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Spend the day exploring landmarks such as the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, or simply wander through the narrow lanes and lively piazzas at your own pace. As evening arrives, settle into Lecce’s relaxed atmosphere with an aperitivo, traditional Puglian dishes and a first taste of the region before your cycling journey begins.
Distance: 49 km (30 miles) / Elevation Gain: 300 m (984 feet) / Saddle Time: 2–4 hours
Leave Lecce and ride southwest through the rural heart of Salento, following quiet roads between olive groves, vineyards, dry-stone walls and small villages. The terrain is gently rolling, making for a relaxed first day in the saddle.
As you approach the Ionian coast, the landscape opens towards Gallipoli. Finish at its atmospheric old town, set on a limestone island just off the mainland, and spend the afternoon exploring the harbour, narrow historic streets and waterfront before settling in for the evening.
Distance: 57 km (35 miles) / Elevation Gain: 290 m (951 feet) / Saddle Time: 2–5 hours
Continue south along the Ionian coast, passing sandy beaches, rocky coves and a string of laid-back seaside towns. The route remains relatively gentle, with the sea rarely far from view as you make your way towards the southern tip of Puglia.
Finish in Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Take in the lighthouse, waterfront and dramatic coastal views before settling in for the evening at the very heel of Italy.
Distance: 36 km (22 miles) / Elevation Gain: 546 m (1,791 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5–3 hours
Leave Leuca and turn north along Puglia’s dramatic Adriatic coast, where the road rises and falls above rocky coves, sea caves and striking limestone cliffs. It is a shorter day, but the repeated climbs make it one of the more demanding sections of the tour.
Finish in Santa Cesarea Terme, an elegant seaside spa town perched above the Adriatic. Enjoy the coastal views, distinctive villas and relaxed waterfront atmosphere after a rewarding day of climbing.
Distance: 41 km (25 miles) / Elevation Gain: 366 m (1,201 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5–3.5 hours
Continue north along the Adriatic coast, following a scenic mix of quiet roads, rocky shoreline and small seaside communities. The route remains gently undulating, with regular sea views and plenty of opportunities to pause along the way.
Arrive in San Foca, a relaxed coastal town known for its clear water, marina and sandy beaches. After the ride, enjoy an easy evening by the sea before the final journey inland to Lecce.
Distance: 25 km (16 miles) / Elevation Gain: 159 m (522 feet) / Saddle Time: 1–2 hours
Leave San Foca and the Adriatic coast behind, turning inland through the gentle landscapes of Salento. Quiet roads lead between olive groves, open farmland and small villages as you make your way back towards Lecce.
The final kilometres bring you into the city where your journey began, completing a loop across the Ionian and Adriatic sides of southern Puglia. After the ride, enjoy a final evening in Lecce and celebrate the end of your cycling adventure.
Enjoy one final morning in Lecce, soaking up the easy rhythm of southern Italy before your journey home. Linger over breakfast, pick up a few local treats or simply enjoy a final coffee as the city comes to life.
After checking out of your accommodation, begin your onward journey with memories of Salento’s two coastlines, historic towns, local flavours and wonderfully varied cycling landscapes.
All our accommodation selections are in-house reviewed. We partner with family-owned, charming guesthouses and hotels where you can relax and recharge. Below are some sample accommodations on our Puglia tours. Depending on availability, the accommodation you stay at may vary but will always be of a similar standard.

Kabala Bed and Breakfast is a charming historic residence dating from the 1400s, set in the heart of Lecce’s old Jewish quarter just a few steps from the Basilica di Santa Croce. The property blends original character with modern comfort, with rooms overlooking a peaceful secret garden and Renaissance well. Its central location makes Lecce’s Baroque streets, restaurants, cafés and main sights easy to explore on foot.

Palazzo Senape De Pace is a beautifully restored 18th-century noble residence in the heart of Gallipoli’s historic old town. Set among the narrow medieval streets of the island centre, the palazzo combines original Baroque character with comfortable, individually styled rooms and panoramic views across the rooftops and Ionian Sea. Its central location puts Gallipoli’s harbour, beaches, restaurants and historic sights within easy walking distance.

