Bicycle Tours & Trips in South Italy
Cycling South Italy is one for the memory bank. Puglia’s cycling takes you through Valle d'Itria where trulli houses cluster near Locorotondo and Ostuni. The coastal stretch between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare runs along the Adriatic with hidden coves tucked into the shoreline. Olive groves cover rolling terrain throughout this southeastern Italian region, while medieval towns and old masserie mark the distinctive Puglian landscape. Stunning.
10 best bicycle South Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Cycling Puglia & Matera
- Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
- E-MTB and Trekking - Sicily Explorer
- E-MTB Sicily Grand Tour
- Sicily | Italy | Guided Biketour | make it private
- Puglia guided-Ebiketour | Italy: Between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas | 8 days
- Cycling Across Southern Italy
- Cycling in Sicily
- Italy Coast to Coast by E-bike: Puglia to Amalfi Coast
- Self-Guided Cycling through Baroque Sicily
Cycling Puglia & Matera
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Unique tour of Puglia, we really enjoyed all aspects of the tour. Region is spectacular and full of surprises.”
suzanne, traveled in September
Rolling through South Italy's diverse landscapes on Velo de Ville L200 bikes, from Matera's ancient caves through olive groves to coastal Gallipoli. Traditional masserie stays complement scenic rides along Otranto's dramatic coastline.
Duration 8 days Destinations Matera, Alberobello, Noci, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo, Otranto, LecceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 635 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $5,205
13% Off- NZ$4,526You save $679
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tour was very well organised yet flexible to accommodate individual needs. Fun, informative, fabulous food and an awesome cultural experience.”
suzanne, traveled in September
A breathtaking ride through South Italy, from Marina di Camerota to the Mingardo Canyon. The route features challenging climbs and coastal roads, with accommodation at select hotels including Hotel Santa Caterina in Palinuro. Local culture comes alive through village visits and traditional cuisine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palinuro, Camerota, San Giovanni A Piro, Pisciotta, Ascea, Casal Velino, Acciaroli, Castellabate, Agropoli, PaestumSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 103 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $4,978
9% Off- NZ$4,526You save $453
E-MTB and Trekking - Sicily Explorer
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The terrain we hiked and biked through was beautiful and the stories and information Vincenzo and Manuelo shared on our journeys was informative and interesting and made everything come alive.”
susanne, traveled in March
South Italy's dramatic terrains unfold on e-mountain bikes across three routes. The 160km path winds from Mount Etna through medieval Randazzo, along the ancient Roman 'wine road', to Giardini Naxos's coastline, with professional 29" bikes and vehicle support throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Floresta, Parco Fluviale dell'Alcantara, Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Giarre Age Range Ages 14+ Operated in English, Italian, Russian Physical Rating Moderate Distance 83 mi Operator Etna Bike Tours From
9% Off- NZ$3,153
E-MTB Sicily Grand Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour route was great. A fantastic experience.”
Matt, traveled in April
E-MTBs carry riders through South Italy's varied terrain from Etna's pine forests to Marzamemi's beaches. Daily 55km rides reveal medieval Randazzo, UNESCO-listed Palazzolo Acreide, and coastal Vendicari with full mechanical support.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Parco Fluviale dell'Alcantara, Giardini Naxos, Sortino, Palazzolo Acreide, Noto, Portopalo di Capo Passero Age Range Ages 14+ Operated in English, Italian, Russian Physical Rating Moderate Distance 182 mi Operator Etna Bike Tours From
9% Off- NZ$3,362
South Italy's coastal beauty unfolds by bike, from Catania's baroque streets to Syracuse's historic port. The 182km route over 7 days features UNESCO sites, traditional Sicilian dining, and stays at luxury hotels near Mount Etna and the Mediterranean.
Duration 7 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Pantalica, Syracuse, Noto Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 119 mi Operator Terranova Touristik From
9% Off- NZ$13,059
Rolling from Bari to Lecce reveals South Italy's finest routes, mixing coastal paths and inland trails. Quality bikes handle varied terrain through olive groves and along dramatic coastlines. Professional guides lead cultural visits with vehicle support throughout 44km average daily rides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bari, Castel del Monte, Alta Murgia National Park, Taranto, Gallipoli, Lecce, Otranto Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Easy Distance 609 mi Operator Terranova Touristik From
9% Off- NZ$11,691
Duration 8 days Destinations Palinuro, Maratea, Padula, Matera, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian Physical Rating Easy Distance 166 mi Operator Road Bike Tours Italy From
9% Off- NZ$9,361+$10,511 upfront costs
Cycling in Sicily
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Coming down to Ragusa Ibla with the sun poking through the clouds, and the promise that the cold wind and rain might pass.”
