Self-guided Matera to Lecce Classic Puglia Bike Tour

Arrive in Matera and settle into the rhythm of southern Italy. The city’s stone-carved alleys, cave dwellings, and ancient churches create an unforgettable first impression. After checking into your accommodation, stroll through the winding streets of the Sassi district, where history feels alive in every corner.

In the afternoon, meet your local representative for a trip briefing and bike fitting, receiving maps, a navigation app, and tips for the road ahead. The evening offers time to enjoy a leisurely dinner, taste regional dishes, and soak in the magical atmosphere of Matera lit up under the night sky.

Pedal out of Matera through open countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Pause in Gioia del Colle, famous for fresh burrata and mozzarella, before continuing to Putignano. The ride carries you past gentle hills and small villages where daily life moves at an easy pace.

Arriving in Putignano, wander its historic center once guarded by three medieval gates. Charming lanes and quiet squares invite exploration. With its carnival traditions and warm local atmosphere, the town provides a memorable place to rest after a fulfilling first day on the road.

Enjoy a circular ride from Putignano that showcases the Adriatic coast. Stop in Polignano a Mare, where houses perch dramatically on cliffs above turquoise water and the aroma of seafood fills the streets. Taste a local octopus sandwich or swim in the sheltered cove. Continue to Monopoli, a seaside town with a lively harbor and whitewashed architecture.

Inland, explore the stunning Castellana caves, a vast underground system filled with stalactites and hidden chambers. This varied route balances sea views, cultural treasures, and natural wonders, offering a rewarding day of exploration before returning to Putignano for a relaxed evening.

Cycle toward the heart of the Itria Valley, a region of rolling hills, vineyards, and timeless villages. Stop in Noci for a coffee in its authentic piazza, then continue through the countryside. Arrive in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where clusters of trulli, cone-roofed stone houses, create a storybook setting.

Alternatively, stay in Locorotondo, known for its circular old town and crisp white wine, or Martina Franca with its elegant baroque streets. Each destination blends tradition and charm, offering a rich sense of place and a comfortable rest after a scenic day on the bike.

The longest ride carries you south, leaving the Itria Valley and entering the Salento region. Follow part of the Aqueduct Cycleway before reaching Ceglie Messapica, celebrated for rustic bread baked in centuries-old ovens. Visit Francavilla Fontana’s ornate basilica or pause in Oria, a town steeped in medieval legends.

The landscape shifts as vineyards replace rolling hills, signaling your arrival near Manduria. Known as the home of Primitivo wine, Manduria mixes rich flavors with archaeological heritage. Stay in a farmhouse or welcoming B&B, enjoy hearty food, and toast the day’s effort with a glass of local red.

Explore Manduria’s surroundings with a ride toward the Ionian Sea. Follow quiet roads to Torre Colimena, where dunes and salt flats attract flamingos and other birdlife. Continue along the coast to San Pietro in Bevagna, where a sandy beach and emerald waters invite a swim or sunbath.

On the return, stop at archaeological remains from the Messapian era and learn about Manduria’s wine heritage at the Primitivo Museum. This day balances natural beauty with cultural depth, offering time to pedal at leisure, pause for photos, and immerse yourself in the unhurried rhythm of Puglia’s southern coast.

Cycle through the vineyards of Salice Salentino, home to robust wines enjoyed worldwide. The route passes small villages where locals gather in sun-soaked piazzas, chatting about farming and politics as if time stands still. The scenery shifts gently toward Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” Arriving in the city, marvel at ornate baroque churches, golden stone façades, and vibrant streets filled with cafés.

After days of discovery, Lecce’s elegance and energy create the perfect finale. Spend the evening exploring its lively heart, sampling local dishes, and soaking in the artistry that defines this remarkable southern Italian city.

Enjoy a final breakfast before departure. Depending on your schedule, take a last stroll through Lecce’s charming streets, perhaps stopping for a coffee in Piazza Sant’Oronzo or a pastry from a local bakery. Reflect on a week of cycling, flavors, and discoveries that carried you from Matera’s ancient stones to Puglia’s baroque jewel.

Transfers are available to Brindisi or Bari airports, making travel simple and smooth. Though the ride ends here, the memories of trulli, coastal views, and warm Italian hospitality remain vivid, leaving you inspired for future adventures on two wheels.