“Cycling through Puglia: an unexpected destination”
Riding a bike through ancient oak trees, monumental olive groves, and the dense Mediterranean scrub casting majestic shadows, cyclists uncover a stunning and, above all, unexpected Puglia.
Thousands of kilometers from Gargano to Salento, ready to be explored by bike along ancient trails, low-traffic country roads, and scenic routes. Cycling tourism in Puglia offers the freedom to create different itineraries based on personal preferences, desired difficulty levels, and individual interests.
No need to be a seasoned cyclist—each proposed route can be broken down into multiple stages, with durations ranging from week-long journeys to daily trips or extended weekends. Along the way, discover culinary delights, visit museums, explore villages, and wander through art cities. It’s a journey filled with culture and well-being.
Discover a Region at Your Own Pace
Cycling through Puglia is a unique experience, constantly changing with the seasons. The invitation is to explore it all, slowly. To make your cycling adventure unforgettable, Puglia is working on developing diverse cycling routes. Below are some proposals (a work in progress) suited for gravel or mountain biking.
Aqueduct Cycle Route
A journey along the “Water Way” through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and a priceless heritage of industrial archaeology linked to Italy’s most significant engineering achievement. Start in Puglia at Castel del Monte and, after crossing Alta Murgia National Park, journey from one UNESCO site to another, arriving at Alberobello, the land of Trulli. From there, head south through Manduria, the city of wine, and travel across the Salento region to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the embrace of two seas marks the end of the road. The varied landscapes and flavors will leave travelers with a sense of joyful diversity.
Ofanto Cycle Route
Follow the course of an ancient river, the Aufidus, and traverse a lesser-known Puglia. The route winds through the Regional Natural Park of the Ofanto River, passing pastoral landscapes and Roman ruins, from the hills of Irpinia to the plains of the Tavoliere. Starting at altitude in Rocchetta Sant’Antonio, descend to the plains, stopping in Cerignola and Canosa, home to breathtaking archaeological sites. End your journey at the river’s mouth, where the trip concludes along the Adriatic coast near the Margherita di Savoia salt pans.
Via Appia
A cycling route that doubles as a cultural journey, this open-air museum is filled with priceless archaeological sites. Begin in Puglia at Gravina in Puglia, ancient Silvium, and, after cycling through the green expanses of the Murgia, arrive in the Land of the Ravines, home to Europe’s largest canyons. From here, continue to the Ionian coast, arriving in Taranto. Then, traverse Grottaglie, Oria, and Mesagne before reaching Brindisi, the Adriatic’s most important Roman port and a true gateway to the East.
Via Francigena
A cultural itinerary connecting Europe, from Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca. In Puglia, start in the lush landscapes of the Dauni Mountains, between Faeto and Celle San Vito, then cross the Tavoliere, passing through the rural villages of Stornara and Stornarella. Continue to medieval towns like Andria, Corato, Ruvo, Bitonto, and Bari, reaching the Adriatic coast and heading to Brindisi via Polignano and Monopoli. In Salento, visit Otranto Cathedral and explore inland gems like Lecce, famed for its Baroque splendor and welcoming spirit.
Matera Routes: Peuceta, Hellenic, and Ionian Ways
Three unique routes to experience Puglia like never before. The first two can be enjoyed over a weekend: the Peuceta Way connects Bari to Matera, crossing the ancient transhumance trails of the Alta Murgia National Park. The Hellenic Way, on the other hand, runs from Brindisi to Alberobello, through the stunning landscapes of the Itria Valley. The Ionian Way requires a few extra days and is best explored off-season, offering unforgettable rides along the coast near Porto Cesareo, Maruggio, and Marina di Lizzano, where crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing swim.
The Two Seas Route
A coast-to-coast journey linking the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea. This ride starts in Polignano, the hometown of Domenico Modugno, passing the natural beauty of the Castellana Caves, the architectural elegance of Martina Franca, and ending in Taranto, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Taranto, a sight to cherish.
