Puglia by Bike

🇮🇹 Puglia by MTB – The Charm of Southern Italy

From Monopoli to Santa Maria di Leuca: a journey through sea, history and Mediterranean flavour

Discover with MTB Spain the most authentic region of southern Italy, where time stands still among olive groves, white villages and the deep blue of the Adriatic.
This cycling route through Puglia combines nature, culture and gastronomy on a journey of eight days and seven nights that will take you from Monopoli to the southernmost tip of the Italian heel, in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Ride along ancient coastal routes, sleep in charming historic villages and savour the best of Italian cuisine at the end of each day.

Detailed Itinerary (8 days / 7 nights)

Day 1 – Arrival in Bari · Monopoli

Arrival at Bari airport and private transfer to the charming coastal town of Monopoli, the starting point of our adventure in southern Italy.
Welcome by the MTB Spain team, free time to settle into the hotel and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
In the afternoon, a stroll through the old town, with its white alleyways and lively fishing harbour.
Welcome dinner at a local trattoria with Primitivo wine and seafood.
Accommodation: boutique hotel in Monopoli

Day 2 – Monopoli / Monopoli (40 km)

After breakfast, bike setup and route briefing.
We do an optional acclimatisation ride around Monopoli through olive groves, country lanes and Adriatic sea views.
Free afternoon to keep exploring the historic centre or relax on the beach.
Accommodation: boutique hotel in Monopoli
Optional stage: 40 km – easy level

Day 3 – Monopoli → Ostuni (40 km)

First official stage of the route.
We ride inland, through centuries-old olive groves and dry stone walls, until reaching Ostuni, the famous “White City”.
In the afternoon, a walk through its historic centre and dinner on a terrace overlooking the Adriatic.
Accommodation: rural hotel or agriturismo in Ostuni
Stage: 40 km – easy / medium level

Day 4 – Ostuni → Brindisi (62 km)

We ride towards the sea along gentle, rolling paths, crossing Carovigno and coastal nature reserves before reaching Brindisi, an ancient Roman port and key point on the Appian Way.
Visit its seafront promenade and dinner overlooking the sea.
Accommodation: hotel in the historic centre of Brindisi
Stage: 62 km – medium level

Day 5 – Brindisi → Lecce (54 km)

We leave Brindisi along secondary routes through vineyards and open fields, passing through Torchiarolo and Squinzano, villages full of local life, until reaching Lecce, the baroque capital of Salento.
In the afternoon, an optional visit to a traditional masseria to taste artisan olive oil.
Accommodation: agriturismo or farmhouse in Lecce
Stage: 54 km – medium level

Day 6 – Lecce → Otranto (68 km)

One of the most spectacular stages of the trip.
We ride east along roads that cross hills and olive groves, passing through villages full of history such as Specchia and Surano, until reaching Otrantostrong>, the easternmost city in Italy.
Its walls, its Romanesque cathedral and the crystal-clear sea make this stage finish a real treat.
Accommodation: seafront hotel in Otranto
Stage: 68 km – medium / challenging level