Self guided 
Cycling
The Southern Via Francigena by gravel bike
Valle d'Itria e Salento - PugliaDifficulty path:
Highlights
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The centuries-old olive trees and dry-stone walls of the Itria Valley
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Let yourself be enchanted by the White City of Ostuni
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Cycle through the heart of Lecce’s Baroque architecture
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Follow the Adriatic coast, past cliffs and coves
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Cycle to Finis Terrae, where land and sea meet
Program
Welcome to Polignano a Mare!
Welcome to Puglia! The journey along the Southern Via Francigena largely begins in Polignano a Mare, a small town overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. After arriving on your own, take some time to stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, gaze out from the spectacular panoramic terraces, and breathe in the atmosphere of authentic Puglia for the first time.
Dinner in the town is the perfect way to kick off this cycling adventure. A tip? Don't miss our guide!
From Polignano a Mare to Ostuni
55km
The ride begins along backroads and quiet country lanes. You will pedal past ancient olive trees, dry-stone walls, and small villages in the Itria Valley, alternating between paved sections and easy unpaved tracks—perfect for a gravel bike. The day concludes in Ostuni, the famous "White City," which appears on the horizon like a gleaming white mirage amidst the olive groves of the Itria Valley.
From Ostuni to Brindisi
50km
Leaving Ostuni, the landscape gradually shifts. The Puglian countryside guides you toward the sea, winding past olive groves, traditional farmhouses, and ancient rural lanes. You will cycle through the heart of the Brindisi region—far from the busiest roads—until you reach Brindisi itself, a city historically linked to the sea and the great Mediterranean trade routes. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by the very same Roman columns that greeted the poet Virgil—and millions of pilgrims—as they returned from the East.
From Brindisi to Lecce
50km
You set off again heading south, traversing the landscape of northern Salento. White roads and country lanes lead you through olive groves, vineyards, and small rural villages. You will arrive in Lecce—the capital of Apulian Baroque—where you can leave your bike behind and lose yourself among the squares, churches, and palaces carved from warm, malleable Lecce stone.
From Lecce to Otranto
65km
This is the day when two wheels meet the sea. Leaving Lecce behind, you will cycle towards the Adriatic coast, traversing the Salento countryside. Once you reach the sea, the route continues amidst cliffs, coves, and Adriatic vistas, alternating between asphalt and easy dirt tracks—making it a particularly enjoyable ride on a gravel bike. Today’s destination is Otranto, one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns, featuring a historic center, ancient walls, the Aragonese Castle, and a magnificent cathedral. It is a day designed for experiencing Salento by bike, amidst nature, culture, and the sea.
From Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
55km
The final major leg of the journey is also one of the most thrilling. If you are up for it—and willing to wake up a little earlier than usual—you can witness Italy’s first sunrise of the day, a moving experience that will set the tone for an unforgettable ride. Today, you will cycle along the spectacular, rugged Adriatic coast of the Salento region. You will pass iconic landmarks such as the Punta Palascìa Lighthouse—Italy’s easternmost point—as well as Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme, and Castro. The route offers a succession of scenic roads, charming villages, dramatic cliffs, and stretches of wild coastline. As you pedal on, the landscape grows increasingly rugged, and the sea takes center stage. Finally, after traversing the Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca Regional Nature Park, you will arrive at Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy’s Finis Terrae—the End of the Earth.
Bye bye Leuca
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Salento. But before you leave, treat yourself to one last stroll along the Santa Maria di Leuca seafront and—if time permits—a boat trip to discover the coast’s caves and coves from the water.
Your cycling journey through Puglia ends here, but the region’s villages, olive trees, and sea will stay with you for a long time to come.
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
- 6 nights with breakfast in double room
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Supplements per person
Other Information
This gravel bike tour along the southern section of the Via Francigena is suitable for anyone with some experience riding gravel routes—which combine unpaved and paved sections. Daily stages range from 50 to 65 kilometers, with opportunities to stop for sightseeing and refreshments.
The terrain is predominantly flat, with some rolling sections.
The Standard tour offers accommodation in simple B&B and selected 3* hotel.
The Superior tour offers accommodation in charming B&B and 4* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 notte a Polignano a Mare
- 1 notte ad Ostuni
- 1 notte a Brindisi
- 1 notte a Lecce
- 1 notte ad Otranto
- 1 notte a Leuca
6 breakfasts and 1 dinner included. All other meals are not included.
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.
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.
How to get there
Polignano is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and even plane.
BY PLANE. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is 51 km away, while Brindisi-Papola Casale Airport is 78 km away. Various public transport options are available from both Bari and Brindisi to reach Polignano. More information can be found on the Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY CAR. The main motorway to take is the A14 (Bologna-Ancona). From there, take the Bari Nord exit and follow the ring road towards Brindisi. Follow the SS16/E55 to the Polignano a Mare exit; Google Maps can be helpful for navigation.
BY BUS. Polignano is also accessible by bus. The major companies operating this service include Flixbus, Marinobus, and Ferrovie del Sud Est.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.