Fuoridalguscio is a charming boutique B&B set just a short walk from the marina and seafront in Santa Maria di Leuca. Housed in a stylishly restored family residence, it combines thoughtful design with a warm, intimate atmosphere and comfortable rooms. Breakfast is a particular highlight, featuring generous local produce and quality regional ingredients, while its location makes the waterfront, restaurants and centre of Leuca easy to reach on foot.
This tour is in our Gentle difficulty grading and combines quiet country roads, rural lanes and scenic coastal roads, with some rolling terrain and a few more sustained climbs along the Adriatic coast. Most days are manageable at a relaxed pace, although the route between Santa Maria di Leuca and Santa Cesarea Terme is noticeably hillier.
A choice of electric bikes, gravel bikes and hybrid / step-through touring bikes are available, allowing you to select the style of bike that best suits your riding preferences.
This is a relaxed tour of discovery, designed for riders who want to experience Puglia at an easygoing pace while still covering a varied mix of countryside, coast and historic towns.
With manageable daily distances, gentle terrain and plenty of time to stop along the way, it is well suited to those who value scenery, culture, food and wine as much as the cycling itself. From trulli villages and vineyard country to Ionian beaches, Adriatic cliffs and Baroque Lecce, the journey offers a wonderfully varied introduction to southern Italy.
E-Bike Hire
€XXX
Premium electric mountain bike including panniers, helmet, lock, repair kit & rental fee.
Gravel Bike Hire
€XXX
Premium gravel bike including panniers, helmet, lock, repair kit & rental fee.
Bring Your Own Bike
€XXX
You can bring your own bike or rent one through us when booking. For this Puglia tour, you can choose from electric bikes, gravel bikes, or hybrid / step-through touring bikes, depending on your riding style and comfort preferences. Choosing an electric bike will typically reduce the daily saddle time by around an hour.
We only partner with trusted local bike suppliers, so you can expect well-maintained, premium-brand bikes such as Bianchi, Cube or Trek.
All rentals include a helmet, panniers, lock and repair kit, with a local network of mechanics available should you experience any mechanical issues while on tour.
E-Bike Hire
€XXX
Premium electric mountain bike including panniers, helmet, lock, repair kit & rental fee.
Gravel Bike Hire
€XXX
Premium gravel bike including panniers, helmet, lock, repair kit & rental fee.
Hybrid / Step-Through Touring Bike Hire
€XXX
Comfortable hybrid or step-through touring bike including panniers, helmet, lock, repair kit & rental fee.
Bring Your Own Bike
€XXX
We offer tours in Puglia from March to November, excluding August. At the start and end of the season, daytime temperatures are generally mild and comfortable for cycling, typically averaging around 16–20°C (61–68°F). Spring and autumn are also quieter times to visit, with fewer crowds in popular towns such as Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce.
Temperatures rise steadily through the summer, with July and August typically averaging around 28–31°C (82–88°F) during the day. These are also among the driest months, although temperatures can occasionally climb into the mid-to-high 30s °C (95°F+), particularly on inland sections.
As this tour travels through both inland countryside and along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, conditions can vary from day to day. Coastal sections often benefit from sea breezes, while inland areas around the Valle d’Itria and Salento can feel noticeably warmer during the height of summer.

We include detailed navigation instructions and GPX files for your ride. Our navigation app is easy to use, and we provide a clear instructional video before your tour. If you have any difficulty along the way, we are always on hand to assist.
English is widely spoken in many of Puglia’s main towns and tourist areas, particularly in hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions. In smaller villages and more rural areas, English may be less common, but locals are generally welcoming and helpful, and a few basic Italian phrases can go a long way.
Included in your tour is 24/7 message and video support. Whether you need help with navigation, a bike issue, accommodation, medical assistance or anything else along the way, we are always just a message or call away.
We also work with a trusted network of local suppliers and service partners throughout Puglia, allowing us to respond quickly and help resolve any problems as smoothly as possible.
If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for above, visit our general FAQ page for more information or simply reach out to us with the “Ask A Question” button on the side.
3* or 4* Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast Each Morning
Luggage Transfer
Itinerary & Navigation Documentation
Tips & Local Insights
24-Hour Support

