Cycling the Coast of Puglia

Graded easy to moderate, this tour follows the Salento coastline and is ideal for 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 route is graded easy to moderate, the grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some days may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. This cycling route follows a combination of quiet country roads and busier routes when approaching and departing towns and cities. 

This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active holiday 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 10-300m / 30-1000ft. 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 a traditional, stylish trulli house. We regularly use the following properties but we will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard should any of the mentioned hotels be unavailable. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.

Meals

8 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 will find suggestions in your route notes of local places to dine.

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 and Solo Travelers

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.

Navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure App which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone.

This trip is available to start on any day from March to June and September to October.

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.

Getting to / From Lecce

For general travel planning, we recommend the helpful site www.rome2rio.com

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.

Bari: From Lecce Central train station change at Bari Central for services to the airport (total journey time approx 2hr 30min).

Please visit www.trenitalia.com for train times, prices and tickets.

Brindisi: 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

Private transfers to and Lecce can be arranged. Please enquire.

Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg/44lbs). 

This trip is graded easy to moderate with daily distances between 30 km—60km. 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 Ebikes 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.