Trulli, trails and turquoise seas: The ultimate e-Bike guide to Puglia

Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, is a dream destination. With its picturesque whitewashed villages, sparkling Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, and uniquely rich cultural heritage, Puglia offers an idyllic landscape for exploration. And what better way to experience its magic than on an e-bike?

E-biking in Puglia offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Glide past ancient olive trees, stop for a seaside espresso and explore the region’s historic towns. You’ll discover a side of Italy that feels both timeless and exhilarating.

On our irresistible 9-day self-guided e-bike itinerary, you can explore the many highlights and hidden charms of Puglia.

Starting in Monopoli you’ll ride to the iconic town of Alberobello, known for its unique trulli houses. Your journey continues as you pedal through the tranquil sun-drenched Puglian landscapes dotted with ancient olive groves and vineyards. Along the way explore sandy beaches and rocky coves, hidden caves and grottos, small villages and seaside ports, and gorgeous historic towns like Locorotondo, Ostuni, Gallipoli, and Otranto. The itinerary concludes in the vibrant city of Lecce, famed for its exquisite Baroque architecture.

Get ready to charge up your e-bike and let Puglia’s beauty unfold before you!

Why choose an e-bike to explore Puglia?

Puglia’s terrain is varied, with gently rolling hills, long coastal stretches, and historic town centres with cobbled streets. An e-bike provides the perfect balance of effort and ease, allowing you to cover long distances while still having time to stop for leisurely lunches and explore Puglia’s rich history and culture.

Our itinerary is generally moderate. Although not mountainous you should expect some uphill sections. Daily climbs typically range from 300–500m. Day 6 is the most challenging due to some longer and steeper climbs as you approach Otranto, although there are places to stop for refreshment and inviting small coves where you can take a break for a refreshing swim.

What’s my ride?

Your e-bike will be delivered to your hotel. It will be serviced, cleaned and adjusted to your height as specified in your booking, ensuring a personalised and comfortable fit.

The e-bikes are the most current models and are equipped with the new Bosch 4a motor, a battery of 625Wh, which allows for up to 100km on each charge, depending on the level of pedal assistance you choose. The bikes are ‘Pedelec’ bikes meaning you still need to pedal and the bike motor assists you up to 25km/h, which is the legal limitation. The bike has MTB geometry with 27.5″ – 29″ wheels (Size XS: 27.5″) and Shimano Deore gears. There is an easy-to-read handlebar display that gives you all the stats you need including speed/distance. The e-Bike model supplied may vary according to availability but it will be of a similar quality and range.

Each bike comes equipped with a phone holder, rear bag, a padlock, a pump, odometer, a spare inner tube, and a puncture repair kit with tyre levers, allowing you to carry your essentials and stay prepared throughout the day. Helmets are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to. If you’re more comfortable with your own equipment, you’re welcome to bring additional gear such as gel seats, Allen keys, or multi-tools.

It’s important to be familiar with basic bike maintenance. Handling simple repairs – such as fixing a flat tyre or reattaching a dropped chain – is your responsibility. However, the bikes are fitted with puncture-proof tyres, so in reality you’ll spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying your journey. If you are inexperienced or a casual cyclist, consider visiting your local bike shop for demonstrations or sign up for a workshop or two.

Trip highlights

Monopoli

Perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, Monopoli is the starting point for our Puglia cycling adventures. Known for its atmospheric old town, Monopoli features narrow cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The town’s seafront is dotted with historic fortifications, including the impressive Castello di Carlo V. Monopoli’s beaches, vibrant piazzas, and the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral (Basilica Concattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia) are highlights. Enjoy a glass of local white wine and indulge in the region’s famous “taralli” biscuits. Monopoli is renowned for its fine seafood and there are plenty of fine restaurants where you can get an introduction to the local specialities.

Alberobello

The charming town of Alberobello is located in the Itria Valley, one of the most picturesque regions in Puglia. This remarkable town is famous for its iconic trulli – more than 1,000 unique, whitewashed traditional stone houses with conical roofs that give the town its fairytale charm. The Rione Monti district of the old town, with its shops, cafes and historical sites, is a must-visit, and the surrounding countryside is filled with olive groves and vineyards, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and sample local flavours.

Ostuni

This fortified hilltop town has a timeless Mediterranean charm. Although located inland it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside to the Adriatic Sea, especially at sunset. Its maze of narrow streets, winding staircases, and charming alleyways are a delight to explore. The town’s impressive Gothic cathedral stands at the highest point, while the vibrant piazzas offer plenty of cafes and local life to enjoy.

Gallipoli

This historic fishing town is known for its blend of historic charm and vibrant coastal life, with bustling fish markets, beaches, and a rich maritime history. The town is now divided into two parts: the busy, modern new town and the enchanting old town, which sits on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with baroque churches, whitewashed buildings, cafes and charming piazzas with sea glimpses at every turn. These walls and towers, once built for protection, now provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its beaches, charming waterfront promenade, eclectic, colourful mansions and its vibrant fishing port – if you arrive early enough you may like to take a short optional boat trip to visit some nearby caves and grottos, or watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch. If energy permits we recommend a visit to the Leuca lighthouse and the iconic Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, which overlooks the town and offers breathtaking panoramic ocean and countryside views from its hilltop location.

