15 useful tips for cycling in Puglia

Preparation for cycling in Puglia

1. Don’t expect bike paths in Puglia. In Puglia there are almost no bike paths, but there is a dense network of country roads, many of which are shaded by olive trees. Yes, there’s no division between you and the cars, but if you pick the best routes (more on that below), there will also be few cars!

2. Check your gearing if you’re planning varied terrain. While much of Puglia is relatively flat, especially on coastal roads, there are some steep gradients found in the northwest of Puglia. In the central area, the Valle d’Itria includes some rolling landscapes. A compact chainset or a wide-range cassette will help you handle steeper sections without overexerting yourself.

If you plan to bring your own bike, make sure your bike is serviced and in good condition. Pay particular attention to brakes and tyres and be aware that some quiet country roads can be rough and uneven.

3. Good bike maintenance skills are useful if you are planning on cycling in Puglia without the support of a tour operator. Bike shops can be sparse, particularly in rural areas. So, learn how to fix a puncture, adjust your brakes, and deal with a broken chain.

Bring a well-stocked repair kit, including spare inner tubes, a multi-tool, and a compact pump. This preparation will help you stay self-sufficient on more remote cycling routes in the countryside where help might not be immediately available.

4. Pack well to ensure  a comfortable cycling trip in Puglia. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is helpful for warm days. But be prepared for cooler mornings in spring or autumn and any sudden changes in weather with a packable windbreaker or rain jacket. Don’t forget your sunglasses and suncream to protect against the plentiful Puglian sunshine! Check out our packing list, for more details.

Routes

5. Plan your cycling routes before you visit. Unless you’ve got months to explore, don’t just turn up! There are a lot of scenic cycling routes in Puglia with options for exploring the vast coastline, countryside and countless cultural highlights, but you need to pick where you’re going to go to make the most of your time here.

Whether you want to visit Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Puglia’s border with Basilicata, see the famous conical stone houses of Alberobello known as Trullim, or prefer to soak up the alluring Salento Peninsula’s rugged cliffs and blue waters, there is so much to experience.

Take a look at our guide to cycling in Puglia for several Puglia bike tour suggestions, including descriptions, maps and cultural highlights.

6. Keep hydrated. The warm conditions in Puglia mean you should carry plenty of water. Two water bottles are worthwhile bringing as water refill points can also be limited in some areas.

The rugged sea cliffs at Sant’Andrea (photo credit: Puglia Cycle Tours)

Best time of year to cycle

7. Avoid cycling in Puglia in July and August. These are the hottest (and busiest) months, with temperatures often reaching 35°C or more. That said, if you are comfortable in these conditions and want to cycle in the summer, start early in the morning or ride in the late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

8. Spring and autumn offer milder weather that’s ideal for Puglia cycling tours. In spring, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C. The countryside is also blooming with wildflowers and green.

In autumn temperatures are slightly warmer, particularly in September. Rain is infrequent in these seasons, but occasional showers can occur. So pack accordingly!

9. Visit in autumn to experience the grape harvest. The vineyards across Puglia will be a hive of activity from September to October and the olive farms home to endless olive groves will begin their harvest from October. It’s a lovely time to combine cycling in Puglia with a visit an olive oil mill or wine cellar and enjoy a local food tasting.

For more cycling holiday options in Autumn see this article.

Other

10. Refuel on delicious local cuisine. The Puglia region is known for its fresh pasta, virgin olive oil, and seafood. Many cafés and restaurants offer delicious local dishes that make perfect fuel for cycling Puglia. Some dishes not to miss include: orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, or a freshly baked focaccia. Discover more must-try dishes in our Puglia cycling guide.

11. Understand local highway rules. Cyclists are required to ride on the right-hand side of the road and should always give way to larger vehicles at roundabouts. While many roads are quiet and cyclist-friendly, rural roads can be narrow and uneven, so staying alert is important. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended for safety, even though it is not legally required. Additionally, using front and rear lights is essential if you plan to cycle early in the morning or after dusk.

12. Be aware of “la pausa”, the southern Italian siesta. Many towns observe a long afternoon “la pausa” which translates to the pause and is a tradition that mirrors the more famous Spanish siesta, enabling locals to down tools and escape the hottest part of the day. You may notice several smaller shops and cafés may close between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Plan your cycling routes and refreshment stops accordingly, as finding food or water during these hours can be difficult in smaller villages.

13. Consider the availability of bike rentals. Many towns in Puglia have reputable bike shops and rental services that offer road bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes. Some even provide guided tours and route suggestions.

However, availability can be limited in smaller villages, so it’s best to plan ahead and book in advance if needed on your cycling holidays in Puglia Italy.

14. Don’t forget your swimwear. Puglia’s breathtaking coastline and its famously azure waters are a beach lovers’ paradise and are perfect for a post-ride dip. Even if you don’t want to get in the water, we think you’ll love the coastal towns and picture-postcard sandy beaches.

15. For more support book a cycling tour with an experienced tour operator. Despite being a great place to cycle, Puglia does not have a huge cycling culture and infrastructure. This means that in some rural locations, you may struggle to find mechanical support.

Whilst this probably isn’t a problem for more experienced cyclists, beginners or those seeking additional peace of mind in case of any mechanical issues may prefer to book a cycling tour with a reputable local operator who can provide 24/7 support. Several of their tours also include wine and olive oil tastings.

• In this article, we interviewed Puglia Cycle Tours. They have delivered bike tours in Puglia for 15 years and provide a number of services, including luggage transfers, route notes, bike fitting, comfortable hotels and trip leaders – everything you need to have a memorable cycling holiday in Puglia.
• This article shares the things to consider before booking a cycling tour.

Cycling in the green Itria Valley (photo credit: Puglia Cycle Tours)

Your thoughts

Been cycling in Puglia? Or perhaps you have been on Puglia cycling tours before? If you have additional tips we’d love to hear from you. Please comment below!