Cycling in Salento is an 8-day itinerary designed to explore Salento on two wheels, riding through villages steeped in history, countryside dotted with ancient olive trees and evocative coastal landscapes. The route takes in places such as Otranto, Galatina, Corigliano d’Otranto and the Grecìa Salentina, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the area’s local traditions, food and wine, and cultural heritage. A perfect experience for those who want to discover Puglia in an active, sustainable way, in close contact with nature.
Arrival in Salento – Arrival in Salento. Check-in
at the hotel, bike handover (if requested) and briefing with our cycling guide, who will explain how the itinerary works and the start times of the rides. Overnight stay.
Bosco Belvedere – Buffet breakfast. The route runs through the area south-west of Maglie, once covered by the immense Bosco Belvedere forest and now replaced by what remains of a centuries-old olive grove. After catching sight of the old town of Scorrano, we reach the main point of interest of the ride, the Trappito della Castagna, an underground olive oil mill (not open to visitors). In the same area you can see a karst sinkhole and some huge centuries-old olive trees, among the last remaining before replanting due to Xylella. Another highlight is the charming Casino Canale d’Oronzo, a typical stately country residence. Return to the hotel, overnight stay.
Cutrofiano – Galatina – Corigliano d’Otranto – Buffet breakfast. The route lets us reach Galatina safely, making use of the dense network of minor country roads that criss-cross the whole of Salento. Well worth a visit are the underground olive mill of Masseria Astore, on the eastern outskirts of Cutrofiano; the historic centre of Galatina (don’t miss the Church of Santa Caterina); the pozzelle (ancient cisterns) of Corigliano, on the south-western edge of the village; and its historic centre, graced by a castle with a beautiful Baroque façade from 1667. Return to the hotel, overnight stay.
Westward Route – Buffet breakfast. The route takes us to the ancient town of Otranto, past menhirs and dolmens, Basilian crypts and fortified farmhouses, and curious natural formations (the Masso della Vecchia and the bauxite of Monte Vergine). Visit of the ancient Messapian centre of Muro Leccese, Giurdignano and the medieval centre of Otranto, dominated by its Norman cathedral. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
The Basilians – Buffet breakfast. Among the main attractions of this route is the 10th-century Basilian crypt of Santa Cristina in Carpignano. After admiring the large dovecote tower and passing the Staurotomea menhir, we head towards the Church of Santa Marina di Stigliano, the heart of a small medieval hamlet. From here, we first reach the fortified Masseria Torcito and then Cannole with its Baronial Palace. A stop at the Church of San Giovanni a Morigino is a must. Return to the hotel, overnight stay.
Tour of the Messapians – Buffet breakfast. Part of the route runs along the ridge of the Serra di Poggiardo. Along the way we pass the hermitage of San Giovanni near Giuggianello, the baronial palace of Specchia Gallone, the crypt of Santi Stefani with its precious frescoes, the archaeological park of Vaste, an ancient Messapian city, and Poggiardo with its interesting historic centre. Finally, the little church of Santa Maria di Miggiano, near Muro Leccese, is well worth a visit. Return to the hotel, overnight stay.
Kalos Irtate: Grecìa Salentina – Buffet breakfast. The route can be shortened by taking the FSE train from Maglie to Sternatia. The itinerary winds through the heart of the Grecìa Salentina, reaching Martignano, Calimera and Martano, with its castle and typical courtyard houses. Of particular interest are the pozzelle (ancient cisterns) of Castrignano dei Greci and the small town of Melpignano, with the fascinating Palazzo Orsini. Return to the hotel, overnight stay.
Departure – Buffet breakfast. Transfer to the airport and departure.
