Puglia Biking
Bike Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast
The map says Italy but there’s a distinctly Greek feel to the Puglia region, nestled between the spur and the heel of the country’s boot. Join Backroads on a bicycling journey along rugged coastline and through typical Pugliese countryside of endless olive groves, picturesque masserie (fortified farmhouses) and intriguing trulli. Come evening, dine on tasty rustic cuisine, featuring an abundance of seafood and fresh vegetables, and overnight in charming authentic hotels.
Trip Planning Links
- Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, white-washed villages and age-old farmhouses
- Ride on quiet one-lane orchard roads, cooled by sea breezes
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Torre Canne or simply laze on the beach
- The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli
- Explore Ostuni, the "White City"
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Monópoli
Meet in Bari 
After a savory Pugliese picnic lunch, hop on your bike for a warm-up ride that offers the perfect introduction to the region Pedal alongside low stone walls on a relatively flat coastal route through Puglia’s beautiful and seemingly endless olive orchards Visit the ruins of Egnazia, a Roman port city dating to the fifth century B.C. Passing groves of huge old olive trees, you’ll soon understand why Puglia is Italy’s premier olive oil producer.
Days 2-3 Pezze di Greco
Bike into the rolling hills of the Val d’Itria, a fertile patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves and vineyards Ride to Alberobello, a World Heritage site known for its trulli - unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs Enjoy and olive oil tasting 
Pedal to historic Ostuni, the "white city," and wander its cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses.
Days 4-6 Otranto
Spin over undulating terrain toward Otranto, an important historic and artistic center perched at the easternmost point of Italy En route, delight in views of the azure Adriatic and its picturesque white-sand beaches Pedal to the "heel of the boot" on a spectacular seaside ride to the tiny village of Santa Maria Leuca Take a final spin in the sunbaked hills near Otranto before the trip ends in historic Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I've spent these last two days telling everyone that my Puglia trip was absolutely perfect. The leaders, were wonderful, extremely professional and yet lots of fun and engaging. I will always remember them telling us to "embrace the chaos" of Puglia and we did. I learned about Italy and also learned a great deal from my fellow travelers. I was traveling alone for the first time ever and the Backroads format made everything work--a great balance of group activities, the freedom to spend time alone and the opportunity to challenge myself physically--all in a beautiful environment.- Mill Valley, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Puglia Biking
ADRIATIC REFUGES: Casual Inns
Il Trapetello
Monópoli (1 night) This ancient fortified farm, with its fascinating historic grottoes and a hypogeum, has been restored to provide modern comfort amid authentic surroundings.
Masseria San Martino
Pezze di Greco (2 nights) Resting in an olive grove just a few miles from the Adriatic, this peaceful 18th-century masseria features spacious guest rooms, a tranquil garden and a pool.
Masseria Panareo
Otranto (2 nights) A 15th-century country house perched on a hill, with great views of the Adriatic and the Cape of Otranto.
Puglia Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 16 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 23, 28, 36, 43 miles
- 1,150 - 1,300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 33, 40 miles
- 1,250 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 25, 32 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 29, 66 miles
- 900 - 1,800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain