Cycling the Heel of Italy - Matera to Lecce

Cycling information

95% of the cycling is on asphalt roads, with 5% on strada bianca. The routes generally keep to quieter, secondary roads although you should expect more traffic in the towns.

Day 1: Arrive in Matera

Make your way to Matera, one of the oldest inhabited human settlements in the world.

Day 2: Free day in Matera

Explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera; a complex of houses built into the natural caves of the Murgia.
Breakfast included

Day 3: Matera to Castellaneta (60km/37.3mi)

Your first cycling day takes you through a landscape of wheat fields and wide panoramas. Visit the town of Laterza, famous for its tasty bakery products and majolica pottery. Continue to Castellaneta, a small city perched on the edge of a ravine.
Breakfast and evening meal included

Day 4: Castellaneta to Putignano (55km/34.2mi)

Today you will cycle in the Terra delle Gravine Natural Park, amongst deep canyons, carved by rivers over millions of years. Leaving the ravines you will soon discover the iconic Puglia scenery: dry stone walls, old masserie (fortified stansteads) and trulli, rural houses with a conic roof typical to the area, built without any cement or mortar. Reach Putignano, known for its ancient carnival.
Breakfast included

Day 5: Putignano to Alberobello (35km/21.7mi)

Leaving the medieval centre of Putignano, cycle in the lush countryside to reach Castellana Caves. It is the main karst site in the South of Italy and a visit is recommended.After the caves, continue along the rolling lanes of the countryside where olive, almond, apricot and cherry trees grow. Continue to the UNESCO heritage site of Alberobello, the world capital of Trulli.
Breakfast included

Day 6: Alberobello to Ostuni (49km/30.4mi)

Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, passing more white-tipped trulli houses on the way. Boasting beautiful coastal views, the route takes you through the famous wine town of Locorotondo, regarded as one of Italy's most stunning villages. After sampling some of the local sparkling white wine, continue to the white city of Ostuni - so called for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Ostuni to Avetrana (55km/34.2mi)

Cycle through the colourful Salentinian countryside, characterized by olive groves and red soil towards the medieval towns of Oria and Manduria with their authentic historic centres.
Breakfast and evening meal included

Day 8: Avetrana to Gallipoli (60km/37.3mi)

Head to Torre Colimena on the Ionian Sea, then follow the coast alongside a series of beaches and the old coastal towers of Salento. Reach Gallipoli, known as the 'Ionian Pearl' with its Old Town situated on a rocky island. Take time to wander the narrow lanes of the historic centre to discover its baroque cathedral, elegant palazzi and enticing restaurants.

Day 9: Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca (50km/31.1mi)

Cycle towards the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the crystal waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. This village is home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy, as well as numerous villas built at the turn of the century.
Breakfast included

Day 10: Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto (53km/32.9mi)

Pedal along the south coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping off at the famous Grotta Zinzulusa and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme. Your final destination is Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy with a stunning cathedral and Aragonese castle.
Breakfast included

Day 11: Otranto to Lecce (54km/33.6mi)

Follow the shoreline through olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. Known as the 'Florence of the South', Lecce is home to over 30 churches, an amphitheatre and a Roman theatre dating back to Emperor Augustus.
Breakfast included

Day 12: Leave Lecce