Cycling in Puglia - Matera to Puglia Cycle, Italy Cycling Holiday

Cycling in Puglia from the UNESCO town of Matera along the idyllic coastline to Lecce

Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, lies the captivating region of Puglia, also known as the 'Heel of the Italy's boot'. For centuries this stretch of land has been the gateway to the East and has been home to numerous civilizations, including Greeks, Romans, Spanish and Turks, who have left a deep mark in the architecture, food and local dialects.

This cycling in Italy trip starts in the fascinating city of Matera, famous for its cave-and-stone Sassi houses, inhabited since the Prehistoric times. We leave behind this rocky and arid land and cycle towards the picture-postcard town of Alberobello, in the heart of the flourishing Itria Valley.

Scattered across green rolling hills and dry-stone walls, funny-looking Trulli houses still stand after 5,000 years and millions of ancient olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see. The remainder of the journey takes us to the Salentinian Peninsula, a favourite among Italians for its idyllic coastline, crystal clear water and charming towns.

From the white hilltop town of Ostuni, overlooking the Adriatic, this cycling holiday takes us to Gallipoli, floating on a limestone island in the Ionian Sea, and, riding past olive groves and limestone cliffs, we reach Lecce, a beautiful Baroque city, known as the Florence of the South.

What makes this trip responsible?

Our local operator works with local suppliers and hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit, maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping to support these establishments. Moreover, we encourage you to journey by train to minimise your carbon footprint.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Italy

Day 1

Fly to Bari; transfer to Matera.

Day 2

Ride past the historic 'Sassi' houses of Matera before heading to the town and commune of Alberobello.

Day 3

Cross the border to Puglia and cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria and one of the prettiest cultural landscapes of the south, past the picturesque fairytale trulli houses to Ostuni, offering breathtaking coastal views.

Day 4

Transfer to Lecce; cycling through the 'Salentinian countryside', the route then heads to beautiful Gallipoli on the Ionian coast with its old town situated on a rocky island.

Day 5

Reach the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, home to one of Italy's most important lighthouses and numerous villas built at the turn of the century.

Day 6

Follow the south coast of the Adriatic Sea to the ancient town of Otranto.

Day 7

Continue along the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce.

Day 8

Transfer to Bari; fly to London.

Want to see more?

Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

Then Check Availability and Book Online