Puglia: the pearl of Southern Italy

I love Italy. That’s it. The beauty of the country, the people, the food. I think I fell in love with it really about 25 years ago. Then I heard the language, and for the first time I was in Italy. Bolzano And Merano. From that moment on, Italy has been high on my list of destinations for a cycling holiday. I think that speaking Italian also helps to nurture my love for it. It creates deeper connections during my travels. This is also the case in Puglia. The heel of the boot is becoming increasingly popular among cyclists. Cycling in southern Italy is definitely recommended. The landscape is inviting to go cycling, and the ‘cucina povera’, where simple dishes take center stage, is delicious. We stayed in and around Fasano.

Casino

Admittedly, Southern Italy is a rough diamond. Especially the province of Calabria is rough. Not only because of the influence of the mafia, but also because of the landscape. A similar situation applies to Puglia (or Apulia in Dutch). Perhaps appearances can be deceiving. The province of Puglia stretches out like a long ribbon along the Adriatic coast and borders the provinces of Basilicata, Campania and Molise.

Southern Italy is an experience and you can already see that when you get off the plane and head to your destination. Car rental is a bit less organized than in other EU countries; the locals drive a bit erratically (sometimes in the middle of two lanes) and overtaking can be done both on the left and right side of the road. Sometimes you’ll find a small trash dump in random places, and if you blink your eyes twice south of Bari you’ll actually see a gambling zone along the highway. As the Italians themselves call it: a casino!

Basecamp Fasano

Fasano is a beautiful place to explore the surroundings. In this part of Italy you will find many old ‘Masserie’. Grander farms or actually manor houses where you can spend a wonderful night. Around Fasano we find places like Borgo San Marco And from there we explore the surrounding area. That area is characterized partly by the coastline. You can drive from the Gargano in the north all the way to the south, along the ‘lungomare’. The coastline is sometimes rugged, but with many beautiful rocks and other natural beauty.

White house

Another characteristic is the many white villages and towns. These characteristic houses can be found from Polignano a Mare to Lecce, from Bari to Ostuni and Locorotondo. This is specific to this region and it creates a very pleasant atmosphere. The first round we do takes us towards Cisternino (pronounced Sister NEEEEEENO by American tourists) and back along the coastal town of Ostuni. In 50 kilometers you get a taste of the essence of this region. You start almost at the sea and there is a ridge of hills from north to south where you go uphill. You will not find hairpin bends and steep slopes here very often, but that is also the beauty. You drive from village to town and you often have a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Puglia is special in this respect.

Monopoli – Alberobello

Near Fasano you will find the town of Monopoli. Just by the name you should have visited this place at least once. Just like the Trulli houses in Alberobello. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is defining for the region. On a beautiful Sunday drive you can go there. Take your time to walk through the streets or drive around and look at the houses. It is a very special sight. To get there you can take different routes from Fasano, but it is worth going further through Martina Franca and then via Massafra to Alberobello, Putignano and then to Monopoli. Beautiful views, you drive through the vineyards and olive groves and the only thing you really have to pay attention to are the potholes in the road. On a Sunday morning it is very quiet here, so go ahead!

Other options

Of course, Puglia is larger than Fasano and its surroundings, but due to time and location, we were only able to catch a glimpse of it around Fasano. In the Gargano, the scenery is stunning with beautiful views and beautiful beaches. A little further inland, you can have fun in Foggio in the hills. Cycling in southern Italy is highly recommended!