Simon, traveled in May
Two wheels carry you along Sicily's southeastern coast, from Ragusa Ibla's baroque architecture to Syracuse's ancient Greek ruins. Savor local flavors with Modica's traditional chocolate and wine tastings while cycling through olive groves and vineyards. Rest at authentic accommodations like the historic Ferro Hotel and enjoy Mediterranean swims at Portopalo di Capo Passero.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, Modica, Marzamemi, Noto, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 134 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $4,978
15% Off- NZ$4,231You save $747
South Italy's diverse terrain opens up by e-bike from coastal Monopoli. UNESCO sites include Matera's Sassi district with stays at unique properties like Becco Della Civetta in Castelmezzano. Dramatic rides along the Amalfi Coast complete the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Monopoli, Alberobello, Ostuni, Matera, Castelmezzano, Tricarico, Padula, Roscigno, Paestum, SalernoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 286 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,827
5% Off- NZ$8,374You save $453
UNESCO heritage sites unfold as you ride from Ragusa's historic center to Syracuse's Greek ruins. The route passes Modica's chocolate shops, Marzamemi's fishing village, and Nero D'Avola vineyards. Includes quality bikes, luggage transfers, and stays at 4-star hotels.
Duration 9 days Destinations Ragusa, Modica, Pozzallo, Portopalo di Capo Passero, Marzamemi, Noto, Syracuse Age Range Ages 13+ Distance 64 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
5% Off- NZ$3,824
What people love about Bicycle Tours in South Italy
- Cycle Puglia
Explore did really well with health & safety measures as I went during Covid. Hotels had good procedures re social distancing and wearing of masks. Explore had good procedures also
- Cycling Puglia & Matera
Highly recommend. Unique tour of Puglia, we really enjoyed all aspects of the tour. Region is spectacular and full of surprises. Christina was an excellent skilled cyclist and knowledgeable guide. She was very generous with her time, considerate and friendly. Support driver provided excellent back-up, organising our luggage, snacks etc.
What our customers ask about Bicycle Tours & Trips in South Italy
What are the typical daily cycling distances and difficulty levels in South Italy bicycle tours?
Cyclists in South Italy cover between 30-70 km (19-44 miles) each day on routes that range from easy coastal paths to more demanding hill climbs. The Puglia region features gentle terrain while Sicily presents steeper challenges particularly around Mount Etna. A typical route like the Cycling Puglia & Matera tour includes a 54 km ride through Valle d'Itria with cultural stops at Alberobello and overnight stays at Hotel Belvedere in Matera. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hills were too difficult for me and a couple of the distances too long. I rode in the van a bit on 3 of the days."
What type of accommodations can I expect on South Italy bicycle tours?
South Italy's cycling accommodations blend comfort with local character offering 3-4 star hotels historic properties and traditional farmhouses. Guests in Puglia rest at places like Masseria Bosco in Avetrana where swimming pools and olive groves create a peaceful setting. Sicily's accommodations include the Grand Hotel Villa Itria near Mount Etna and the centrally located Hotel Centrale in Syracuse. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodation was really lovely...especially in Matera."
What is the best time of year to take a bicycle tour in South Italy?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant cycling conditions in South Italy with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Sicily shines in May while Puglia's routes are particularly good in September. July and August bring intense heat especially in inland areas. Tour operators concentrate their departures in April-June and September-October with reduced winter schedules due to rain and cooler temperatures.
What kind of cultural experiences are included in South Italy bicycle tours?
Routes connect UNESCO World Heritage sites and important landmarks throughout the region. Puglia's itineraries pass the distinctive trulli houses of Alberobello the white-washed buildings of Ostuni and Monopoli's historic center. In Sicily cyclists visit Taormina's Greek theaters Byzantine chapels in Alcantara Valley and baroque architecture in Noto and Syracuse. Hotels like the Palazzo del Corso in Gallipoli put travelers right in the cultural heart of each destination. A TourRadar traveler noted "The combination of cycling and cultural visits made the trip truly memorable."
What meals are typically included in South Italy bicycle tours?
Daily breakfasts and select dinners showcase regional cooking across the routes. Sicily's tours feature traditional island cuisine and local wines while Puglia's itineraries include meals at chosen trattorias serving orecchiette pasta and fresh seafood. A TourRadar traveler recalled: "The farm stop for lunch with Paul and Ana making mozzarella was just perfect." Tours regularly include wine tastings olive oil sampling and visits to local food producers.
Are e-bikes available for South Italy bicycle tours?
E-bikes are readily available on most routes making hillier sections more accessible to all skill levels. The Sicily Grand Tour provides e-MTBs with disc brakes and suspension forks suited for Mount Etna's terrain. Puglia tours offer 24-speed e-bikes on routes between Bari and Otranto. Properties like Hotel Palazzo del Corso provide secure overnight storage and charging. E-bike rentals add USD 160-300 to tour costs depending on duration.