Cycling day trip from Otranto to Lecce

Get ready for a fantastic pedal from Otranto to Lecce! Starting in Otranto—a picturesque seaside town known as the “Gateway to the East”—you can catch a last view of the dazzling Adriatic before heading northwest into the open countryside. Your journey is mostly on quiet roads (so no stress about cars!), and the terrain is gently rolling, with just about 220 meters of climbing—enough to keep things interesting, but nothing too demanding.

About two-thirds of the route is on friendly asphalt, and sometimes you’ll roll over paving stones or less-finished sections, adding a bit of rustic charm. As you approach Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” get ready to marvel at its famous Baroque architecture, elegant piazzas, and bustling atmosphere.

This 55-kilometer ride is perfect for a day adventure, with plenty of olive groves and sleepy villages along the way. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the Salento landscape and, of course, reward yourself with a gelato in Lecce’s stunning old town when you arrive!