CYCLING HOLIDAYS 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.
Our Italy cycling Holidays
Cilento and Amalfi Coast cycling holiday, Italy
Rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets
From
£1349 to £1799
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling tours in Italy, Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice
One of Europe's unique mountain landscapes
From
£1299 to £1549
8 days
inc UK flights
Florence to Pisa cycling holiday
Fall in love with provincial Italy on this cycling adventure
From
£1305 to £1435
8 days
ex flights
Venice cycling holiday, Italy
Venetian countryside surrounded by olives, poplars and cherries
From
£1189 to £1279
8 days
inc UK flights
Sicily cycling holiday in Italy
Ride through Sicily's UNESCO sites of Siracusa, Noto, Modica and Ragusa
From
£1299 to £1739
8 days
inc UK flights
Chianti cycling holiday in Tuscany, self guided
Rich scenery, fantastic hotels, local cuisine & exceptional wines
From
£1689 to £1879
9 days
inc UK flights
Umbria self guided cycling holiday in Italy
Journey into a world of sun-drenched landscapes
From
£1509 to £1629
9 days
inc UK flights
Piedmont cycling holiday, Italy
Softly rolling hills & sun-drenched hamlets
From
£2019 to £2239
9 days
inc UK flights
Alpine Cols of the Tour de France
Spectacular cycling route through the Italian and French Alps
From
£1229 to £1299
8 days
inc UK flights
Puglia cycling tour
Reasonable easy cycling. Excellent bikes. Good weather.
From
£1609 to £1739
8 days
inc UK flights
Trieste to Pula cycling tour, self guided
Self-guided cycling tours through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia
From
€590 to €760
8 days
ex flights
Self guided Puglia cycling holiday
Cycle the heel of Italy in the sun drenched region of Puglia
From
£0
1 days
inc UK flights
Sardinia cycling holiday in Italy
Cycle past abandoned mines and gleaming white beaches
From
£1399 to £1649
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling holiday in the Prosecco Hills, Italy
A great variety of scenic roads and picturesque rolling hills
From
£1249 to £1549
8 days
inc UK flights
Italy cycling holiday, Piedmont region
Cycle at a slow pace in the birthplace of slow food
From
€685
7 days
ex flights
Pisa to Florence cycling holiday, Italy
The highlights of beautiful Tuscany by bike
From
£760 to £900
8 days
ex flights
Matera to Lecce cycling holiday in Italy
Discover the jewels of Southern Italy from Matera to Lecce
From
€690 to €1660
8 days
ex flights
Italy cycling holiday, Venice & Veneto
Wonderfully easy cycling route exploring the pretty villages
From
£1349 to £1479
9 days
inc UK flights
Umbria self guided cycling holiday, Italy
Easy cycling across ancient towns and vineyards
From
€690 to €950
7 days
ex flights
Italy cycling and food holiday, Abruzzo
Experience the ultimate gourmet and cycling adventure
From
€985
6 days
ex flights
Tuscany cycling holiday through Siena & Chianti, Italy
Cycle the most evocative and romantic landscapes
From
£1249 to £1499
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling holiday in Italy and Switzerland
Cycling with the spectacular scenery of the Italian Lakes
From
£1649 to £1859
8 days
inc UK flights
Dolomites cycling holiday in Italy
The Dolomites, while avoiding the need to ride up any long climbs
From
£1249 to £1579
8 days
inc UK flights
Matera to Puglia cycle in Italy
Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas
From
£1299 to £1499
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling holiday across Italy, Puglia to Sorrento
Ride across the boot of Italy
From
£1749 to £1879
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling holiday in Umbria, Italy
The peace of Tuscany & Umbria by bicycle
From
£970
8 days
ex flights
BEST TIME TO GO CYCLING IN PUGLIA
May and September are the best months to cycle in Puglia. Springtime is especially satisfying, with vast swathes of blood red poppies decorating the fields of the Valle d'Itria, contrasting dramatically with the whitewashed walls and conical trulli houses around. In autumn, the combination of wild walks along the sand dunes of the Adriatic and harvest time in the inland olive groves is really special.
The sea is toasty warm in September, and although October is starting to cool down it's still a great time to cycle on rural roads with hardly any traffic. November through to February can be a bit soggy, but fortune favours the brave, and if you don't mind packing waterproofs in panniers you might well be treated to some refreshing blue sky days as well as plenty of breezy blasts to help wet weather gear dry off. Summer is not the best time to cycle in Puglia as it’s just too hot but, if you don't mind setting off early and spending afternoons supping coffee in shaded piazzas or lolling beneath beach umbrellas, then why not?
TYPES OF CYCLING HOLIDAY IN PUGLIA
The easy going gradients and quiet coastal and country roads of Puglia are very straightforward to navigate under your own steam. A tailor made, self guided cycling tour bridges the gap between complete independence and expert guidance. You will have luggage transfers between specially chosen B&Bs, cycling route notes in English, and 24 hour assistance, if required. Not only does a self guided tour allow you to cycle at your own pace, it also enables you the freedom to explore throughout the year.
As this type of holiday is suitable for a minimum of two people, you won’t be impacting on the peace and tranquillity that can sometimes be associated with larger groups. You’ll also be able to seek out the secret spots for sustenance thanks to recommendations from accommodation hosts and from the trip notes that are compiled by local people. The best beaches, olive oil producers and most authentic local restaurants will all be at your disposal, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle – or not – at your leisure.
Our top Italy cycling Holiday
Cilento and Amalfi Coast cycling holiday, Italy
Rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets
From
£1349 to £1799
8 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 30 Mar, 20 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 22 Jun, 20 Jul, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 12 Oct, 19 Oct
2019: 30 Mar, 20 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 22 Jun, 20 Jul, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 12 Oct, 19 Oct
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Italy cycling or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
RECOMMENDED PUGLIA CYCLING HOLIDAY ROUTE
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.
More about Italy cycling
The best time to go on a cycling holiday in Italy is May or September although the further south you cycle the longer the season extends.
Cycling and Italy have been linked long before Signore Wiggo took to his trike and if you’re looking to find out more then read our Italy cycling holidays travel guide.
If you’ve always fancied a cycling holiday in Italy but didn’t know where to start, don’t panic; we’ve got cycling in Italy covered from top to toe.
Cycling holidays in Italy come in all shapes and sizes, from relaxing foodie tours to challenging mountain rides.
Although Italy’s Amalfi Coast has long been a haven for glitz and glamour, it’s also provided cyclists with some of the world’s most scenic coastal rides.
Find out what our Italian cycling experts have to say about where to ride, what to pack and why preparation is the key to successful cycling holidays, in our Italy cycling advice.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: ickick] [Intro: Exodus]
[Best time to go 1: Berthold Werner]
[Best time to go 2: Don Heffernan]
[Types of holiday 1: Don Heffernan]
[Types of holiday 2: Don Heffernan]
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