Top Activities on the Ground in Lecce

Explore the Lecce countryside on a premium E-bike along an easy flat 28 km (17-mile) route. Ride through quiet rural roads to ancient villages and discover Salento’s traditions. In Sternatia, meet Gaetano—a storyteller and poet who speaks Griko, the ancient Greek dialect of the Grecìa Salentina. With him, explore a 15th-century underground olive oil mill, hear a poem in Griko, and learn stories about lamp-oil traders, village life, and this unique cultural enclave. Continue through two villages of the Grecìa Salentina, home of the Griko people, a Greek-speaking community with 3,000 years of history. In Galatina, visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, famous for its 14th-century Giotto-style frescoes. Stop at Pasticceria Ascalone, birthplace of the Pasticciotto (1740) At 1 PM, a private taxi (included) takes you back to Lecce. NOTE: Optional Primitivo wine tasting and traditional Puglian lunch (extra cost; private groups only; request one week in advance).

An evocative e-bike journey starts in the heart of Lecce, taking you through peaceful olive groves and quiet country roads to the Adriatic coast. The first stop is the picturesque fishing village of San Cataldo, where the sea breeze makes the ride even more pleasant. You then continue to the historic village of Acaya, exploring its medieval walls and timeless streets where you will stop to enjoy a typical aperitif with local cheeses, cold cuts, fresh vegetables and Cabin bread, all accompanied by regional wines. This experience encompasses the vibrant colors and authentic flavors of Puglia, offering a perfect end to your day. The tour can also be carried out with departure at dawn to enjoy the coolest hours of the day and a typical Salento Brunch.

This interesting and fascinating 3 hours Hike embraces History, local villages, sea and country side surroundings.

Your adventure begins in the heart of Lecce’s old town, where we set off on e-bikes and follow peaceful countryside roads lined with vineyards, traditional masserias, and ancient olive groves. Our first stop is at the Farmer house (Pantaleo). Here you will try Olive oil and wine while Pantaleo's wife serves us puglian snacks. Next stop is Nardò, a charming baroque town where you’ll enjoy a relaxing coffee break. Try the famous caffè leccese—espresso over ice with almond syrup—and pasticciotto pastry. From Nardò, we ride toward the shimmering Ionian Sea and reach the seaside village of Santa Maria al Bagno, whose crystal-clear waters offer the perfect chance for a refreshing swim. We then continue cycling along the scenic coastline—mostly on dedicated bike paths—until we arrive in Gallipoli, known for its historic old town set on an island and surrounded by turquoise water. From Gallipoli a private taxi (included) will take you back to your hotel in Lecce in about 35 minutes.

Cover more sights in less time during this scenic, off-the-beaten-track bike tour, with stops at prehistoric ruins, a Byzantine crypt, and the turquoise bay of Porto Badisco, with options to swim or rent a canoe. Enjoy fresh, regional delicacies with a traditional local lunch spread, cooked in a stone oven. You’ll also be treated to a tasty iced coffee as you cruise the magnificent coast.

Gallipoli and its surrounding coastal landscapes boast beautiful Ionian Sea views, and a rich history of conquering and settlement dating back to the Middle Ages. On this full-day bike tour, spin through the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park with your guide to lead the way. Reach far-flung historic sites including Alezio, Galatone, and Sannicola with ease, and enjoy free time for a swim at your leisure.

Discover southern Puglia on a 43 km e-bike tour from Lecce to Otranto. Ride through quiet country roads, olive groves, and whitewashed villages, stopping to enjoy local treats like Pasticciotto, Rustico, and Caffè Leccese. The route includes the spectacular Grotta della Poesia and the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, where you can also swim in the crystal-clear sea. An optional wine tasting and lunch experience is available. Your journey ends in Otranto, where you can explore the old town, admire the Cathedral’s mosaic, shop in local boutiques, enjoy lunch by the sea, and take another refreshing swim. A taxi ride back to Lecce is included for a comfortable return.

Baroque Lecce is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, often called the “Florence of the South”. Cover more ground and take in its sumptuous churches and palaces at your own pace with this independent bike rental from the heart of the old town. Pedal through Lecce or strike out further afield to explore the surrounding countryside and coastline on the bike of your choice.

Experience a pleasant multilingual tour by bike or in the comfort of our modern and environmentally friendly rickshaws with an experienced guide. The tour begins by visiting the main attractions, crossing the characteristic streets of the historic center, we will discover the immense Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful in Italy. The tour continues to discover the monumental entrance of the city, Porta Napoli, to continue with the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce, which reveals the artistic development of Lecce Baroque. The tour ends by cycling in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where among historic buildings and churches we will discover the Roman remains of the Roman amphitheater. Between history and culture, the discovery of typical flavors is inevitable, a tasting of local excellence among those available according to the season.

