Puglia Cycling Tour

Puglia Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Monopoli

You’ll start your cycling tour of Puglia in the lovely town of Monopoli. Whitewashed houses stand out against the deep blue sea here, and the unique churches and squares make for great scenery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monopoli
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Ride through Olive Groves to Alberobello

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 Heritage town. Alberobello is unique for having over 1000 trulli, or white-washed stone houses with conical roofs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alberobello
Distance: 3 hours, 46.5 km, 500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Bike to Osunti

Today, you’ll cycle through the historically rich area of Murgia, where olive groves and vineyards dominate. Fly by the local farmhouses to Cisternino, a medieval town with fabulous local wine. Don’t have too many glasses, because you’ll ride on to Ostuni, a great seaside town with an impressive 15th-century gothic cathedral. It’s a sight to behold!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ostuni
Distance: 3 hours, 40 km, 300m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Ride to Gallipoli

Today, you’ll ride to the train station to travel to Lecce, where your ride will gently trail through the countryside. You’ll pass through little historic towns like Nardo and Copertino, where you’re free to take a coffee break and enjoy the day a bit. Then, one last push past the olive trees gets you to Gallipoli for the evening. Take an evening dip in the Ionian Sea and find a tasty spot for dinner and wine.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gallipoli
Distance: 4.5 hours, 52 km, 240m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Swim in the Adriatic & Bike to Santa Maria di Leuca

The ride this morning follows the coastline to the southernmost point of Puglia, which divides the Ionian and Adriatic. You’ll pass by paradise at Torre del Pizzo beach, so don’t pass up the chance for a divine swim! Let the sun and the soft white sand treat you before you ride along to Santa Maria di Leuca. This village is quirky, filled with wildly colourful mansions and pristine beaches.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca
Distance: 4.5 hours, 51 km, 200m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Bike to Otranto

The next leg of your cycling tour through Puglia follows a high coastal route with a refreshing sea breeze. Let the wind cool you as you wind your way along the road, which has National Geographic-worthy views! Then, you’ll take a pit stop at the Grotta Zinzulusa, a fascinating cave. Then, ride to Otranto, a port town with Greek and Roman influencers where you’ll be spending the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otranto
Distance: 4.5 hours, 53 km, 520m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Bike to Lecce

Start the final full day of your cycling adventure through Italy with a visit to the Alimini Lakes, shallow and perfectly blue lakes that run parallel to the sea. You’ll ride through Salento, where traces of Greek influence can still be found in the dialect, food, and architecture. Stop for a gelato and appreciate the bright white buildings against the blue sky. Then, you’ll ride through to Lecce, the vibrant Baroque town that you can spend the night wandering. Grab a glass of wine and some bread with olive oil and enjoy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lecce
Distance: 4.5 hours, 52 km, 120m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Farewell, Puglia!

Savour your last breakfast before packing up to leave Lecce, unless you have extra nights booked. Arrivederci!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast