A land where, over the centuries, many cultures and civilizations have left their footprints, creating the history and traditions of this region: from Daunians, Peucetians and Messapians, past ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines to Normans, Swabians and Angevins. Every day you will have the opportunity to discover their testimonies in archaeological excavations, artistic and architectural treasures such as dolmen and menhirs, rupestrian cave churches and medieval castles, Baroque and Romanesque cathedrals, palaces and historical houses, villages and cities of art, trulli (conic-roofed rural houses built using the dry-stone technique) and masserie (fortified farms). With three UNESCO sites in Puglia – of which you do not want to miss Alberobello, the “World Capital of the TrullI” – and Matera, the ancient city of the “Sassi” (UNESCO World Heritage and the European Cultural Capital for 2019) only a few kilometres beyond the border of the neighbouring region Basilicata, you can literally step inside and discover the history of these magical places during your adventure with Puglia Cycle Tours.

You will discover Puglia also – perhaps above all – through its food and wine, a triumph of flavours, colours and aromas. The excellence of the 0 km ingredients such as DOP extra virgin olive oil and fine DOC and IGT wines such as Negramaro, Nero di Troia and Primitivo will make you discover the identity and the different traditions from the Gargano to the Salento passing by the Murgie and the Itria Valley during your daily stages. “Orecchiette”, grilled meat, fresh fish, focaccia, seasonal vegetables, dairy products, cheeses and much more will accompany you along your itinerary to regenerate yourself with every single meal, whether you’re omnivore, vegetarian or even vegan.

Getting here is easy with direct flights from the European capitals to the “Papola Casale” airport in Brindisi and to the “Karol Wojtyla” airport in Bari-Palese, the main airport that is connected to the city centre through several shuttles and fast trains. Numerous connections by land (trains and buses) and sea (ferries) are also available.

Held in a warm embrace between the Adriatic and the Ionian seas, its Mediterranean climate allows you to bike practically all year long along the 800 kilometres of coastline and the vast plains and gentle hills of the hinterland. Spring is warm and sunny with temperatures around 20°C. Summer is hot and dry inland and more humid on the coasts with temperatures reaching 30°-35°C. Autumn has a mild climate around 20°C. Winter is generally more rainy with temperatures around 10°-15°C

All this explains the growing popularity of Puglia all over the world for those looking for not only culture, history and good food but also nature, thanks to the presence of national parks and natural reserve WWF Oasis sites; sport, with a wide range of activities such as cycling, but also trekking, horse riding, surfing and snorkelling; and those who want to relax and pamper themselves can do just that in one of the many wellness centres and spa’s in the area, perfect to recover after the many kilometres spent riding through Puglia.