SALENTO & SOUTHERN PUGLIA
RIDING ALONG HEEL OF THE ITALIAN BOOT
Puglia is a region of the south-east of Italy and it's called the “Heel of the Italian boot”. It's very long (more than 400km) and is gaining popularity as an active vacation destination for many reasons: its geological conformation of the territory, partly flat and partly hilly; the diversity of landscapes that the most eastern region of Italy offers; good food; the architectural and artistic variety of its small towns; the slow lifestyle; over 800km of coastline, where rocky cliffs alternate with crags and long sandy coasts. The Salento is home to some of Italy's loveliest towns and cities: the sea-front fortified gems of Gallipoli and Otranto, the creamy baroque sophistication of Lecce and the luxurious seaside Liberty pleasures of Leuca.
OVERVIEW
| To | Italy |
|---|---|
| Length | 07 nights/ 08 days |
| Start | Day 1 (Lecce) |
| Finish | Day 8 (Lecce) |
| Type | Good for Individuals and Small Groups |
| Skill | 3 ? |
| Route |
Lecce – Santa Maria In Cerrate - Gallipoli – Leuca – Castro - Otranto – Cave of Poetry – Acaya - Lecce |
| Season | Puglia can be visited all year round: it boasts a mild and pleasant climate in every season. It is characterised by not too rigid winters and hot summers but mitigated by the winds.The sun and the Mediterranean light of this land are, nearly always, a constant. The best periods for active holidays are Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September to mid of November): in Spring the day are longer and nature reawakens, in Autumn silence turns the rural landscapes into fairy places and colours are warmer. |
HIGHLIGHTS
The bike is the perfect way to get to know the southernmost part of the beautiful Puglia: the area of Salento.
Enjoy at first the beautiful town of Lecce, called the “Florence of the South”, and its surroundings. You will cycle through art, culture, traditional and tasty food, wide countrysides, breathtaking coastlines and a surprising nature, the only one able to survive in this extremely sunny and windy land.
SKETCH ITINERARY
| Day 1: |
Arrive in the beautiful Lecce for overnight. |
| Day 2: |
Lecce loop - 45km. A bike tour in the countryside between Lecce and the closest coast to the town. Among fields and olive trees arrive at the Medieval settlement of Santa Maria in Cerrate. Overnight in Lecce. |
| Day 3: |
Copertino and its castle, Nardò and its wine cellars. Then follow the Ionian coast to reach the pretty Gallipoli. Overnight in Gallipoli. |
| Day 4: |
From Gallipoli to Leuca – 50km. Ride along the coastline passing small harbours and pristine white sand beaches and low cliffs. Reach the striking Cape of Leuca and its hilltop Sanctuary, recommended boat trip. Overnight in Leuca. |
| Day 5: |
From Leuca to Otranto – 55km. A panoramic stretch of road overlooking the sea will take to the beautiful Otranto: hidden bays and caves, breathtaking cliffs and canyons, enchanting villages full of history will give you many chances to get a break for a WOW! Overnight in Otranto. |
| Day 6: |
Otranto loop – 30km. A day around Otranto: explore the evocative Megalithic Park rich in prehistoric stone monuments and visit a farm in the middle of nature, that promotes biodynamic agriculture and handicraft production of rare fabrics. Overnight in Otranto. |
| Day 7: |
From Otranto to Lecce – 55km. Cycle close the Alimini lakes before riding along the coast: admire the wonders of the bay of Sant'Andrea and of the Cave of Poetry near the archaeological site of Roca Vecchia; cross a Natural reserve and then the fotirfied vilalge of Acaya. Overnight in Lecce. |
| Day 8: |
Lecce. After breakfast end of services, time for shopping! |
Need a detailed itinerary? Write to us at info@offbeat.travel
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