Cycling in Puglia

Puglia, or Apulia, is the heel of Italy's boot. It's one of the country’s driest and sunniest regions and the south – the Salento peninsula – is also pretty flat, which makes it very appealing for cyclists. Certain sections of the peninsula are as narrow as 50km. Perhaps, due to its out-of-the-way location, Puglia is not, as yet, on the mainstream tourist radar and you'll find roads, both inland and along the coast, much quieter than some of Italy's more popular places. Two coastlines – Ionian in the southwest and Adriatic in the east – offer plenty of opportunities for a dip and you’ll find small, locally-owned B&Bs in seaside towns such as Capitolo and Monopoli, Gallipoli and Lecce. Puglia will put you in mind of the UK's Cornish coast, although its olive groves, vineyards and orchards of almonds are always a dead giveaway that this is still, undeniably, Italy.

Pedalling in Puglia is always relaxed with gentle rolling hills leading through wine growing hamlets and endless olive groves before descending towards the coast. Our recommended cycling route is self-guided and takes you north, along the Adriatic, from the Baroque cathedral town of Monopoli to the precariously placed fishing village of Polignano a Marebefore before heading inland to the walled castle city of Conversano. Cycling south from Conversano you'll approach Alberobello, famed for its pointed Apulian dry stone huts (trulli). Quiet country lanes, bordered by almonds, olives and grapes, meander east from Alberobello to the village of Pezze di Greco and the Blue Flag beaches of Capitolo, from where optional rides to the whitewashed hilltop city of Ostuni offer an alternative to a rest day by the sea. A wonderfully flat coastal route back to Monopoli takes you past the seaside village of Savelletri (seafood lunches are a must) from where 4-star accommodation allows time to contemplate cycling achievements as well as access to the traditional tavernas found within Monopoli's old town district. This is an easy-going week of self-guided point to point cycling in Puglia – luggage transfers, route notes and emergency back-up included - perfect for pootling at your own pace on average daily distances of 40kms.