Salento, the southern tip of Puglia by bike
Southern Italy, a sunny stay between land and sea
Highlights
The rich cultural heritage of the region
An ideal climate for year-round cycling
Traditional Italian cuisine
The charming towns of Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli
The Mediterranean coastal landscapes
The gentle way of life in Puglia
Cycling the tip of the heel of the Italian boot
Salento represents the southern tip of Puglia in Italy. You will cycle through spectacular landscapes that only the Mediterranean can offer.
This tour takes you to the south of Puglia by bike. The Salento peninsula, also known as the heel of Italy’s boot, is full of remarkable landscapes that you discover at your own pace, by bicycle. This cyclo-tourist adventure connects the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west.
The Salento peninsula has many traces of the different civilizations that have inhabited it, from the Messapi to the Greeks or the Romans to the Normans. A history lesson awaits you at every stop. Authentic villages are along the way. Acaya, a small fortified town, Casamassella, Vereto and many others, offer pleasant stops to rest from your efforts.
Cycling in Puglia is like riding through an open-air museum. Prehistoric dolmens, Byzantine sanctuaries hidden in caves, baroque cathedrals are just some of the surprises that this trip has in store. You will travel through restful and relaxing Mediterranean landscapes. You will enjoy the turquoise waters of the seaside. Some creeks are nicknamed Maldives for the colors they share with the Indian Ocean archipelago. Fine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, limestone cliffs… Salento is one of those regions that seem to have everything going for them.
You stay in beautiful towns like Lecce, famous for its architecture and baroque style buildings. Lecce is sometimes called the Florence of the South, a well-deserved compliment. Otranto, with its white buildings, its rocks by the sea and its 15th century castle offers beautiful walks. Gallipoli and its fortress around which colorful fishermen’s boats are moored is also full of charm. There is still plenty to marvel at once the bike is left in the garage.
The energy spent pedaling is pleasantly compensated by the traditional Apulian cuisine. It combines the flavors of the sea and the land to give tasty dishes. A pleasure to see, smell and taste, the products of the garden have an incomparable taste. At lunch, enjoy a dish of orecchiette, typical pasta of the region. At any time of the day, we recommend a panzerotto, a pizza filled and fried like a doughnut.
Salento is a very flat area with gentle hills. Suitable for cyclists of all levels, it is a pleasant place to ride. Your itinerary is interspersed with stop to fully enjoy the scenery, the local culture, and tasty treats.
Finally, as everywhere in Italy, take advantage of the gentle way of life… This cycling trip in Puglia is a beautiful and enchanting interlude.
Leisure From LECCE to OTRANTO 58km 70m 
Between Lecce and Otranto, the profile of the stage is flat. Numerous cultural and natural sights enliven the route. At the beginning of the route, you will visit Acaya, a fortified town with a huge castle. Ideal for a first stop. Further east, by the sea, you can visit the protected area of Cesine. It is a crossing point for many species of migratory birds.
Then, you go along the coast and visit Roca Vecchia, an ancient town of the Iron Age, as well as several lakes located in the back of the coast.
Finally Otranto welcomes you with its narrow streets, the Byzantine frescoes of the church of St. Peter and finally its beautiful cathedral decorated with a mosaic paved. Leave the bikes and go for a walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea.
OTRANTO, BOUCLE DE CASAMASSELA 29km 210m
Today’s loop takes you to explore the charming region of Otranto. Along a river, you reach Casamassela, a village where ancient crafts are still practiced. After your visit, you head towards Giurdignano. The bike ride passes through a megalithic park of the Bronze Age with beautiful dolmens and menhirs. At the end of the morning, you will enjoy a tasting of the local cuisine in a family bakery.
From OTRANTO to LEUCA 52km 700m
You cycle along the wildest part of the Salento coastline. You pass by the lighthouse of Pacalia, the most eastern point of Italy. The coast is beautiful with its cliffs overlooking the sea. From the panoramic road, you are a privileged spectator of this wonderful wild landscape. If the weather permits, you can see the mountains of Albania and Greece.
After crossing the Ciolo, a canyon carved by the waters where fragile flora grows, you reach Santa Maria di Leuca. Here you can visit a sanctuary, following the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims.
From LEUCA to GALLIPOLI 61km 250m
At the beginning of the stage, you walk along the Cap Leuca, the southern part of Puglia. The landscape is grandiose. Between olive groves and dry stone walls, you reach Ugento, where an interesting archaeological museum delights history buffs. You reach the Ionian coast in the area of the Natural Park of Punta Pizzo, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and its wildlife.
End of the day in Gallipoli. Located on an island, this small fishing village is distinguished by its beautiful lights, its winding streets and its fish market.
GALLIPOLI, BOUCLE DE SANNICOLA 30km 220m
This loop allows you to discover in depth the surroundings of Gallipoli. You will pass by Sannicola at the beginning of the stage. This is an opportunity to discover its underground oil mill. Then, in Galatone, a pretty typical Apulian village, you will visit the old baroque town and the Norman castle of Fulcignano.
A cheese tasting is offered during the stage in a local farm.
- For a few more km 60km 110m
You will reach Galatina where you will admire the church of Santa Caterina, entirely frescoed in the Giottesco style (a 14th century painter who started an artistic movement). Then, your bike will take you to visit the beautiful historical center of the city.
From GALLIPOLI to LECCE 52km 150m
Between Gallipoli and Lecce, you will pass by numerous farms and fortified villas of the 19th century and pass through beautiful villages like Nardò and Copertino. A few kilometers before Lecce, we recommend a last stop at a handcrafted pottery, at the home of the Martina brothers, skilled custodians of this ancient art.
LECCE
End of your stay in Puglia after breakfast.
Have a safe journey home!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 825€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1025€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Tracking app with full itinerary of the trip
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide
- Day 1 : A personalised welcome in French or English (subject to availability) with our team on arrival at the departure town to get you settled in and hand over all your travel documents.
- Day 3 : Local product tasting
- Day 6 : Local product tasting
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
- Taxes
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Puglia:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide giving you the travel documents (reception and documents in English)
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A road book to find all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- GPS tracks available for your device (optional option to rent a GPS device)
And also:
- The option of renting comfortable bikes, ideal for this route.
- The option of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeMansteel frame, 24 speed, Wheels 28”, tires 700*35, Suspension Fork. Women model available. Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Electric BikeAluminium frame, Wheels 28”, Suspension Fork, 10 speed dual clutch transmission. Engine Yamaha, battery 500Wh, autonomy 80-130KM. Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : LECCE
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at 10h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Lecce Railway Station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Brindisi Airport
Arrival city : LECCE
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at 10h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Lecce Railway Station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Brindisi Airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From February 28th to December 27th
Destination Italy
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
LECCE
Arrive to Lecce on your own, a beautiful city in the Apulia region.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, meet our local guide at your departure point. This is the perfect time to catch up on the latest practical advice, find out about the addresses and experiences you shouldn’t miss, answer any questions you may have, make the final adjustments to your bike and get your trip off to the best possible start.