Experience one of Puglia’s most beautiful coastal walks on this 7 km (about 1.5 hours) guided hike from the Cava di Bauxite to Otranto. Your adventure begins at the extraordinary Cava di Bauxite, where bright red earth surrounds a striking emerald lake—one of Salento’s most unique natural landscapes. From here, follow scenic seaside trails to the unspoiled Baia delle Orte, a quiet bay of crystal-clear water where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a relaxing coffee break right by the sea. Continue along the cliffs to the historic Torre del Serpe, a medieval watchtower wrapped in local legend and offering sweeping views over the Adriatic. Your hike ends in the charming coastal town of Otranto, where you’ll have free time to explore the old town, visit the famous Cathedral with its 12th-century mosaic floor, swim, shop, or enjoy fresh seafood. When you're ready, your private taxi will bring you comfortably back to Lecce.

RENT a high-quality fully equipped E-bike and enjoy Lecce and the surrounding villages . The E-bikes available for rent are Hibike (German Made) and have a battery (BOSCH) autonomy of 85 km. The E-bikes also come fully equipped with a U-lock, Mobile phone holder, Helmet, and Ortlieb side panniers with no extra costs.

A gentle and flat path of about 38km, which will guide you through the historical and natural beauty of the Lecce countryside. Starting from Lecce, the baroque city par excellence, you will cycle to the Church of Santa Maria d'Auria, a hidden gem immersed in the Salento countryside, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and a serene atmosphere. From there, the journey continues to the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, an ancient masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, surrounded by a vast olive grove and today an FAI site, which you can also visit inside to appreciate its timeless beauty. You will continue towards the natural park of Rauccio, a protected area characterized by a rare forest of Leccese oaks where you can enjoy a moment of relaxation tasting your picnic with typical local products. Finally, the route will take you back to Lecce, concluding an excursion that harmoniously blends history, nature and culinary culture, offering a unique and accessible experience for everyone.

Our service exclusively offers top-of-the-range E-Bikes of the Specialized brand with related safety equipment We have thought for you of a route that condenses in a few kilometers the soul of Salento: you will cross olive trees fields, skirt the crystal clear sea of our coast, visit ancient and wonderful villages and relax enjoying a lunch sitting in front of the sea. This tour will be done using a Virtual Guide which we will provide you at the meeting point.

Enjoy an up-close experience of Puglia’s picturesque countryside on this languidly paced, full-day bike tour. Meet your guide, set off from Lecce, and continue onwards to Acaya, where you’ll see its historical castle and stop for light refreshments. Then, head to the Adriatic coastline and go for a refreshing swim before visiting Le Cesine Nature Reserve: the region’s last-remaining wetland habitat. Finally, bike back to Lecce along scenic country lanes.

With Apulia Outdoor you don’t just rent a gravel bike — you experience the most authentic Puglia, cycling along one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. Our experience is tailor-made: after Reservation, a Local Guide will contact you to create the perfect itinerary for you, DA 30 or 60 km, through Salento countryside, historic villages and breathtaking sea views. Upon delivery you will receive a personalized GPS track, ready to guide you through the most iconic places of Salento: the Grotto of Poetry, the Arch of Lovers of Sant’Andrea, Roca Vecchia and the small villages of Grecìa Salentina. Our fully equipped premium SCOTT bikes guarantee comfort and performance on any terrain, while our local team is always ready to assist you. A unique way to discover Puglia: authentic, safe and unforgettable.

Visit Lecce by bike or in the comfort of our modern and ecological rickshaws. Join a private tour and discover the most beautiful places with an expert guide. Choose between a morning, afternoon or evening departure and discover the spirit of charming Lecce. Admire historic attractions, including the Roman amphitheatre of Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the ornate Basilica of Santa Croce, as well as Piazza Duomo. You can learn about authentic local culture and traditions and sample mouthwatering foods, such as ice cream or bruschetta, and a glass of wine. Enjoy a flexible itinerary and the individual attention of your guide.

Discover by E-bike the legendary origins of olive trees and the history of olive oil production from the 1400 to today. Cycle very little traffic country side roads surrounded by olive oil trees and majestic farm houses (Masserias). Visit Sternatia, one of the nine towns of Grecìa Salentina (Greek minority area in Puglia) where the greek dialect Griko is spoken. Experience a guided tour in an underground ancient olive oil mill. Visit and try the olive oil from a today olive oil small local producer.

Journeying through Capo di Leuca by bicycle allows travelers to go where buses and cars can’t. With this tour, cruise through the charming villages of the region along bike paths and “secondary” streets. Discover hidden gems like the medieval hamlet of Giuliano and the Sanctuary of Leuca Piccola in Barbarano. It’s an easy, roughly 9.3-mile (15 kilometers) bike ride suitable for all fitness levels.

Visit Lecce and its most suggestive and authentic places with an expert guide, participating in a private and personalized tour out of time and clichés. Learn how to make excellent artisan ice cream together with a master craftsman and experience the atmosphere of southern Italy by immersing yourself in real local life!

Discover the country side of Lecce. Cycle to a local Brewery. Visit the Brewery and learn about the steps of production. TASTE 3 types of beer accompanied by Puglia traditional Snacks. The cycle to and back the Brewery is taking two different routes. You will get to experience the real country side surrounded by olive trees, small villages and beautiful masserias (farm houses). All of this cycling on narrow farmers back roads with no traffic.