Apulia by bike

Your cycling tour in Apulia

Day 1 : Arrival in Polignano a Mare

Arrive in the glorious town of Polignano a Mare overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Get lost in the labyrinth of streets amidst whitewashed houses. Visit the main church, known as Chiesa Madre, and the stunning, unique squares of San Benedetto and Dell’Orologio. Marvel at the Marchesale Arch, an original entrance to the old town, where the cycling itinerary commences.

Day 2 : Polignano a Mare – Alberobello | 37 km

Today’s ride is a gradual climb from the Adriatic sea to the gently undulating valley of Itria. through the typical Murgia landscape with olive groves and fields surrounded by low stone walls. Stop at Castellana Grotte for a rest and to visit an immense underground cave system, one of the largest in Europe. Continue on to Alberobello, the Trulli capital of the world and a UNESCO Heritega town. Alberobello is unique for having over 1500 trulli, or white washed stone houses with conical roofs.

Day 3 : Alberobello – Ostuni | 40 km

Cycle through several beautiful villages from Alberobello to Ostuni – a white-washed town perched on top of a hill dominating the Adriatic. Along the way visit Locorotondo, the ‘round place’ also on a hill that dominates the countryside, admire it’s cathedral and the old church of Madonna della Greca. Continue on to Cisternino, well known for its meats and cheese. Excellent DOC wine and olive oil is produced in this region.

Day 4 : Train from Ostuni to Lecce – Cycling to Gallipoli | 52 km

This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, taking your bike with you. From Lecce Train station you quickly leave town on a narrow country lane. Crossing the Salento region in a south west direction you reach the Golf of Taranto. You will ride across a sparsely inhabited flat countryside, dotted with large olive trees then coastal pine forests and sand dunes, passing ancient coastal watch towers as you approach the medieval fishing town of Gallipoli bustling with life. Along the way you can find some nice spots for a swim in the Ionian sea.

Day 5 : Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca | 51 km

A coastal road takes you to the southernmost point of Puglia, dividing the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. But first, take a swim in the turquoise waters of paradise, at the Torre del Pizzo beach and lay along the fine white sands. Then continue south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a magnificent village of fantastic beaches and wacky, wild, colorful mansions.

Day 6 : Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto | 52 km

Revel in the sea breezes as you ride along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating rift of the cliffs. Phenomenal views will make you feel part of a National Geographic cycling special feature. Stop for a glimpse of the spectacular cave, the Grotta Zinzulusa, and then on to Otranto, a Greek-come-Roman port town, frequented by merchants and thrill seekers.

Day 7 : Otranto – Lecce | env. 53 km

Today you visit the Alimini Lakes which run parallel to the sea. Cycle your way through the countryside of Greek Salento, where traces of the former colonies are still present in the dialect, cuisine and bright style of architecture. The whites shine against the euphoric blue of the sea. Arrive in Lecce, a brilliant city full of wonderful palaces and a treasure which will mesmerize you.

Day 8 : Departure during the day