FOUR DAYS E-BIKE IMMERSIVE SALENTO TOUR (Self Guided)

DAY 1: LECCE – GALLIPOLI General Description: The tour starts by exiting one of the main gates of Lecce. We will ride through tiny countryside roads surrounded by vineyards, masserias, and olive trees. Bar stop in Nardò where you can try "Caffè Leccese" and delicious Pasticciotto. After Nardò, we will soon reach the sea and take a swim in crystalline clear water. We will continue by cycling along the coastline (mainly cycle path) to Gallipoli. ⏺︎ KM 25 LECCE - NARDO Bar stop on the main square at the famous and old-school Bar Parisi. Here you can try the real Pugliese late breakfast with Caffè Leccese and delicious Pasticciotto. You will also have the time to get lost in the small alleys of this beautiful Baroque village full of majestic palaces. ⏺︎ KM 9 NARDO – SANTA MARIA AL BAGNO Enjoy a swim break in the crystal clear water of Santa Maria al Bagno bay. Also possible to eat a gelato or get a beer, food, and more. ⏺︎ KM 10 SANTA MARIA AL BAGNO - GALLIPOLI There are different translations and derivations of the meaning of the name, but the most popular one comes from the ancient Greek and means “beautiful city”. The ancient town is connected to the Bourg (modern town, where your hotel is) by a stone bridge. The historical city centre is an island surrounded by the sea, full of churches and beautiful Baroque-style private palaces (few underground oil mills under the pavement of the palaces). Get lost in this area full of souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want to try something typical and traditional, look for a “granita di mandorle” (iced mashed almond) and of course don’t miss the aperitivo during the sunset! Remember: Gallipoli is the only city during your bike trip in Puglia from where you can see the sun setting directly into the sea at sunset ☺ The only beach available in town is in the historical city centre, under the city walls, overlooking the S. ANDREA lighthouse... But you will have more beaches tomorrow ☺ DAY 2: GALLIPOLI – S. M. DI LEUCA General Description: On day 2 we will walk trough the Litoranea: Litoranea literally means "coastal road". Today you will always have the sea on your right, and its name is: Mar Ionio. Consider that you can enjoy the sandy beaches only in the first part of the ride, because approaching the most southern part of the region; you will be riding on top of rocky cliffs and small rocky marinas. During Off-Season Trips: We recommend you bring water and whatever you need for the day, from Gallipoli, because a lot of marinas and villages are completely empty! You can try your luck in: Marina di Mancaversa, Torre Mozza, Marina Pesculuse (Martinucci Café: excellent stop for a gelato or a snack on the road!) ⏺︎ KM 32.3 - TORRE MOZZA This small hamlet could be a good option for your lunch and the last swim on a sandy beach (for the following km, you will have rocks and cliffs). Charles V built the tower in the XVI century. It was used as a watchtower to prevent inland villages in case of a Saracen attack. The tower was also used during the II World War and abandoned afterwards, which is why it looks ruined and is called Torre Mozza: The CUT-OFF TOWER. ⏺︎ KM 20.5 - S.MARIA DI LEUCA It’s a small village, rich in historical and natural attractions. It’s located between two points: Punta Ristola and Punta Meliso. Before reaching the lower part of the municipality, stop a moment at Punta Ristola (west head). Here you will see a big Italian flag indicating the southernmost piece of land of the region: DE FINIBUS TERRAE. From here, you can admire the beautiful shape of the village and the marina of S. Maria di Leuca and the other point: Punta Meliso, with one of the highest lighthouses in Italy. Descending the panoramic road leading to the city centre, look around for: the Tower of Uomo Morto (the dead man), the promenade along the “beach”, the main church with the typical local stone, and the beautiful and unique XVIII century private villas. Please note that according to some maps and local tradition, this village is the border between the Ionian and the Adriatic seas (on some days, you can see a big difference in colors between them. This is the effect of the meeting of the two different currents of the two seas ☺) . 1-hour boat tour will show you the spectacular cliffs and mysterious grottos from a different perspective. You can also opt for longer boat sightseeing and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea (inland freshwater rivers ending in the grotto and then into the sea)… the difference in water is shocking!!! – Oliven Reiser Discount: DAY 3: S. M. DI LEUCA – OTRANTO General Description: On day 3 we'll ride from S. M. di Leuca to the historic town of Otranto. Our journey takes us along the scenic coastal road of Mar Ionio, offering stunning views of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. We'll visit charming villages like S.Cesarea Terme and Porto Badisco, enjoy refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters, and explore the easternmost point of Italy at Punta Palascia. The day concludes in Otranto, where you'll experience its rich history, beautiful Baroque architecture, and vibrant seaside atmosphere. ⏺︎ KM 18.6 - S.CESAREA TERME Its name is related to the natural underwater sulfur springs (“terme”). Despite the very old origins of the village (II century B.C.), only locals and a few Italians enjoy the beauty of its springs and palaces. While you cross the village, which became more popular only after the second half of the XIX century, take a look at the private villas in Moresque and eclectic styles. A curiosity: just before the church (36.7 km) there is a bar with some Jewish inscriptions on the front. This was one of the private villas, used after the II World War as a “safe house” for refugees. Lunch Option: 200 meters after the church, on your left, there is Bar Elisir, a “good value for your money” option