Cycling Puglia : 5-day tour in Salento

Cycle through the baroque city of Lecce, the capital of the province of Salento, and see the cathedral, the Duomo di Lecce, and the episcopal palace, which form one of the most beautiful baroque complexes in Italy. Then admire the basilica of Santa Croce, which will impress you with its abundance of sculpted decorations both inside and outside. We suggest you return to the lively piazza S. Oronzo for an ice cream in the evening.

You drive on peaceful country roads in the middle of olive trees. You will pass through the town of Galatina, a city of art classified for the richness of its baroque architecture. Discover its historic center surrounded by walls and don't miss the Basilica of Santa Maria d'Alessandra, which presents magnificent frescoes from the end of the 14th century. Continue through the countryside to Galatone, discover the church of Santuario Crocifisso della Pièta and the remains of its feudal castle. You continue to the coast of the Ionian Sea where you stop in Gallipoli. An ancient fishing port surrounded by a fortress, the city combines tradition and modernity, between its remarkably preserved historical center and its lively party places until the early hours of the morning.

From one coast to the other, today you will cross the Salento peninsula by bike. You will ride along paths and small roads in the middle of olive groves. You will pass through small towns that are not part of the tourist circuit, such as Corigliano d'Otranto with its medieval castle and Melpignano, which stands out thanks to its abbey and its beautiful square. You will reach the coast in Otranto, a beautiful town built around its ancient trading port.

Start your day visiting Otranto. Explore the Aragonese castle before you stroll in the cathedral, which stands out for its magnificent rose window and the beautiful mosaic adorning its soil. You ride to Lecce sometimes along the coast, sometimes on back country roads lined with stone walls and olive trees. You go through villages built around their medieval castle before reaching Lecce.

You can extend your stay or leave Lecce after breakfast.