Cycling tours in Puglia: Everything you need to know

Where is Puglia?

Puglia (also known as Apulia) is a region in southeast Italy.

It’s located on a peninsula and this distinct geographical location means Puglia has earned itself the nickname, “the heel of Italy”.

The region has an extensive coastal location, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south.

Puglia also has a large rural interior that is largely agricultural. It borders the Italian regions of Campania, Molise and Basilicata.

Take a look at the map below to discover some of the key locations mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to find the name of the place.

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Why go on a cycling holiday in Puglia?

Puglia has a rich and fascinating history.

It is the combination of this diverse history and the region’s natural beauty that makes Puglia a unique and unforgettable destination to explore by bike.

The history of the heel

Puglia’s strategic coastal location has attracted many visitors over the centuries.

From the Greeks to the Romans, the Arabs to the Byzantines, and the Swabians to the Angevins; both ancient civilisations and rulers from the Middle Ages alike settled in Puglia and significantly shaped it.

Historical treasures

The result of Puglia’s varied historical past? There’s a treasure trove of extraordinary architecture and beautiful, historic buildings to marvel at on a cycling holiday in Puglia.

This history is easily encountered in many of Puglia’s picturesque towns and cities. In fact, there is plenty to admire simply walking down the narrow streets, particularly in Puglia’s capital Bari, the Baroque city of Lecce, or the whitewashed houses of Ostuni.

Puglia also has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:

• The Trulli of Alberobello: these distinctive whitewashed buildings with domed roofs are an example of a prehistoric building technique in the Puglia region. They are primarily found in the town of Alberobello.
• Castel del Monte: this castle is considered a masterpiece of Medieval architecture and dates to the 13th Century. The castle has a unique octagonal shape and perfectly blends Eastern and Western cultures.
• The sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo: a sacred Romanesque-style basilica built in the 13th Century. It has been a key site of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages.
• The Alta Murgia Park was declared a UNESCO World Geopark in August 2024. Located west of Bari, this protected park is a habitat for local wildlife and fauna. It’s a landscape typified by limestone which can be seen in the dry stone walls and rocky plateaus.

The ancient city of Matera

In addition to the above, the neighbouring region of Basilicata is home to the impressive Sassi of Matera and the Park of the Rock Churches. Matera is easily accessible from Puglia and is included in several Puglia Cycle Tour itineraries.

This UNESCO-listed site is known as the city of caves and is one of the oldest cities in the world. This striking hilltop city is a must-visit; Matera cannot fail to transport you back in time.

Roman roads

Puglia is home to several historically significant roads and paths that connect it with other major regions in Italy.

Most notably, the historic Via Appia connected Italy’s capital Rome with the coastal city of Brindisi. This ancient, cobbled road is one of the most famous Roman roads.

An alternative to the Via Appia was built by Emperor Trajan and known as The Via Traiana. This coastal route starts at the city of Benevento in the neighbouring region of Campania. It takes in Puglia’s coastline, including the port city of Bari.

The Via Francigena (EuroVelo 5) also weaves its way through the region, visiting several churches and castles. This ancient pilgrim route starts in Canterbury in the UK and travels down through northern Italy, including Tuscany and Rome. Today it is a popular long-distance cycling route.

Natural beauty

Puglia’s large coastline boasts some of mainland Italy’s best beaches.

Cyclists can expect picture-perfect white sandy beaches and clear, beautifully blue waters. As well as sections of more rugged coast, home to sea caves and sea cliffs.

Further inland, ancient olive trees and agricultural farmland are commonly found in Puglia’s countryside.

Central Puglia’s scenery is home to rolling hills, green valleys and woodland. These peaceful rural landscapes are connected by low traffic, quiet roads and sleepy villages.

Mediterranean cuisine

The rural interior of Puglia has a strong agricultural past.

A good year-round climate and plenty of space to grow crops means the region Puglia produces lots of local produce.

Apulian cuisine stands out from other regional cuisines for its extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, wine and durum wheat (used to make fresh pasta). It also grows many fruits and vegetables.

Fun fact! This sun-soaked corner of Italy produces the majority of Italy’s olive oil, a staple of Italian cooking.

Cyclists will notice countless olive groves which are an iconic part of the landscape in Puglia. Olive trees have grown here for centuries and there are also many underground oil mills in the region.

Find out more information about Puglia’s delicious local cuisine below.

What sort of cycling is Puglia suitable for?

Puglia is a varied and surprising region, offering different roads and terrain depending on where you cycle.

In general, Puglia has a large network of quiet, low-traffic paved country roads where you can cycle peacefully.

The northwest of Puglia has more significant gradients and several ups and downs. The central area of Puglia, the Valle d’Itria, is characterised by rolling hills and flat coastal stretches.

Further south, the Salento region offers breathtaking cycling near the sea, both on flatter areas and along the ups and downs of the coastline. This corner of Puglia is also home to a quiet rural inland area with small back roads and tarmac roads. There is no shortage of rugged trails suitable for gravel bikers.

Puglia Cycle Tours are suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. They do not present any major cycling challenges, or big cycling climbs.

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5 best cycling tours in Puglia

Puglia Cycle Tours have multiple trip durations to suit fitness needs and abilities. Below I share some of our best-selling cycling itineraries, or take a look at the full range of itineraries here.

You can also hire a range of bikes from Puglia Cycle Tours, including electric bikes. See more information here.

1. Giro di Puglia – Putignano to Ostuni

This 6-day itinerary is the perfect cycling holiday for those with only a few days to spare, or for anyone who may not feel fit enough to tackle more than four consecutive days of riding.

Taking you from the green Itria Valley to the gates of Salento gives you a great introduction to Puglia’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.

Highlights of this tour

• The UNESCO heritage site of Alberobello, the capital of Trulli
• Cycling along the Apulian Aqueduct to one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Locorotondo
• The picturesque coastal town of Monopoli is home to a beautiful bell tower, castle and gorgeous old town

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2. Giro di Puglia – Alberobello to Lecce

This tour starts in Alberobello, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the global capital of Trulli; it’s the perfect starting point for this 8-day self-guided cycling holiday in the heart of Puglia.

This easy and enjoyable tour takes you through the stunning landscapes between the Adriatic Coast and the Apulian hills, featuring charming villages, lush countryside, and opportunities to savour traditional foods and exquisite wines. You cycle southward from Alberobello to Lecce, where you can explore its world-famous baroque historic centre, often called ‘the Florence of the south’.

Highlights of this tour

• Polignano a Mare: a beautiful coastal town with a dramatic location atop limestone cliffs, overlooking the Adriatic Sea
• The striking city of  Ostuni is home to many white-washed houses, narrow alleys and white walls
• Visiting the spectacular cave of poetry, known locally as the Grotta della Poesia. This natural swimming pool is considered one of the best in the world!

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3. Tour of Puglia – Heart of Puglia and Basilicata

The guided tour exploring the heart of Apulia starts from one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, Matera in Basilicata.

You cycle through ancient places with rural charm, admiring ravines and hilltop villages, tasting authentic local cuisine including delicious home-grown vegetables, cheese and bread. As you make your way to Alberobello you will discover a verdant paradise home to dry-stone walls, oak trees, and quiet country roads; Trulli and Masseria are regular sights. There will be no shortage of large valleys full of centuries-old olive trees.

The route also includes the Adriatic coastline, with its small seaside villages and unique historic centres. The last part of the trip is a descent southwards to Lecce, the capital of Apulian Baroque.

Highlights of this tour

• Strolling through the UNESCO Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, home to houses, churches and monasteries built into the caves of the Murgia.
• The impressive canyon of Laterza, considered one of the most impressive canyons in Europe
• Wine tasting in the beautiful village of Locorotondo and olive oil tasting in a fortified Masseria near Ostuni

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4. Tour of Puglia – Salento

The Salento guided trip is an 8-day tour that takes in the southernmost area of Puglia and enables you to ride from the Ionian to the Adriatic coast.

Both the Ionian and Adriatic Sea stretches are home to countless coastal treasures, including fine sandy beaches, impressive sea cliffs, craggy inlets and picturesque fishing villages. You’ll also experience cycling through Puglia’s peaceful rural interior with landscapes characterised by dry stone walls, vineyards and many olive groves.

This holiday includes olive oil tasting, a boat tour from Santa Maria di Leuca and a guided tour of the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce.

Highlights of this tour

• Olive oil tasting in a historic Masseria in Avetrana, which is also your accommodation for the evening
• The beautiful fortified town of Gallipoli, overlooking the Ionian Sea
• Discovering the unique, lunar-like landscapes of Bauxite Bay near the coastal gem of Otranto, home to a medieval castle

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5. Bike and Trulli

This self-guided cycling package offers a centre-based tour at a single hotel, allowing families or friends to combine and explore local routes with plenty of relaxation.

