Operated by UTracks

Puglia Coastal Cycle

From

CAD 1,890

Duration

6 days

Countries

Italy

Activity

moderate

Rating

4.6 · 14 reviewsvia UTracks

The adventure

Cycling holidays in Puglia: Enjoy a short cycle in Puglia (Apulia), the sun-soaked heel of Italy, through vineyards, olive groves and unspoiled villages

At a glance

Duration

6 days

Route

→

Countries

Italy

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Cycling

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Ask an agent

Day by day

View of a historic hilltop town surrounded by lush greenery under cloudy skies.

Your journey through

Italy

Day 1Day 1: Arrive LecceMake your own way to Lecce and check-in to the first hotel. Thanks to its Baroque style, Lecce has earned the nickname of "Florence of the South". Appreciate the rich sculpted motifs from the 17th century made with the tender stone from Lecce. The old town, enclosed by what is left of the ancient walls, bears the impression of that exuberant period.

Make your own way to Lecce and check-in to the first hotel. Thanks to its Baroque style, Lecce has earned the nickname of "Florence of the South". Appreciate the rich sculpted motifs from the 17th century made with the tender stone from Lecce. The old town, enclosed by what is left of the ancient walls, bears the impression of that exuberant period.

Day 2Day 2: Cycle to the Ionian coast and Gallipoli (50km/31mi)The cycle begins by heading deep into the "Salentinian countryside" before approaching the Ionian coast and your destination for today, Gallipoli. An ancient Greek city, it is a fishing town divided into two parts: the new town and the old town, which is connected by a 17th century bridge to the mainland. The stage is mainly flat as you wind your way on country roads. Elevation +245m/803ft, -290m/951ft

The cycle begins by heading deep into the "Salentinian countryside" before approaching the Ionian coast and your destination for today, Gallipoli. An ancient Greek city, it is a fishing town divided into two parts: the new town and the old town, which is connected by a 17th century bridge to the mainland. The stage is mainly flat as you wind your way on country roads. Elevation +245m/803ft, -290m/951ft

Day 3Day 3: Continue along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca (50km/31mi)Continue cycling further along the coast and you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The name was given to this town by ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They say it was enlightened by the sun and therefore called it "Leukos", meaning white. Today it is a famous seaside resort and fishing area and there is ample opportunity to swim at the beach in the afternoon. This is an easy stage on flat, paved surfaces with some short ups and downs in the final part. Elevation +-215m/705ft

Continue cycling further along the coast and you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The name was given to this town by ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They say it was enlightened by the sun and therefore called it "Leukos", meaning white. Today it is a famous seaside resort and fishing area and there is ample opportunity to swim at the beach in the afternoon. This is an easy stage on flat, paved surfaces with some short ups and downs in the final part. Elevation +-215m/705ft

Day 4Day 4: Cycle along the Adriatic coast to Otranto (50km/31mi)Another superb day of cycling as you follow the Adriatic coast northwards. Passing by small towns, impressive grottoes, inlets for swimming and small cafes, you soon arrive at Otranto, Italy's most eastern point and where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle. This is the most challenging stage. There is a 1km climb out from Santa Maria di Leuca and 3km of continuous and regular slopes after Santa Cesaria Terme. You'll cycle along the coastal SP358, considered one of Italy's most scenic roads. Elevation +-515m/1690ft (total - highest point approx 140m)

Another superb day of cycling as you follow the Adriatic coast northwards. Passing by small towns, impressive grottoes, inlets for swimming and small cafes, you soon arrive at Otranto, Italy's most eastern point and where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle. This is the most challenging stage. There is a 1km climb out from Santa Maria di Leuca and 3km of continuous and regular slopes after Santa Cesaria Terme. You'll cycle along the coastal SP358, considered one of Italy's most scenic roads. Elevation +-515m/1690ft (total - highest point approx 140m)

Day 5Day 5: Cycle to Lecce along the Alimini Lakes (55km/34mi)Today's stage is easy. Leave the lovely town of Otranto behind and discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese, on your way back to Lecce. Elevation +220m/721ft/-173m/568ft

Today's stage is easy. Leave the lovely town of Otranto behind and discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese, on your way back to Lecce. Elevation +220m/721ft/-173m/568ft

Day 6Day 6: Trip concludesAfter breakfast the trip concludes. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi.

After breakfast the trip concludes. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi.