Self guided 
Cycling
Puglia and Matera gravel bike tour
Puglia&BasilicataDifficulty path:Moderate
Self guided · CyclingDuration: 8 daysCode: bs016
from 990 €per person
Highlights
Puglia and Matera gravel bike tour is an itinerary that takes you from the trulli of Alberobello to the Sassi of Matera, crossing the countryside of the Itria Valley, reaching the ceramics of Grottaglie, and continuing all the way to the beaches of the Ionian Sea and the cliffs of the Adriatic.
8 days of cycling along secondary roads, gravel tracks and routes immersed in nature, far from the most travelled paths. Where possible, you can choose between a more road-oriented itinerary and a more off-road option, with a greater focus on gravel and white roads — ideal for those dreaming of a true gravel adventure.
Between one ride and the next, there will always be time to stop in small villages, savour the cuisine of Puglia and Basilicata, discover local traditions and be surprised by landscapes that constantly change.
An itinerary designed for those who love travelling by bike, covering long distances and exploring lesser-known roads, choosing each day the route that best suits their own way of experiencing cycling.
8 days of cycling along secondary roads, gravel tracks and routes immersed in nature, far from the most travelled paths. Where possible, you can choose between a more road-oriented itinerary and a more off-road option, with a greater focus on gravel and white roads — ideal for those dreaming of a true gravel adventure.
Between one ride and the next, there will always be time to stop in small villages, savour the cuisine of Puglia and Basilicata, discover local traditions and be surprised by landscapes that constantly change.
An itinerary designed for those who love travelling by bike, covering long distances and exploring lesser-known roads, choosing each day the route that best suits their own way of experiencing cycling.
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The spectacular Gravine and the ancient ceramics of Grottaglie
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From the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, along rural roads and gravel routes
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The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian coast
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From Otranto to Lecce, through cliffs, villages and breathtaking landscapes
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The thrill of cycling among the Sassi of Matera and through the Itria Valley
Program
Day1
Welcome to Alberobello
Welcome to Alberobello, a place of white alleyways, stone houses, and distinctive conical roofs. It feels like stepping into a small, timeless world. The trulli*of Alberobello, with their dry-stone walls and signature pinnacles, line the streets, creating one of Puglia’s most iconic landscapes. We recommend strolling through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, letting curiosity be your guide: every corner tells an ancient story of tradition, simplicity, and village life.
Day2
Alberobello and the Itria Valley
65km, +700m -700m o 105km, +1000m -1000m
After a delicious breakfast in Alberobello surrounded by trulli and the landscapes of the Itria Valley, you are ready to hop in the saddle and begin your gravel adventure in Puglia.
Today, you can choose between two routes to explore the Itria Valley by bike. The first, shorter option takes you along country roads and gravel tracks near the Puglian Aqueduct, immersed in a landscape of ancient olive trees, dry-stone walls, and historic farmhouses.
For those seeking a longer, more challenging ride, the route continues toward Ostuni, the famous White City, where you can soak up the charm of the historic center.
From Ostuni, you will reach the coast before tackling the day’s final climb and returning to Alberobello, once again traversing the enchanting countryside of the Itria Valley.
Day3
From Alberobello to Matera
85km, +730m -750m o 74km, +700m -710m
Leaving Alberobello behind, you cycle along the quiet roads of the Land of the Trulli, surrounded by olive groves, dry-stone walls, and ancient fortified farmhouses (masserie). A succession of gentle ups and downs leads you toward Putignano, famous for its historic Carnival, which boasts a tradition spanning over 600 editions.
From Putignano, the route continues along quiet backroads, crossing the Apulian countryside to Gioia del Colle, a town renowned for its PDO mozzarella and wine production.
Along the way, a short detour allows you to visit the Castellana Caves, one of Italy's most important karst cave systems.
After crossing the border into Basilicata, the landscape gradually shifts: the countryside opens up, and the greenery gives way to the rural scenery of the Murge plateau. As you pedal past cultivated fields and along country lanes—including sections ideal for gravel bikes—keep an eye out for the lesser kestrel, a small bird of prey that frequently soars over these open expanses.
The final kilometers offer one of the journey's most memorable moments: Matera appears on the horizon, with the distinctive silhouette of the Sassi rising from the landscape.
Upon arrival, you can park your bike and set out to explore the City of the Sassi a UNESCO World Heritage site, wandering through narrow alleys, rock-hewn churches, and ancient cave dwellings.
→ Option to shorten the stage by taking an alternative route with more unpaved sections, designed specifically for gravel biking.
Day4
From Matera to Grottaglie
125km, +1500m -1800m o 105km, +1200m -1500m
To fully immerse yourself in the gravel experience, today’s ride takes you between the Murgia Materana and the spectacular Terra delle Gravine Regional Park. Here, the landscape is sculpted by deep ravines and canyons, set against a backdrop of wheat fields stretching to the horizon.
The route leads to Laterza, renowned for its traditional majolica pottery and delicious baked goods. After passing Castellaneta, you will continue along a cycle path built on a former railway line, featuring scenic bridges and a smooth, hard-packed gravel surface that makes for an easy and enjoyable ride. The route proceeds to Palagianello, a small village nestled within the ravine landscape, before tackling the climb toward Mottola. Here, you can take a break in the historic center and recharge by sampling local culinary specialties. Back in the saddle, you will ride through the oak and downy oak woods surrounding Crispiano, in the heart of the area known as the "Land of 100 Masserie" (traditional fortified farmhouses).
Traversing rural roads, ancient farmhouses, and quintessential Puglian landscapes, the ride continues toward Grottaglie, famous throughout Italy for its centuries-old tradition of artisanal ceramics. You can stroll through the charming Ceramics Quarter, exploring the various workshops and studios, before wrapping up the day and enjoying some well-deserved rest.
→ Option to shorten the stage by taking a route that avoids certain unpaved sections.
Day5
From Grottaglie to Gallipoli
100km, +500m -600m
Today’s stage takes you from the Murge Tarantine area to the Ionian coast of Salento, traversing countryside, small villages, and coastal landscapes.
You start in Monteparano—dominated by the fortified d’Alaya Castle—before heading toward Roccaforzata, situated on the Serra Sant’Elia ridge, and descending to Faggiano.
The route then reaches the sea at Campomarino and continues along the coast to San Pietro in Bevagna, renowned for its beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Cycling south, you pass through the Salina dei Monaci Nature Reserve, a habitat for pink flamingos, and arrive at the striking Torre Colimena, an ancient 16th-century watchtower.
You continue toward Porto Cesareo, an ideal spot for a lunch break, and then ride along the coast to the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park. After stops in Santa Caterina and Santa Maria al Bagno, the final kilometers lead to Gallipoli—the "Pearl of the Ionian"—where the day's ride concludes.
Day6
From Gallipoli to Santa Cesarea Terme
90km, +820m -800m
Today, some of the most beautiful kilometers of the journey await you: a long ride along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts of Salento on your gravel bike.
The route starts on flat terrain after Gallipoli, allowing you to make quick progress toward Capo di Leuca—Italy’s *finis terrae* (end of the earth)—a land of legends, sea, and ancient traditions.
Upon reaching Santa Maria di Leuca, you can visit Punta Ristola and Punta Meliso—where the famous Sanctuary, regarded in Christian tradition as the Gateway to Paradise.
Weather permitting, a short boat trip is the perfect way to get a closer look at the sea caves of Leuca.
From here begins one of the journey’s most spectacular stretches: the Otranto-Leuca coastal road offers a route of rolling hills, breathtaking bays, and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea.
Along the way, you will pass through Castro, an ancient seaside village that, according to Virgil, was the port where Aeneas landed while fleeing Troy.
The day concludes in Santa Cesarea Terme, an elegant coastal town renowned for its villas, thermal waters, and sea views.
Day7
From Santa Cesarea to Lecce via Otranto
70km, +450m -430m
After breakfast, you set off again to explore the Adriatic coast of Salento by bike, navigating climbs, scenic curves, and some of Puglia’s most evocative locations.
The route leads to Porto Badisco, where it is worth pausing at the famous Bar da Carlo for an iced coffee with almond milk or—when in season—to taste incredibly fresh sea urchins.
You continue along the coast, passing the Sant’Emiliano promontory and heading to Punta Palascìa Lighthouse—Italy’s easternmost point—dominated by its distinctive lighthouse.
Shortly after, you reach Otranto, a historic city overlooking the sea. In the old town, you can visit the Otranto Cathedral, renowned for its vast floor mosaic and the relics of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto.