Otranto

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Gateway to the East’, Otranto is a captivating port town nestled along the Adriatic Sea. The town is famed for its vibrant mediaeval quarter or ‘Centro Storico’ with its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways. The centrepiece is the magnificent Otranto Cathedral, known for its impressive mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life. Be sure to take in the sunset views from a vantage point on the walls of the impressive Aragonese Castle, which dates from the 15th century and dominates the town. As dusk falls enjoy strolling with the locals along the picturesque waterfront and the atmospheric old town, where you’ll encounter small boutiques, arts and crafts shops and inviting cafes and restaurants offering plenty of delicious local cuisine, including traditional Puglian dishes and an abundance of fresh seafood – the calamari is to die for!

Lecce

Often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is a captivating city renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. As you wander through the historic streets you can discover the intricate facades of its churches and palaces, including the Basilica di Santa Croce, with its elaborate carvings and impressive rose window. The vibrant piazzas, lined with cafes and bustling markets are a great place to soak in the lively atmosphere, especially as dusk falls. Lecce is also famous for its traditional crafts, particularly its exquisite papier-mâché works, which make for unique souvenirs. For those interested in exploring some less visited parts of the city while learning more about Puglian cuisine and culture, an optional half-day street food walking tour with a local guide can be added on request at the time of booking.

Practical tips for e-biking in Puglia

Best time to go

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons for cycling, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

What to wear

Think comfort, layering, and weather protection. Similar to what you would wear hiking: quick-dry hiking tee or merino top, and stretchy hiking pants or activewear tights. Padded bike shorts can make longer rides more comfortable.

Navigation

Self-guided cycling requires problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a keen eye. You should be comfortable with map-reading, using a travel app, and referring to route notes. A good sense of direction is essential.

Road hazards

While most of the route is on well-paved country lanes and quiet secondary roads with minimal traffic, you can expect to ride on some busier roads when approaching and leaving larger towns. Some roads may have obstacles like crossing train tracks, potholes, and debris, so you need to be watchful.

Lunch breaks

Many businesses including restaurants and cafes close between 2pm to 4pm for siesta (known as ‘la pausa’), so it’s best to plan a lunch break between 12 noon and 1.30pm, and to arrive at your hotel around 4pm to check-in – see more below. Don’t miss Puglia’s famous orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and creamy burrata cheese.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a selection of hotels that are approximately 3* standard, as well as other guest-favourite properties including cosy family-run B&Bs and agroturismo (rural/farm stays). We prioritise character, great locations, and comfort, ensuring you enjoy stays that provide a nice setting to unwind after a day of cycling. While accommodation availability depends on your travel dates, we’ll always book you into a quality place with a private bathroom.

Hotel check-in times

Hotel check-in times in Italy are typically in the afternoon, usually after 2–3 pm, though in some locations it may be after 4pm. If you arrive too early at hotels your room will most likely not be ready. We recommend enjoying a leisurely breakfast, cycling at a relaxed pace, stopping at interesting spots to explore and taking a well-earned dip in the turquoise sea.

Language

While it is possible to cycle in Puglia without speaking Italian, having some basic phrases on hand will greatly enhance your experience and your interactions with the locals. Purchase an Italian phrasebook and learn some simple phrases. The Google Translate app can be invaluable for translating menus, street signs and other communications.

Free guide to e-biking

At RAW, we have an ever-growing number of e-bike holidays. As well as pedalling around Puglia, you can cruise along the bike paths of the Loire Valley or Danube,  see Slovenia from the saddle or ride a section of Spain’s iconic Camino de Santiago or Portuguese Coastal Camino. The destinations we have chosen are very cycle-friendly and offer many fascinating places to stop, explore and eat along the way. Each morning you simply slot your recharged batteries back into your bike and pedal off. For lots more information about preparation, equipment, gear, batteries, navigation, regulations and more, download our comprehensive free guide to e-bike cycling trips.

Download Guide

Getting there and away

The closest airports to Monopoli are Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) airports. From either Bari and Brindisi you can travel to Monopoli by train (frequent trains, duration approx. 30–40 minutes) or an optional arrival transfer can be added from either of these airports to Monopoli. It is also possible to fly to Rome or Naples and travel by train to Monopoli, although these journeys do take longer and some changes of trains may be required.
For departure, Lecce is well connected to both Bari and Brindisi cities by train, although Brindisi is closer. An optional private departure transfer can also be added from your hotel in Lecce to either Brindisi or Bari Airport. For travellers planning to travel further afield in Italy, Lecce is well connected to Rome by comfortable direct trains (journey duration approx. 5 hours 30 minutes).

Ready to discover Southern Italy on two wheels?

Having hiked and biked our way around the world we can expertly guide you through everything you need to know. Puglia is waiting – and we’d love to help you experience it the best way possible.

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