Self-guided Classic Salento Loop Bike Tour

You’ll arrive in Lecce, where the journey begins with a warm welcome and your bicycle setup alongside a thorough route briefing. After getting fitted for your bike and collecting navigation tools like the GPS, roadbook, and phone holder, you’ll have time to wander through Lecce’s ornate baroque streets. You’ll notice the characteristic ornate architecture of churches, piazzas, and even an ancient Roman amphitheater. You might stroll through bustling piazzas or admire the softly illuminated facades of Lecce’s monuments at twilight.

Today’s ride takes you from Lecce toward the eastern seaboard, pedaling amid olive groves, red earth, and ancient countryside. Your route leads you first to the fortified town of Acaya, crowned by its historic fortress. Next, you'll pass through the Le Cesine wetlands, a WWF protected area teeming with seasonal birdlife. From there, the path opens toward the coast via the Bronze Age ruins of Roca Vecchia and the serene Alimini lakes. Finally, the road leads to Otranto, perched on the Adriatic, with its narrow alleys, imposing ramparts, and Byzantine treasures. Inside Otranto's cathedral, you’ll be captivated by the famous mosaic floor an encyclopedic marvel from the Middle Ages. The day concludes with a relaxed evening in Otranto’s old town.

This short ride invites you to explore the countryside surrounding Otranto at a leisurely pace. You'll first follow the little Idro river to Casamassela, home of the “Le Costantine” foundation, where traditional looms are still used. From there, a ride through Giurdignano introduces you to a Bronze Age megalithic park featuring towering dolmen and menhirs. Mid-morning, a delightful local food tasting awaits at a family run bakery taste freshly baked specialties that echo Salento’s culinary heritage. The afternoon may even bring an optional horse riding excursion for a fresh perspective over the pastoral landscapes. You’ll return to Otranto for another night this time soaking in its quaint charm and seaside spirit. The focus today is on cultural continuity and gentle exploration, savoring both history and the flavors of local life.

The fourth day follows the dramatic eastern coast toward Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia. Your journey begins with coastal climbs and the iconic Palacìa Lighthouse, Italy’s easternmost point often offering panoramic views of the sea over to Albania and Greece. You'll cycle past a red hued lake in an old bauxite quarry, and then ride along a rocky balcony road that overlooks the crystal blue Straits. A ride across the Ciolo Gorge, home to rare flora, is both visually striking and geologically fascinating. The day ends in Santa Maria di Leuca, where pilgrims once arrived on foot, and where you may explore the sanctuary and watch the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. The coastal beauty and historical resonance make today one of the tour’s most memorable chapters.

This day, your journey begins at the southern tip of Salento, beneath ancient towers and olive trees. You'll pass the striking Centopietre, a mysterious funerary monument near Vereto. Further on, Leuca Piccolama historically significant pilgrimage site, reveals layers of devotional tradition. The trail then winds through olive groves, dry-stone walls, and the town of Ugento, where the archaeological museum invites discovery. Continuing along the Ionian coast, you'll pass St. Andrew’s Island and the Punta Pizzo Natural Park, both offering wild, scenic coastal scenery. As Gallipoli emerges before you, its island like old town welcomes you with a golden glow. In the evening, enjoy sea view on a terrace overlooking the shimmering waters of this fisherman’s gem

Today gives you a chance to explore Gallipoli’s inland villages and indulge in a cultural or maritime experience. On your ride, you are suggested to visit Galatone’s baroque architecture, the stunning Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in Galatina, and a family run cheese farm. You'll also pass through Alezio, where the Messapian Civilization Museum offers insights into pre Greek Salento. Also you'll pass through a cheese farm of our friends. You will pass through Alezio, where you can visit the Messapian Civilization Museum, and learn more about the people living here before the Greek and Roman conquests.

On your final full day, the route takes you north back toward Lecce. You’ll first pass through estates with 19th-century fortified farmhouses and villas that tell stories of rural aristocracy. In Nardò, the baroque historic center offers dramatic architecture and timeless ambiance. In Copertino, you visit the Norman castle and may hear tales of legendary "flights" associated with the site. A final stop at a traditional pottery workshop run by the Martina brothers lets you savor centuries-old artisanal craftsmanship. Approaching Lecce in the late afternoon, you pedal through streets echoing with history, before returning your bikes.