Lecce is a city that begs to be explored on two wheels. Its compact historic center, full of baroque architecture and lively alleys, makes for an ideal biking destination. We love how bike tours here combine cultural insights with the freedom to roam at your own pace. For example, the Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike offers a spirited introduction to the city’s most iconic sights, with knowledgeable guides sharing colorful anecdotes. It’s a perfect way to see the Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Roman Amphitheatre—all in just two hours.
Lecce also shines beyond its historic streets. You can rent a bike and explore at your own speed, or venture into the surrounding countryside on electric bikes. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride to the coast or an immersive day in villages filled with ancient olive mills, the options cater to all preferences. The list below highlights the best bike experiences, each offering a different slice of Puglia’s charm.
This guide covers guided city tours, self-guided rentals, countryside adventures, and even sunset rides—each with distinct appeal. Ready to pedal your way through Lecce and its environs? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike
At number 1, this Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike scores a 4.8/5 from over 230 reviews. For $40 per person, you get a two-hour guided ride through the heart of Lecce, passing landmarks like Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, and the Basilica di Santa Croce. The tour is available as a private or shared experience, making it flexible for different group sizes.
What sets this tour apart is the expert commentary and engaging anecdotes shared by guides like Mattia and Adriano. Reviewers mention how much they appreciated the lively explanations, often citing the stories behind the city’s baroque buildings. The route is designed to be manageable even in the heat, with frequent stops for photos and insights. The itinerary includes visits to the Roman Amphitheatre and charming alleys that reveal the city’s layered history.
Bottom Line: It’s an excellent introduction to Lecce for those who want a quick, insightful overview with friendly guides. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see the highlights without breaking a sweat.
2. Lecce Bike Rental
At number 2, the Lecce Bike Rental provides a 5-star rated experience for about $40.64 per day. This flexible option allows you to explore Lecce at your own pace, choosing from various bike types and rental durations. It’s ideal if you prefer independence or want to combine city sightseeing with trips to nearby beaches or villages.
Included with the rental are safety equipment and a central pick-up location, making it straightforward to start your adventure. Reviewers like Naiara highlight the helpful staff and the variety of suggestions for cycling routes. You can meander through the old town or set out into the countryside, making this a versatile choice for all fitness levels.
Bottom Line: If you love exploring on your own terms, a day or longer with a quality rental gives you maximum freedom to craft your perfect itinerary.
3. Lecce: E-Bike tour to Galatina with old olive mill & wine taste
Number 3 on our list is the E-Bike tour to Galatina, rated 5.0/5 by 31 reviews. For around $172, this six-hour guided experience takes you into the scenic Lecce countryside, including visits to an underground olive oil mill and tastings at a historic Pasticceria. The tour includes stops in Sternatia, a town where the Greek dialect Griko is still spoken, and in Galatina to admire its stunning frescoed basilica.
What makes this tour special is the combination of culture and culinary delights. Riding an e-bike, you cover around 18 km in the countryside, making it accessible even for less experienced cyclists. The visit to the ancient olive mill is both educational and atmospheric, providing a real sense of regional craftsmanship. Reviewers mention how knowledgeable Marco was about the area’s history and food, making the day both fun and informative.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers craving a deep dive into local traditions, food, and architecture, all with the help of an electric bike to ease the ride.
4. Otranto and Surroundings Full-Day Bike Tour
At number 4, the Otranto and Surroundings Full-Day Bike Tour offers an 8-hour exploration of the southeastern coast, rated 5/5 by 25 reviews. For $157.28, you visit prehistoric sites, Byzantine crypts, and the turquoise bay of Porto Badisco, with options to swim or rent a canoe.
The tour’s highlight is the mix of cultural and natural sights—like the Byzantine crypt carved into the rock and the stunning coastal views. The guide goes beyond the usual, sharing stories of the region’s layered past. The route includes stops at the Le Constatine weaving center and a regional lunch cooked in a stone oven. The mix of walking and biking makes it a full but rewarding day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to see a broad sweep of southern Italy’s coast and inland treasures, with enough time for swimming and relaxing.
5. Gallipoli Inland and Surroundings Full-Day Bike Tour
Number 5, the Gallipoli Inland and Surroundings Tour ranks highly, with a 5/5 rating from 17 reviews. Priced at about $160, it offers a full day of cycling through the Ionian Sea’s inland areas, including visits to Alezio, Sannicola, and Galatone.
What makes this tour stand out is its ability to reach remote, less-visited parts of the countryside and coastal parks like Porto Selvaggio. The ride to the protected park involves gentle cycling among olive groves and dry stone structures like trulli. The swim break at Porto Selvaggio’s clear waters is a refreshing reward. Reviewers mention Gonzo’s friendly, knowledgeable guidance and the relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those interested in a balanced mix of culture, nature, and leisure, with the flexibility to swim and explore at will.
6. Cycling Across Salento: Capo di Leuca 4-Hour Bike Tour
Coming in at number 6, the Cycling Across Salento: Capo di Leuca is a 3- to 5-hour tour rated 5/5. Covering about 15 km, it’s a relaxed ride along bike paths and secondary roads, ideal for those who want a taste of the region’s coastal beauty without a strenuous workout.
