Puglia by Bike: Monopoli to Santa Maria di Leuca
- 8 days6 riding days
- 355 kmby bike
- Bikeyour choice
- Hotelshand-picked
- 24 h supportand guide
- On requestper person
Puglia by bike: 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.
Routes to suit you
Choose the route and pace that best suit your level.
Constant support
The support vehicle follows you all day: breakdowns, tiredness or visits.
Food and culture
Great food, historic villages and corners only locals know.
Day by day
8 days and about 355 km of cycling.
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
Monopoli / Monopoli40 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 MonopoliOptional stage: 40 km – easy level
Monopoli → Ostuni40 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
Ostuni → Brindisi62 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
Brindisi → Lecce54 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
Lecce → Otranto68 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 Day 7 – Otranto → Tricase (51 km) From Otranto we follow the spectacular Adriatic coast, riding alongside cliffs and small hidden coves.We’ll pass through Porto Badisco and Santa Cesarea Terme, a stage of pure natural beauty finishing in Tricase, a quiet and authentic village.Traditional dinner at a local tavern. Accommodation: rural hotel or B&B in Tricase Stage: 51 km – medium level Day 8 – Tricase → Santa Maria di Leuca (40 km) Final stage and grand finale of the trip.We’ll ride along coastal roads and fishing villages until reaching the southernmost tip of Italy, Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.Final celebration by the lighthouse and farewell dinner with the MTB Spain group. Accommodation: seafront hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca Stage: 40 km – easy / scenic level Included Services 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner 4-5 star hotels, double room: €5300 Single room: €6625 Expert guide and support vehicle Luggage transport from hotel to hotel MTB or e-bike MTB Spain welcome kit (T-shirt + gifts) Transfers to/from Bari airport Mechanical assistance and support on the route Payment and Cancellation Policy To confirm the trip booking, payment will be made in three instalments: 25% at the time of booking. 50% must be paid 3 months before departure. The remaining 25% must be paid 1 month before departure. If you cancel at least 3 months before departure, everything paid is refunded except the 25% booking deposit; after that there is no refund. Route Level Medium level. Stages of between 40 and 68 km daily, combining country lanes, secondary roads and coastal stretches.Ideal for cyclists with good fitness or e-bike users who want to enjoy the scenery without rushing. Flavours of the South On every stage you’ll enjoy the most authentic products of Puglia: Artisan cheeses and extra virgin olive oils Traditional pasta such as orecchiette Fresh Adriatic fish and Salento wines
Puglia by bike at a glance
- Duration: 8 days · 7 nights · 7 cycling stages
- Start / finish: Bari (transfer to Monopoli) / Santa Maria di Leuca
- Total distance: ≈ 355 km (40–68 km per stage)
- Route: Monopoli, Ostuni, Brindisi, Lecce, Otranto, Tricase, Santa Maria di Leuca
- Accommodation: 4-5★ hotels with breakfast and dinner
- Bike: MTB or e-bike included
- Level: easy to moderate
- Price: €4,900 per person
Guide and support vehicle
You just ride: cycling guide, support van with mechanical assistance and luggage transfer from hotel to hotel.
More bike tours
See all departures on our bookings calendar or these guided tours with support vehicle:
What our travellers say
4.9 out of 5 on Google with over 140 reviews.
Every trip with MTBSpain is an adventure full of good moments, great routes, planned activities and beautiful scenery. Great company and lots of laughs.
They took care of my bike from Alicante and all the logistics. I just rode and enjoyed. Recommended!
Everything organised down to the last detail. You can feel the experience, passion and professionalism. You just enjoy, they take care of the rest.
Booking
Write to us and we will tell you about dates, places and payment.
Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be to cycle Puglia?
Easy to moderate: about 355 km in stages of 40 to 68 km on gentle, rolling terrain. You can choose an MTB or an e-bike.
Where does the route go?
Monopoli, Ostuni, Brindisi, Lecce, Otranto, Tricase and Santa Maria di Leuca, at the southern tip of the Salento.
What is included?
7 nights in 4-5★ hotels with breakfast and dinner, MTB or e-bike, guide, support vehicle, luggage transfer and transfers from and to Bari airport.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn (April–June and September–October).
How do I pay?
Payment is made in three instalments: 25% on booking (non-refundable), 50% three months before departure and the remaining 25% one month before. If you cancel at least 3 months before departure, everything paid is refunded except the 25% booking deposit; after that there is no refund.
Just bring your sense of adventure
We take care of the rest. Book your place or ask us anything.