Cycling Italy’s Salento Coast

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: Lecce – Avetrana, 34 mi (55 km)
Day 3: Avetrana – Gallipoli, 39 mi (63 km)
Day 4: Gallipoli – Leuca, 32 mi (51 km)
Day 5: Leuca Loop, 34 mi (55 km)
Day 6: Leuca – Otranto, 33 mi (53 km)
Day 7: Otranto – Lecce, 35 mi (56 km)
Day 8: Departure from Lecce

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Arrive in Lecce and settle into your first hotel, where you’ll be fitted with your bike and receive a full overview of the adventure ahead. Then, head out for a guided walk through Lecce’s historic center, often called the “Florence of the South” for its extravagant Baroque architecture carved from local golden limestone. Wander past ornate churches, quiet courtyards, and lively squares like Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Sant’Oronzo. In the evening, choose from one of the many local restaurants and enjoy your first taste of Puglian cuisine.

Sample Accommodation: Arco Vecchio

Day 2: Lecce – Avetrana, 34 mi (55 km)
Leave Lecce behind as you cycle into peaceful countryside passing dry-stone walls, vineyards, and endless olive groves. You’ll ride through the heart of Terre del Negroamaro, cycling through small towns along the way. As you approach the Primitivo wine region, the landscape subtly changes, leading you to Avetrana. Visit a traditional olive oil farm to learn about production and enjoy a tasting before settling into your countryside stay.

Sample Accommodation: Masseria Bosco

Day 3: Avetrana – Gallipoli, 39 mi (63 km)
A short ride brings you to the Ionian coast and a striking change in atmosphere – from inland farmland to open sea. Pass the watchtower at Torre Colimena, once part of a coastal defense network against Ottoman raids, then trace the shoreline through Porto Cesareo, known for its clear water and fishing tradition. After riding through the shaded trails of Porto Selvaggio Natural Park – a rare stretch of forest meeting the sea – continue to Gallipoli, where a dense old town rises from the water on a limestone island. Arrive in time to see the harbor glow at sunset as locals gather along the promenade.

Sample Accommodation: Palazzo Zaca

Day 4: Gallipoli – Leuca, 32 mi (51 km)
Follow the coast south through fishing villages and long sandy bays. By afternoon, reach Santa Maria di Leuca, perched at the very edge of Italy’s heel. From the clifftop sanctuary and lighthouse, look out over waters long described as the meeting point between the Ionian and Adriatic, a symbolic border between seas, regions, and histories. End the day in a town with pastel villas and quiet harborside cafés.

Sample Accommodation: Hotel Approdo

Day 5: Leuca Loop, 34 mi (55 km)
Today’s ride takes you through the quieter areas of southern Salento, passing small villages, stone buildings, and roadside shrines, as well as long stretches of olive groves. In the afternoon, return to Leuca for a boat trip along the coast, with time to visit sea caves and swim in sheltered coves depending on conditions.

Sample Accommodation: Hotel Approdo

Day 6: Leuca – Otranto, 33 mi (53 km)
Follow the Adriatic coast north past cliffs and small coves, continuing by Il Ciolo’s stone bridge and the caves at Grotta Zinzulusa. Ride on to Porto Badisco, traditionally linked to the legend of Aeneas’s arrival in Italy, before continuing to Otranto. After arriving, explore the old town and visit the cathedral, known for its large 12th-century mosaic floor.

Sample Accommodation: Hotel San Giuseppe

Day 7: Otranto – Lecce, 35 mi (56 km)
Cycle past the Alimini Lakes and along the coast near Roca Vecchia, where you’ll see archaeological remains from the area’s trading past. Stop at Grotta della Poesia, a natural swimming pool set into the rock, before turning inland toward Lecce. Ride through farmland and fortified villages, including Acaya, one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortress towns in the region, before arriving in Lecce.

Sample Accommodation: Arco Vecchio

Day 8: Departure from Lecce
The tour ends following breakfast. 

Accommodations are a mix of comfortable hotels, historic buildings, and countryside estates that reflect the character of each region you visit. Each property is selected for its setting, convenience, and overall comfort.

Bicycles

Trekking Cube Nature, male and female

• 12-speed, Aluminum Superlite Trekking Cross
• Crankset- Shimano single chainring 44T
• Brakes- Hydraulic disc MT200
• Saddle- Body Geometry

Trekking Puglia Cycle Tours, male

• XL 12 speed, premium aluminum
• Crankset- Shimano single chainring 44T
• Brakes- Hydraulic disc MT200
• Saddle- Body Geometry

Trekking Fuji Traverse, female

• 24-speed, custom built alloy
• Crankset- Shimano Tourney, 48/38/28T w/ chainguard
• Brakes- Tektro M280 mechanical disc
• Saddle- Selle Royale Milo+

Electrically-assisted Atala B-tour, male and female

• Motor- Bosch Active Plus Cruise
• Gear- Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 SGS, Shadow / LT
• Shifters- Shimano Altus SL-M2010 Rapidfire, 9s / LT 9s
• Brakes- Shimano BR-MT200, Rotor SM-RT10 180mm / Clarks brakes
• Battery- Powerpack 400, 6.5 hours

Road Bike Specialized Roubaix

• 11-speed, Shimano 105
• Crankset- Praxis Alba 2D 50/34
• Brakes- Tektro Spyre, flat mount, mechanical disc
• Saddle- Body Geometry Toupé Sport