Key stops include the medieval hamlet Giuliano, the Sanctuary of Leuca Piccola, and the Norman castle in Gallipoli. This is a great way to see lesser-known villages and enjoy the sea air. The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.
Bottom Line: Fits well into a busy schedule, offering a manageable ride through scenic villages and historic sites—great for families or casual cyclists.
7. Lecce to Cesine Protected Natural Reserve Full-Day Bike Tour
Number 7, the Lecce to Cesine Reserve offers an 8-hour journey rated 5/5. It combines scenic countryside, a visit to the medieval Acaya castle, and a swim in the Adriatic.
This tour is unique because it visits the last remaining wetland habitat in the region. Biking through eucalyptus-lined paths, you’ll experience the fragrant landscape. The stop at the castle for a coffee break, followed by a swim at San Foca, makes for a well-rounded day. The guide emphasizes regional flora and fauna along the way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers seeking both cultural sights and outdoor relaxation in one trip.
8. Lecce: Top Quality E-Bike Rental
Number 8, the Top Quality E-Bike Rental offers high-end bikes, including German-made Hibike models with Bosch batteries. For $51.59, you can rent these for an hour or a full day, with full equipment included.
This is a flexible way to explore Lecce’s streets or take a longer trip to nearby villages or beaches. Reviewers praise the quality and the attentive service, making it a reliable choice for self-guided adventures.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you prefer to set your own pace and explore at leisure with top-notch e-bikes.
9. Lecce: e-bike tour to the sea with Salento brunch at the castle of Acaia
This E-bike tour to the sea ranks high for its relaxed pace and scenic route. At just 3.5 hours, it’s suitable for those wanting a half-day outing. Starting from Lecce, you bike through olive groves to reach the coast and the Castle of Acaya, where a traditional Salento brunch awaits.
The tour emphasizes enjoying the early morning light and peaceful surroundings. The combination of sea, countryside, and a hearty local meal makes it a delightful experience. Reviewers mention how riding top-of-the-line e-bikes enhances the experience, especially in warm weather.
Bottom Line: Good for those who want a scenic ride with a delicious regional meal included.
10. Ebike rental in Salento
Number 10 offers flexible E-bike rental in Salento, with bikes available for 1 to 30 days. For about $96, you get high-quality Scott e-bikes equipped with everything needed for comfortable riding across the region’s varied terrain.
Ideal for multi-day trips or spontaneous day trips, this option offers maximum freedom to explore the coast, countryside, or towns at your own pace. Reviewers note the personalized service and great equipment, helping you plan your perfect cycling itinerary.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want the flexibility to tailor their cycling adventures over several days.
11. Lecce: E-Bike tour at sunset with typical aperitif
Number 11, the Sunset E-Bike Tour with Aperitif is rated 5/5. It’s a 3.5-hour journey starting in Lecce, riding through olive groves and country roads to reach San Cataldo, then continuing to Acaya for a sunset aperitif at Masseria Vittoria.
This tour emphasizes the peaceful beauty of late afternoon and early evening. The stop at the castle of Acaya makes for a picturesque setting, and the local food and drinks create a perfect end to the ride. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the stunning sunset views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a romantic or leisurely evening ride that combines scenery, local flavors, and a memorable sunset.
12. Lecce: Guided Tour & Street Food Tasting by Bike
Number 12 offers a Guided Tour with Street Food Tasting, lasting around 3 hours. It’s rated 4.4/5, combining sightseeing of main landmarks like Piazza del Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce with tasty local street food tastings along the way.
The tour is ideal for those who want a cultural experience fused with culinary delights. Riding through the alleys of the Old Town, you’ll get a hands-on taste of Lecce’s vibrant food scene. The guide’s storytelling about local traditions adds depth to the experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for food lovers and culture seekers who want a lively, taste-rich outing.
13. Lecce: Bike Rental (City, Trekking, E-Bikes)
Last on our list is the Bike Rental option, rated 4.3/5. Starting at $24, you can rent bikes for 1 to 7 days, choosing between city, trekking, or e-bikes.
This flexible rental is best for those who want to explore Lecce and surroundings at their own pace over several days. Whether you prefer a simple city bike, a rugged trekking bike, or an electric option, this service caters to all levels and plans. Reviews highlight the affordability and helpful staff.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for independent travelers wanting extended biking freedom.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Lecce
When selecting a bike experience in Lecce, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you want a quick overview with a guide and commentary, the City Highlights Guided Tour is excellent. For more flexibility and independence, renting a high-quality e-bike or self-guided rental allows you to explore at your own pace.
If you’re interested in combining culture with regional cuisine, consider the E-bike tour to Galatina. For those who want to experience the coastline and natural parks, the Full-Day Bike Tours or Lecce to Cesine Reserve are ideal. Travelers with limited time might prefer the Capo di Leuca 4-Hour Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and ensure equipment availability.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a variety of bike tours that suit different interests and travel styles—from quick city highlights to immersive countryside experiences. For those new to cycling, guided tours like the City Highlights provide friendly introductions, while independent riders can enjoy the top-quality e-bikes. If you’re craving a full-day adventure, the Otranto and Surroundings Tour or Cesine Reserve trip are excellent choices.
No matter your preference, Lecce’s flat terrain and scenic routes make for memorable rides. Book early, plan your route, and pedal your way into the heart of Puglia’s charm.