if you are looking for a simple seafood pasta dish or a “frittura mista” (fried mixed shrimp, calamari, fish, and octopus) or a calzone or a rustico. Don’t miss their affogato, (a ball of gelato with hazelnuts, vanilla, or cream, topped with hot espresso). ⏺︎ KM 5.4 - PORTO BADISCO This small fishermen hamlet could be a good option for your last swim on a tiny sandy beach (for the following km, you will have rocks and cliffs). There is a historical café, Da Carlo, where you can enjoy the local aperitif: beer or a glass of wine with pieces of provola cheese and mortadella. In the right season, this is THE place to taste the ricci (sea urchins) with a local fresh white wine ☺ ⏺︎ KM 11.7 - PUNTA PALASCIA This is geographically the most eastern point of Italy! It’s also considered the closest point to the Albanian coastline. On a clear day, from here, you can see the Epirus Mountains: Monti Acroceurani (natural border between Greece and Albania). In summer and on special days, you can enter the lighthouse (below the panoramic road you are biking on) and enjoy a glass of wine or a fresh beer! ⏺︎ KM 17.8 - OTRANTO Very old and interesting town. The origins date back to the VIII century B.C., influenced by different cultures: Messapii, Greek, Romans, Byzantines, and Aragonese. Get lost in the historical city centre and visit the castle, the Norman cathedral (largest mosaic in Europe), and take a stroll along the city wall overlooking the sea. For its rich history, the city centre of Otranto received from UNESCO the eulogy as a “Peace Messenger Site”. Otranto is also named the DOOR TO THE EAST WORLD. From the harbour of Otranto, you can book a scuba dive experience! Ask me for more information or ask directly at the hotel reception ☺ DAY 4: OTRANTO – LECCE General Description: On the final day of our adventure, we'll bike from the historic town of Otranto back to Lecce, traversing picturesque coastal landscapes and exploring ancient landmarks along the way. Our route takes us past pristine beaches like Torre dell'Orso and the charming hamlet of Roca Vecchia, where you can take a dip in crystal-clear waters and enjoy local aperitifs at Da Carlo café. We'll visit Punta Palascia, the easternmost point of Italy, offering panoramic views of the Epirus Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Continuing towards Lecce, we'll explore fortified towns like Acaya, rich in medieval architecture and underground grainers. The day concludes in Lecce, where you'll have the opportunity to admire its renowned Baroque architecture, stroll through vibrant streets filled with shops and trattorias, and enjoy a memorable dinner celebrating our unforgettable journey through Puglia. ⏺︎ KM 17.8 – TORRE DELL’ORSO In August, the beach is not accessible due to the number of tourists, but in other months, it’s a paradisiacal white sandy beach: enjoy a swim in its crystalline blue waters! Recent research showed that the bay was the ancient harbour of the city of Roca. Nowadays, you can only admire the XVI century watchtower and the “two sisters” faraglioni (tall rocks in the sea) on the other side of the bay. If you want to try a very special gelato, stop at Dentoni Gelateria. It has a very nice terrace above the beach. In front of the watchtower, on a restaurant terrace, you can also enjoy a nice seaside food lunch with a glass of wine, overlooking the bay and the sea. On a clear day, from here, it is possible to admire the Monti Acroceurani (Epiros Mountains). ⏺︎ KM 20.5 - ROCA VECCHIA If you stop to visit the Grotta della Poesia, you’ll be able to see the watchtower on the other side of the bay. Try to use your imagination: this amount of rocks and destroyed walls was once the city of Roca. Dating from the Bronze Age, its history is full of glorious moments and terrific destructions. Hannibal destroyed the town in 200 B.C., Messapian and Greeks built there a city, and in the XIV century, the town was fortified. Unfortunately, after the arrival of the Saracens, it was completely abandoned and destroyed over the years by sea and wind erosion. Take a stroll through the ruins and jump into the grottos hidden by the white rocks. In the summer season, there is a small, simple local blue bar above the cliff at the entrance of the village (nice sandwich and fresh beer available ☺). ⏺︎ KM 38.1 - ACAYA It’s one of the best examples of a fortified town from the XVI century. The ancient city was part of Lecce county since medieval times but was completely renovated and reorganized during the time of Charles V. Take a look at the castle and the square, especially the floor on the right side of the street; you’ll see ancient underground grainers covered by a glass floor. The bar above it is often closed during lunch time (1-4 pm) and especially off-season. ⏺︎ KM 49.6 - LECCE The origins of the city date back to 3000 B.C., but after the arrival of the Romans (III B.C.), the city was transformed with a theatre, amphitheatre, forum, and even a harbour (nowadays San Cataldo). One of the first Christians who evangelized the city became the bishop and martyr of the town: Sant’Oronzo. Today, Lecce is famous for its unique Baroque style that you can admire everywhere while walking through the historical city centre. Take a stroll and don’t miss the Duomo (Cathedral), The Holy Cross Church (Santa Croce), and Sant’Oronzo’s Square (with the statue of the city patron and part of the Roman amphitheatre). Here, you can sit in one of the local bars and enjoy a typical “aperitivo” with some Salento’s delicacies and a glass of Apulian wine. Walking through the historical city centre, you can enjoy nice shopping, bookshops, and all kinds of gastronomy specialties to bring back home ☺… don’t miss one of the traditional papier-mâché laboratories, some of which offer very interesting modern artworks! Have a great dinner in one of the “Vineria” (Wine Shops) or Trattoria (traditional inn) of the historical city centre.