Location:
Salento
Duration: 5 or 7 nights
Available: March – November
Tour Name: Self-guided bike tour in Salento TourCode: 1033
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
*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
*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
*Flights
*Airport transfers
*Meals & beverages – unless otherwise specified above
*Local taxes where applicable
*Everything not specified above
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.
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.
Salento, the sun-soaked gem of Puglia, is a perfect destination for cycling holidays and active exploration. Ride along coastal roads and countryside trails, passing through whitewashed villages, ancient olive groves, and breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Discover hidden beaches, explore the Baroque beauty of Lecce, and stop for wine and olive oil tastings along the way. With its mix of scenic bike routes, rich culture, and Mediterranean charm, Salento offers an unforgettable active holiday in Southern Italy. Plan your cycling adventure today!
Italy offers an incredible mix of adventure, nature, and culture, making it the perfect destination for an active holiday. In winter, hit the slopes of the Dolomites and Alps for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking and cycling through breathtaking landscapes like Tuscany, Lake Garda, and the Amalfi Coast. Explore watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking along Italy’s stunning lakes and coastlines. Horseback ride through rolling vineyards and historic countryside, or combine a city break with a hotel + concert package for an unforgettable musical experience. Dive into Italy’s world-famous gastronomy with cookery lessons, learning to prepare authentic dishes. Whether you’re seeking adventure or cultural immersion, Italy has something for every traveler. Start planning your Italian getaway today!
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.
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.
Here at ActivityBreaks.com, we love the great outdoors and can help you find the perfect activity holiday for you and your friends or family. We offer active breaks all over Europe, from the Alps, to the countryside and the Mediterranean.
From group tours to self-guided independent trips we have a variety of solutions to suit you.
Flexibility is key, many of our outdoor breaks can be tailor-made to suit your requirements so just drop us a line if you want to add on an extra night or two or want to change one of the activities.
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