Setting off on our bikes we’ll leave Lecce as we head for the coast. We’ll cycle through the countryside of Greek Salento, where we’ll find traces of former colonies still present in the dialect, cuisine and architecture. Our first stop will be the historic, fortied village of Acaya, famed for its astonishing castle.
As we leave here, the route will take you towards the Cesine Natural Reserve, passing through a sea-pine and eucalyptus forest, all the way to the coast.
The turquoise blues of the Adriatic will be on our left, as we head south, stopping off at the famous Poetry Caves and S. Andrea bay to admire the amazing tuff columns (I Faraglioni). After an undulating ride between the Alimini Lakes, our destination will be Otranto, a Greek-Roman port frequented by merchants and thrill seekers.
As we enter the old town, we’ll notice the wall surrounding the Aragonese Castle. We recommend visiting the Cathedral with its awesome rose-window, the UNESCO world heritage mosaic floor and the columned crypt. Approx. distance: 34 Miles / 54 Kms Day 3: Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca (B, L)
Today will be our most challenging, as we cycle along the high coastal route and wind our way along the cliff tops. We’ll be riding past rocky coves, heading to the furthest tip of the heel of Italy. On our way we’ll have the opportunity to stop at the eastern light-house of Punta Palascia and we’ll stop for a coffee at the lovely Porto Badisco bay, with its crystal clear waters.
Following this, we’ll stop to admire Santa Cesarea Terme (so called due to its local thermal baths) and enjoy its eclectic villas and the Moorish Palazzo Sticchi. We’ll then head on to the unique sea-caves, known as Grotta Zinzulusa.
After lunch, we’ll reach Gagliano del Capo. From here we can take in the magnificent views from its world-famous bridge, as we enjoy a well-earned coffee.
Arriving in Santa Maria di Leuca, a small village with colourful “mansions” and a beautiful lighthouse, there will be time to dip into the crystal clear sea where the Adriatic and the Ionaian seas divide.
Approx. distance: 35 Miles / 57 Kms
Day 4: Santa Maria di Leuca to Gallipoli (B, L)
Today we’ll leave the Adriatic and start riding north along the coastline of the Ionian sea, past long sandy beaches and little coves. We’ll notice some beautiful beaches, dotted with beach clubs that fill up during the summer months. If time allows, we’ll stop off at one of the more famous beaches, Maldive del Salento. Continuing north, we’ll soon find ourselves at a quiet lunch spot just by the beach, where we’ll have the opportunity for a dip in the warm Ionian waters.
Gallipoli is our destination for the evening, and is known as the “Ionian Pearl”. Throughout history, Gallipoli has been an important fishing and trading port. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You may want to visit one of the ancient underground olive-mills still preserved and open to the public, or take a stroll near the harbor. Or you could meander through the narrow alleys and explore the many little churches, or perhaps just relax in one of the town squares, before taking in the breathtaking sunset from the historic town.
Approx. distance: 33 Miles / 53 Kms Day 5: Gallipoli to Lecce (Train to Ostuni) (B, L)
Today we’ll leave the Ionian coast, as we start cycling inland, through sparsely-populated flat countryside, littered with olive trees and pine forests. We’ll soon understand why Gallipoli was reknowned for exporting oil lamps made from the olive oil from the rich harvest of this region. We’ll stop off in Nardò, where we can enjoy a coffee in the pretty, Baroque town square.
Once we reach Lecce, we’ll board the train to Ostuni (tickets included). From here we’ll take a short uphill pedal to the town centre and our accommodation (2 Miles Approx.). Ostuni, known as the White City, has a rich history and is a beautiful base for the evening. You can spend the evening exploring Ostuni’s narrow streets within its protective walls, stopping to admire the Gothic 15th century cathedral. Approx. distance: 33 Miles / 53 Kms Day 6: Ostuni to Alberobello (B, L)
Today we’ll see the landscape change, as we ride through the historically-rich Valle d‘Itria. Our route follows a roller coaster country lane, as we ride amongst olive groves, vineyards and traditional stone, masserie farm houses (typical farm houses of Puglia) and Trulli. If time allows, we may get the opportunity to stop off at a local olive oil making factory, to sample some of the delicious produce. We’ll pass through the medieval towns of Locorotondo, famous for its white wine, and on to Cisternino, which boasts a charming historic centre and will likely be where we stop for lunch.
Jumping back on our bikes we’ll make our way towards Alberobello, passing the famous fairy-tale trulli houses which awarded Alberobello its UNESCO World Heritage site status. The 1,000 Trulli houses, many of which are still lived in, will transport us to an entirely different time, and we’ll grab the opportunity to explore the Trulli around Alberobello after our cycling. Approx. distance: 26 Miles / 42 Kms Day 7: Alberobello to Polignano a Mare (B, L)
Our destination for today is the Adriatic coast. Leaving Alberobello our route takes us through the distinctive Apulian landscape, via Putignano and Castellana, where we’ll have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (known as ‘Murgia dei Trulli’) – payable locally. More beautiful olive groves and Trulli houses accompany our route, as we make our way out of the Valle d‘Itria region.
An awe-inspiring descent, will lead us to the coast, as we make our way to Monopoli, passing centuries-old olive trees and lush vegetation. With its charming mix of Norman, Venetian-Byzantine and Arabic architecture. Riding north-west along the coast, the ride will take us to Polignano a Mare, a vibrant fishing village, surrounded by clear blue waters. Polignano a Mare, is perched on beautiful limestone cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline. With a charming old town, and culture to boot (it’s the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, singer of ‘Volare‘), Polignano a Mare is the ideal location to celebrate our last evening in Puglia.
Approx. distance: 30 Miles / 48 Kms
Day 8: Departure from Polignano - Transfer to Bari Airport (B)
Arrivederci Apulia! Time to head to the airport for flights home (approximately 45 minutes).
Or maybe you’d like to extend and spend the day in Matera? (2019’s European Capital of Culture – highly recommended!) Famous for its historical centre, the inhabitants of this region carved dwellings directly into the ravines made of tuff (tufo in italian), a light coloured soft stone. These dwellings are called “Sassi” and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Our trip begins in the prestigious city of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” and the capital of the Salento region. We’ll discover awe-inspiring architecture and traditional restaurants, as we wind our way through the city. The route from here will take us along the Adriatic coast and the heel of Italy, as we explore Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, and take in incredible views from our coastal route. Gently looping back up north along the Ionian coast, we’ll head to Gallipoli, a popular fishing port and beach destination on the Salento peninsula.
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