DAY 8 ½: OSTUNI – CAROVIGNO – (TRAIN) –

This stage is divided into two stretches. The first one is the shorter one: starting from Ostuni and after visiting the imposing and elegant Castle of Carovigno, you reach the little Carovigno rail station, hidden among olive trees. Here you can take one of the many trains of “Ferrovie dello Stato” (Italian state Railway) to get to Lecce in less than one hour (in Puglia you can bring the bicycle with you on the train for free). Then, you pedal into the Salento capital, visiting one of the most beautiful Italian old towns. Riding away from Lecce, you directly head to Acaya, an enchanting fortified little town between Lecce and Otranto, once an ancient stronghold against Saracens’ attacks. Then you cycle in the most authentic countryside, next to the imposing “pajare” – Salento typical “trulli” with a square base. You are a few kilometres away from Borgagne, a small and nice Salento village, where you will stay for the night.

Castle of Carovigno – fortified town of Acaya – pajare (Salento trulli with square base) – Lecce Baroque -“pasticciotto leccese” (typical Salento pastry)