Salento is the heel in Italy’s boot, part of the Puglia region. From Brindisi, across to Taranto and down to the tip at Leuca, the area offers a fascinating history, Baroque architecture, beautiful towns and villages, a spectacular coastline dotted with sandy beaches and secluded coves, as well as some of the best seafood you will ever eat.
Lecce, the start and end point of the tour and the main city in the area, is often nicknamed the ‘Florence of the south’ due to its magnificent Baroque buildings and monuments.
Both Gallipoli on the Ionian coast (inside of the heel) and Otranto on the Adriatic coast also offer beautiful historic centres and a fun nightlife – Gallipoli in particular has a lively gay scene.
The beaches in Salento are among the best in Italy, long stretches of golden sand and azure sea are bound to lure you from your bike, so make sure you take a swimming costume and towel on your rides. There are a mix of public and private beaches (or 'lidos'), some with kiosks and restaurants open during the summer season, others with no facilities so you will need to take along a packed lunch.
Self-guided bike tour in Salento
This self-guided bike tour takes you on a circular route around Italy’s heel, starting and ending in the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce and stopping at the equally lovely coastal towns of Gallipoli, Leuca and Otranto. Ride through ancient olive groves and along quiet coastal roads, through tiny villages and past spectacular beaches that are the envy of the Mediterranean. You will average around 50kms per day. This break is available as both a 5-night and a 7-night package, see itinerary below for further details. Contact us for availability, price from € 615 per person
Highlights
- Explore the beautiful Baroque towns of Lecce, Gallipoli and Otranto
- Stop off for a rest at beautiful sandy beaches along the route
- Enjoy the excellent regional cuisine
Included
- 5 or 7 nights’ accommodation along the route
- Bed & breakfast basis
- Trekking bike hire and accessories (see below)
- Luggage transfers
- Detailed itinerary and map
- Telephone assistance 8.00am - 9.00pm
Excluded
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals & beverages - unless otherwise specified above
- Local taxes where applicable
- Everything not specified above
Itinerary
7-night tour itinerary. The 5-night tour excludes days 4 and 6.
Day One:
Arrival in Lecce and check-in.
Day Two: Lecce - Gallipoli
Head out of Lecce and on to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast, passing through vineyards, olive groves and small villages on the way. Just before you reach the coastal road you can stop off at the beatiful Porto Selvaggio (leaving your bikes at the top of the hill and walking down). A lovely, unspoilt spot for a dip in the sea, though not ideal for sunbathing. There are small sandy beaches to stop off at before you reach Gallipoli. Here you can go for a wander through the warren-like lanes of the old town, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets along with your aperitivo.
Overnight in Gallipoli
Distance: 50km
Day Three: Gallipoli – Leuca
Take the coastal road south and maybe stop off at one of the golden sandy beaches at Baia Verde or Pescoluso before heading on to Punta Ristola to enjoy the views over Leuca at the very tip of the peninsula. Leuca itself doesn't have an old town, but has a number of beautiful villas built in the mid 1800s in all kinds of weird and wonderful styles.
Overnight in Leuca
Distance: 50km
Day Four: Leuca – Vignacastri
Today is the prettiest, and the most hilly, part of the route. There are lots of opportunities to stop off on the way, including the tiny cove at Ciolo just outside Leuca with its emerald green waters and caves, a coffee or lunch stop at the pretty village of Castro (uphill pedalling required) on the coast, before heading slightly inland to Vignacastri, where you will stop for the night.
Overnight in Vignacastri
Distance: 30km
Day Five: Loop around Vignacastrisi
A day around Vignacastrisi, which has a strategic position to reach postcard places. You can explore magical places such as the Megalithic Park near the village of Giurdignano, that preserves an evocative atmosphere of rituals and legends, myths and pagan cults related to the peoples who over the millennia have inhabited and traversed these lands. Before returning to Vignacastrisi, you can decide to visit the a beautiful botanical garden, born from a man's love for travel and... succulents! Or you can choose whether to take a nice walk towards the town of Castro Marina, to visit the historic center with the beautiful castle, relax by the sea or visit the Zinzulusa cave.
Overnight in Vignacastrisi.
Distance: 35km
Day 6: Vignacastrisi - Otranto
From Vignacastrisi you will reconnect with one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Salento, which fascinates with its views of the sea, nature and the typical dry stone buildings of this area. Enjoy the rocky bays to relax, take a swim or taste some typical specialties in the bars and restaurants you find. Stops at the Palascìa lighthouse and bauxite lake recommended.
Overnight in Otranto.
Distance: 25km
Day Seven: Otranto – Lecce
Head north along the Adriatic coast stopping off wherever you like for your last bit of beach time (like the large bay at Torre dell'Orso) then inland through the Le Cesine Natural Park and the village of Acaya before arriving back in Lecce.
Overnight in Lecce and end of tour
Distance: 55km
Please note that the itinerary could undergo some changes before or during the tour depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Luggage transfers: Luggage needs to be left at reception by 9am and will be dropped off at your next hotel by 5pm at the latest.
Accessories included with bike hire: front and rear light, bike computer, lock, helmet, waterproof rear bag, handlebar bag or map holder, 1 puncture repair kit per two bikes.
Please Note
This tour is on largely flat roads with occasional hilly sections, in the main on quiet inland and coastal roads. It is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Bike insurance is not included in the package, please make sure that bike hire is covered by your insurance policy. In case of loss, damage or theft you will be liable for full costs. As this is a self-guided break you should be able to perform basic bike maintenance like puncture repair.
Extras/Upgrades
This tour is available with either 3-star (standard) or 4-star (superior) accommodation, please let us know which you would prefer. A trekking (hybrid) bike is included in the package, all-road and e-bikes are available for a supplement, contact us for details.
You will be staying at B&Bs or hotels along the route, with breakfast included.
The standard tour includes 3* accommodation, while the superior tour includes 4* accommodation.
7 night tour:
2+1 nights in Lecce (2 nights at the start, one at the end)
1 night in Gallipoli
1 night in Leuca
2 nights in Otranto
You will be provided a full itinerary with the names of the hotels upon booking. If you have any special requests please let us know before you book.
Nearest Airport: Brindisi (50km) 40 mins
Other airports: Bari (167km) 1 hour 50 mins
By Car:
As you won’t need a car during your stay and will not be staying in one place, we do not recommend car hire for this break.
By Public Transport:
There is a direct airport bus from Brindisi to Lecce bus station that takes 30-40 mins (approx € 8 pp). From there you can take a taxi to your hotel (should cost around € 10-12).
From Bari you can get the bus to Bari central station (around 20 mins) and from there take a direct train to Lecce (around 1h 20 mins).
By Private Transfer:
A taxi from Brindisi airport to Lecce will cost around € 60 one way.
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