Guests stay in a hotel with a swimming pool and gardens for unwinding.

There are four resorts to choose from, all conveniently positioned near the UNESCO town of Alberobello. Each day, guests can plan their own activities, embracing the freedom to explore at their leisure.

Highlights of this tour

• Relaxing at your hotel pool
• Exploring peaceful Puglian countryside by bike
• Spying ancient Trulli homes from the saddle

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What Puglia Cycle Tour holidays include

For 15 years Puglia Cycle Tours has been dedicated to promoting the discovery of Puglia by bicycle. Guests can choose between a variety of inspiring self-guided and guided cycling itineraries in and around the region. Each cycling tour provides authentic experiences and hidden gems in Puglia.

Our services include luggage transport, welcome briefing with a team member, 24/7 logistical and cycling assistance, bike and navigation device rentals, GPS maps complete with tips and points of interest, and a printed guide compiled by the team with artistic and culinary suggestions.

Self-guided cycling

These are our bestselling cycling tours in Puglia. They encompass the must-visit highlights of Puglia and Basilicata; we’ve carefully created the routes so that they combine nature and culture for a great insight into the variety of scenery and heritage in the region.

You can choose between five tour durations. These itineraries include 6, 8, 9 and 12-day itineraries.

The length that best suits you will depend on the time you have available, the level of challenge you are looking for and the places you want to see. Each self-guided Puglia bike tour comes with GPS navigation, luggage transfers and accommodation. A welcome briefing and 24/7 assistance is also included.

More information

Guided cycling

We offer two 8-day guided tours, or a combined tour called the Grand Tour of Puglia, which spans 15 days.

Each tour is supported by an experienced local guide who helps provide a unique insight into this region.

Travelling with a trip leader means guests can learn more about Puglia through their guides’ many anecdotes, stories and insider secrets.

More information

Centre-based cycling

With centre-based cycling holidays, you stay in one hotel and Puglia Cycle Tours provides bikes, a navigation device and 10 loop tracks to explore the surrounding landscapes. Guests can choose what to do every day.

There is also a welcome briefing in English by a Puglia Cycle Tours team member and bike fitting. 24/7 assistance is also included.

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Practicalities of cycling holidays in Puglia, Italy

Best time to visit Puglia

Pleasant temperatures during spring and autumn make these the best seasons to explore Puglia by bike.

However, cyclists also enjoy winter for the tranquillity and a different sense of adventure. Summer sees the hottest temperatures and can also feel a lot busier.

From mid-March to mid-June

It is a real pleasure to enjoy cycling in Puglia when the scent of cherry, almond and apricot trees are in blossom.

There is also the opportunity to take a break in the sun and maybe even go for a swim in the sea. Temperatures vary between an average high of 24°-27°C and an average low that never drops below 12°-15°C.

From early September to the end of October

During autumn the vineyards are full of grapes and colours, and the grape, almond and olive harvests begin.

It’s a great time of year to discover places such as oil mills and wine cellars; it is also a wonderful time to combine cycling with gastronomic food-tasting experiences.

Temperatures are generally pleasant, with an average of 24°C and average lows of around 12°-15°C. The Murgia and Gargano areas are a little cooler, while temperatures in the region as a whole do not really drop until the second half of November.

Duration

Puglia Cycle Tours typically offers itineraries from 5 to 15/16 days.

There are different types of tours to choose from (see above for the various options).

The shortest focuses on smaller areas, whilst the longest allows you to explore more of Puglia’s landscapes, including parts of Basilicata and the southern Salento peninsula.

Guests can also customise their tours and join us for longer.

Fitness requirements

A good level of fitness is necessary to comfortably enjoy days in the saddle in Puglia.

The Valle d’Itria area has a few hills, so it’s best to come prepared for these. You’ll encounter this region on most tours, except for itineraries in the Salento region.

Food and drink

Puglia is a region that offers a unique culinary experience; it is rich in tradition and authentic flavours.

Discovering Puglia through its cuisine is a journey in itself.  Experiencing the local food and drink is an immersive way of getting to know the local culture and people. Many recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving age-old techniques.