Back in the saddle, the journey continues along the Adriatic coast toward the Alimini Lakes, the Sant’Andrea sea stacks, Roca Vecchia, and the spectacular Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry).
The route then traverses the Le Cesine nature reserve and reaches Acaya, a charming fortified village of medieval origin.
The final kilometers lead to Lecce, the capital of Puglian Baroque and the ultimate destination of your gravel tour from Matera to the "Heel" of Italy.
Overnight stay in Lecce.
Day8
Arrivederci, Lecce
This elegant “Baroque drawing room” deserves your full attention.
After many kilometers in the saddle, take the time to stroll through the streets of the historic center, discover churches and palaces built from local stone, and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
If you don’t want to miss any interesting details, here are our tips for visiting Lecce on your own.
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each walker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast in double room
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
Departures and prices
Low Season15/02/2027 => 24/03/2027
Superior990 € /p
Mid Season25/03/2027 => 24/04/2027
Superior1140 € /p
High Season 25/04/2027 => 30/06/2027
Superior1340 € /p
ON REQUEST 01/07/2027 => 27/08/2027
Peak Season28/08/2027 => 06/09/2027
Superior1390 € /p
High Season 07/09/2027 => 30/09/2027
Superior1340 € /p
Mid Season01/10/2027 => 31/10/2027
Superior1140 € /p
Low Season01/11/2027 => 30/11/2027
Superior990 € /p
Supplements per person
6 days Gravel Bike rental with pannier
Superior180 € /p
6 days helmet rental
Superior15 € /p
Single room | Low Season
Superior360 € /p
Single room | Mid Season
Superior410 € /p
Single room | High Season
Superior450 € /p
Single room | Peak Season
Superior470 € /p
Solo traveller
Superior250 € /p
Transfer Brindisi Apt-Alberobello (min 2 pax)
Superior80 € /p
Transfer Bari Apt-Alberobello(min 2 pax)
Superior80 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Brindisi Apt (min 2 pax)
Superior53 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Superior120 € /p
Other Information
Grade
This trip requires a good level of fitness for tackling climbs, some of which are long and challenging. Daily stages range from 65 to 125 kilometers, with elevation gains varying by stage. The route features a mix of climbs, rolling terrain, and flat sections, including some more demanding days suited to those seeking a true gravel riding experience.
It is a challenging trip, primarily due to the distances involved. However, between rides, there will always be time to stop in small villages, savor Puglian and Lucanian cuisine, discover local traditions, and marvel at ever-changing landscapes.
We recommend renting a gravel bike—the ideal choice for navigating not only paved roads and back lanes but also dirt tracks and rural paths—allowing you to venture into the heart of Puglia and Basilicata without sacrificing comfort.
On certain days, we also offer the option of choosing between two routes: one designed for gravel bikes and another that follows mostly paved roads.
Accomodations & Meals
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
- 2 nights in Alberobello
- 1 night in Matera
- 1 night in Grottaglie
- 1 night in Gallipoli
- 1 night in Santa Cesarea Terme
- 1 night in Lecce
7 breakfasts included. All other meals are not included.
Support
The morning of the second day, after breakfast, you will have a Welcome briefing with Bike fitting.
→ We will take care of your luggage while you are cycling.
For the whole duration of the tour, you can contact our assistance numbers.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
During your Welcome briefing you will receive:
- updated Service List;
- luggage Labels;
- requested rental bikes.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Alberobello is easily reachable by train, car and by air.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. Buses and trains of the Trenitalia easily connect Alberobello with the railway stations of Bari, Taranto and Lecce.
BY AIR. The closest airports are Bari and Brindisi, both connected with the most important Italian and foreign cities.
From both airports, you should get to Bari train station by shuttle bus service or train, and from here continue with the Trenitalia to Alberobello.
BY CAR. The main highways are the A14 Bologna-Taranto and the A16 Napoli-Canosa. We recommend you to exit the motorway in Bari Nord and continue along the SS16 to Monopoli and continue on the SP113 towards Alberobello. maps.google.com can help you with the directions.
Back to Alberobello
From Lecce you can reach Alberobello with buses and trains Trenitalia, probably with 1 or 2 train changes. NB: Many train rides on public holidays are replaced by bus rides.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.