Cycling the Coast of Puglia

Graded easy to moderate, this tour follows the Salento coastline and is suited to cyclists that like the idea of a riding between ancient towns. Because the terrain is not too undulating, most rides and predominantly easy-going here will be time to discover the impressive history, culture and architecture of this region, as well as the local pasta and seafood dishes unique to Puglia. Some sections are more moderately difficult, but you can offset this with an E bike for a bit of extra assist, and on some days you are given a choice of tracks, easier or more strenuous. Spending each night in comfortable, centrally located and characterful hotels and B&B's means you are only ever a few minutes walk or cycle from the sights or panoramic sea views.

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate overall and follows a combination of quiet country and coastal roads which take you through little resort towns and national parks with saltmarshes and wetlands. The elevation gains and losses are minimal and daily distances not too challenging. We also offer an easier inland option on one of the rides which you may take if you prefer. We also offer the rental of E-bikes if you wish to take this more easy-going option. If you are using a regular bike it's a good idea to regularly get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your tour. Be prepared for busier routes when approaching and departing towns. 

This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active adventure who enjoy being on their bike for up to 3-6 hours per day. You'll spend much of the day in the saddle experiencing a region and discovering its variety. The terrain is rolling with some longer and steeper ascents/descents, with daily total elevations ranging from 10m to 300m (32ft to 656ft). E-bikes are available for hire should you want to have battery-powered assistance for the hills.

During this trip you will stay in 4* and 3* hotels and B&B's. Should any of the properties we regularly use not be available on the dates you wish to go, we will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.

Meals

6 Breakfasts are included. Breakfasts usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. Italian breakfasts also include freshly baked cakes. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking. Lunches and dinners are not included but you should plenty of options.  You may wish to research dinner options in each location (including checking if your hotel is serving dinner that evening), and making reservations is strongly encouraged, especially on Sundays and during the shoulder months of March, April, late September, October & November.

Like the rest of Italy, Puglia’s cuisine, is fresh, simple and delicious! Signature dishes of the region include orecchiette pasta (pasta shapes resembling little pigs ears), burrata cheese (a creamy mozzarella) and crunchy, dry Frisella bread.

Single Rooms

If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists but a supplement will be required.

The route easy is to follow using the GPX tracks and mapping on our Macs Adventure Smartphone Navigation App.

This trip is available to start on any day from March to Mid-July and September to November.

Peak Season Availability

We recommend making your booking as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May, June, and September, as the region can be busy, limiting accommodation availability. 

Time of Year

The springs months offer warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and pleasant cycling conditions. May is when most wildflowers are coming into bloom. The autumn months are also a favourable time of year, boasting cooler weather and a striking landscape made up of autumnal colours. It's worth noting that the later in the year you choose to travel the higher the likelihood of rain. Also come late October through November some local shops, and restaurants may have reduced opening times or have closed for the winter. July is a good month to go but can be very hot for cycling and therefore isn’t best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. Although the towns and villages are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see.

By Air:  Lecce does not have an airport but is well connected with Bari and Brindisi. Both cities have airports with international services across Europe.

By Rail: From Lecce Central Train Station change at Bari Central for services to the airport (total journey time approx 2H30). Please visit Trenitalia for train times, prices and tickets.

By Bus: A bus service connects Lecce directly with Brindisi airport. Journey time is just under an hour and services run throughout the day. Timetables and prices can be found at Puglia Air Bus. 

We can also arrange private transfers from Lecce. 

Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip, with 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg/44lbs) allowed. If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.

This trip is graded easy to moderate with daily distances between 30 km—60km (18 - 37mi). Once you have left the towns and cities much of the cycling is on quiet country or coastal roads. You will encounter some stretches of shallow hills throughout the tour.  On day 4, the ride from Leuca to Otranto does have the option to cycle a more challenging coastal ride. We can arrange the rental of E bikes if you would like a power assisted ride.

Its a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your trip so you get used to riding back to back days. However, it’s not all cycling. Each day there are plenty opportunities to visit historic sights and sample locally produced food and wine. 

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this region is extremely popular especially May to June and September.