Local dishes that our guests tend to love, include:

• Orecchiette: fresh pasta shaped like ears, which takes shape between the fingers of Apulian grandmothers.
• Panzerotto:  fried folded-over bread that’s filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Puglia’s version of the famous calzone.
• Almonds and olives, which in some cases are still harvested by hand.
• Mozzarella, burrata and ricotta are all produced in Puglia. For a local cheese that’s a little less familiar try Caciocavallo for a richer, more seasoned flavour.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Arguably the region’s most famous food, it has many health benefits and contains large amounts of antioxidants. Olive oil pairs well with Pane di Altamura, Puglia’s version of sourdough bread.
• Focaccia Pugliese: A classic Italian flatbread with a Puglian twist. Typically this includes potato in the dough and is usually topped with tomatoes.
• Frittura di Paranza: mixed fried fish, usually squid, prawns and other small fish.
• Taralli: Small, crunchy Italian cracker snacks commonly found in Puglia.

As for wine, wash the food down with a glass of locally grown Primitivo di Manduria. This rich, full-bodied red wine is spicy, fruity and delicious!

Accommodation

The accommodation we use on Puglia Cycling Tours typically has a strong connection with local tradition.

We want cyclists to experience living like a local, wherever possible.

This includes the opportunity to sleep in a Trulli house, fortified farms called Masseria which date back to the 16th Century, or in hotels carved into the stone, known as Sassi in Matera. This type of accommodation is unique to Puglia and Basilicata and, we believe, offers an authentic way to experience this corner of Italy.

In addition to traditional overnight stays, we also use small, boutique hotels with secure bicycle storage and other modern facilities, including international breakfasts and laundry services.

Tips for bike tours in Puglia

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Want help organising your Puglia cycling tour?

We’ve been helping guests with Puglia bike tours for over 15 years. We would love to help you plan your trip.

Get in touch and let's discuss the best bike tour for you.

Check out our website so we can start helping you craft your perfect Italy cycling trip.

Choosing the right cycling holiday company

First, you should understand the company’s knowledge of the area. This will have an impact on the authentic experiences you can expect in the cycling itineraries, as well as genuine advice and prompt assistance along the route. Puglia Cycle Tours has 15 years of experience delivering cycling holidays in the region.

Detailed knowledge of the region is also fundamental to ensure you’re riding the best routes. This includes verification of GPS maps and any updates needed, as things often change. A strong in–house operations department is also essential in case guests encounter issues along the way. Puglia Cycle Tours has a fleet of its own vehicles, including seven vans driven by drivers with cycling skills. This means we can provide widespread and rapid assistance throughout the territory.

Finally, you should also consider the impact of your trip on the area generally and the local community. Is this something the company have factored into the cycling holiday? Are they communicating this information on their website? Choosing to travel with operators that add value to the places they visit will provide stronger economic, social, cultural and sustainability benefits to the region you are visiting. Puglia Cycle Tours has always worked to involve local partners and people in their cycling itineraries, in order to nurture the local economic network and provide an authentic, genuine experience for guests.

For more information about choosing the right bike tour company see here.

Bike shops

In all major cities in Puglia, it is possible to find bike repair shops where you can get assistance in case of a mechanical.

Some of the hotels used on Puglia Cycle Tours also have basic cycle mechanic services and gear to enable cyclists to solve simple issues, in a shorter time. We also give guests a list of bike repair shops throughout the region. But beware! 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.

Booking with a trusted tour operator, such as Puglia Cycle Tours helps to provide peace of mind in case of any issues encountered along the way. In case of any mechanical issues, you can simply ring us so we can assess the extent of the problem and formulate an action plan. This may include bike recovery, sending transfers or a someone coming out to meet you to fix your bike. We handle all issues case by case.

What to pack

Puglia’s warm climate means it’s best to come prepared for sunny cycling conditions! Here is a list of useful things to add to your basic baggage:

• Swimming costume
• Sandals
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection
• Anti-mosquito spray
• Windproof jacket
• Breathable cycling gear

For more general cycling holiday packing information see here.

Getting to Puglia

The best place to fly into Puglia is either Bari of Brindisi airports.

Highway code and travel information

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Italy are here.

You should also read and follow Italy’s highway code.

How to find out more about Puglia Cycle Tours

Can’t wait to start planning your Puglia cycling holiday? Discover the full range of Puglia cycling trips available at Puglia Cycle Tours. Get in touch!

Ready to experience cycling in Puglia?

A huge thanks to Stefano from Puglia Cycle Tours for these invaluable insights into cycling holidays in Puglia. We can’t wait to experience this historic heel of Italy and try one of these beautiful bike rides.

Have you experienced cycling Puglia? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

For more information about cycling in Italy, don’t miss this guide.