Apulia Self-guided Cycling Tour Coastline and Culture

Matera

Individual arrival. Over millennia, inhabitants of the region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. These houses are called “Sassi”, today a World Heritage site.

Matera – Alberobello 70km

You cycle to the famous trulli which were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Alberobello is situated upon two hills. On the eastern hill is the new town. On the eastern hill is the new town. On the western hill , the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration, subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola, both World Heritage sites.

Alberobello – Ostuni 55km

You cycle through the countryside to Ostuni, which is reputed as an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.

Ostuni – Lecce – Gallipoli 70km by train + 50km by bike

After a short train transfer and a few kilometers through the town of Lecce, you go deep into the “salentinian countryside”, before approaching the Ionian coast and your daily destination, Gallipoli.

Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca 50km

Cycling further along the coast you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca. Its name was given by the ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They saw this place lightened by the sun and therefore called it “leukos”, meaning white. The town is today a famous seaside resort.

Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto 50km

Today you will cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle.

Otranto – Lecce 55km

Riding along the Alimini Lakes and their unique Mediterranean bush you will enter Lecce. Thanks to its Baroque style, it has earned the nickname of Florence of the South.

Lecce

Departure after breakfast.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen: in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.