DIFFICULTY : moderate
TOTAL DISTANCE : 230 km / 143 miles in 4 stages
TOUR REVIEWS
Price & Inclusions
Price
Cost: Euro 1450 per person in double occupancy
Single room supplement euro 590
Inclusions
Five nights in four star superior and luxury hotels
Five breakfasts
All Baggage transfers
RideWithGPS App: tracks, route notes, off-line navigation
Trip notes: Sightseeing & meals suggestions
Maps with elevation gain
Delivery bike at Lecce hotel & bike fitting
Pick-up of bikes and gear in Lecce
Keepsake Cicloposse water bottle
Sales tax
Not Included
Bike Rental for entire tour
Hybrid bike euro 180
Race bike, E-Bike, Gravel euro 210
City Tax each village charges a tax per each day between euro 1 to 3,00.
Palazzo Dei Dondoli: charming, boutique style, exclusivity, in the heart of beautiful Lecce art city and Salento. Housed in a residence of the ‘900,the palace includes within it the charming Court of swings, a small agora, the heart of the palace, who won all the senses.
Palazzo Mosco Inn is a period residence of the nineteenth century, located in Gallipoli, in the heart of the old town centre, still nowadays a fishing village. Among the lanes and the small courtyards that smell of history and tradition, behind the beautiful St. Agatha’s Cathedral, Palazzo Mosco Inn is the ideal place to enjoy the comfort of a beach holiday in the centre of the town, close to historic sites, cultural places and amazing landscape.
Relais Corte Palmieri is a wonderful historical house dating back to 1700 situated in the dense maze of alleys, streets and squares of the famous fishing village of Gallipoli. Characterized by sunny terraces and walls covered by colorful bougainvillea, this beautiful unique building, evocates a Moroccan Riad.
Heralding spectacular views over a beautifully landscaped mediterranean garden. as the only retreat in over 12 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, your experience at the Montiró hotel is intimate and truly exceptional.
Hotel l’ Approdo designed in Typical Mediterranean style, situated in a panoramic position, overlooking the Marina of Santa Maria di Leuca. Its comfortable rooms, its spacious lounges, the beautiful swimming pool surrounded by greenery, the sea-view terrace and a typical and prestigious restaurant make it an “approdo” magical and authentic. Samarinda Private beach.
Masseria Montelauro was originally a traditional farmhouse, built in 1878. The striking light and local colours are reflected in the design, which has retained the ancient stone walls and attractive old olive trees. Guests can soak up the the warm atmosphere of Salento here, simply sipping a glass of Negromaro wine beside the swimming pool, surrounded by an orchard – or relax in the small spa.
Few minutes walking from Otranto old town and from local beaches, the Relais Valle dell’Idro is an exclusive hotel where you can appreciate design and details attention, the location allows you to enjoy a breathtaking view of Valley, old town and Adriatic Sea. Rooms are comfortable, bright and chic. Indoor and outdoor breakfast area – terraces is perfect for the “happy-hour” time at the sunset. There is also a roof top with solarium area and hot tub.
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Tour Reviews
We loved our trip in Puglia and enjoyed the scenery, towns, hotels…and definitely the food! The riding is definitely easier than in Tuscany (almost no hills)…but we did miss the smooth, freshly paved roads of Tuscany!
Martin needed his bike changed, for comfort, and they responded quickly, solving everything right away. A great addition to the trip was that they gave us a lot of information about the people and food of Puglia. In fact, Laura provided many interesting food related stories and contacts of who to visit/where to eat along the way. We enjoyed that so much that we hired her for a gastronomic day at the end of the trip and visited a market, olive oil farm, cheese making and then made our own pasta..an awesome day!
Giuliana it was fabulous. We really enjoyed the region, the people and the food. We thought your organisation was great and we’d throughly recommend both you and Puglia to anyone!
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