In the heart of Salento, between the Valley of the Cupa and the Terra d’Arneo, pedaling lightly on rural paths, among olive groves, dairies, wine cellars and Baroque architectural beauty.
From Lequile to Copertino and then Leverano, discovering the countryside on the outskirts of Lecce, which honors the cyclist with quality food and wine productions and takes him or her to an unseen and secret Salento.

Itinerary featured in the Guidebook Viatoribus: “Italia in Bici con Gusto”

Itinerary description:
The 37-km route starts and returns to Lequile, just outside Lecce.
From Piazza San Vito, take the road leading to the nearby hamlet of Dragoni. Once past the built-up area, you pass through an artisanal and a rural area to the intersection with SP 125. After a short passage to the artisanal cheese factory “Nuova Piccinni” (350 m on the left), turn back pointing in the direction of Copertino center.
Here we make an initial stop at the “Cupertinum” social winery, then arrive at the Castle. Here you take Sant’Angelo Street, continuing straight along the tree-lined avenue to SP 6, which you cross by taking the Elm Municipal Road.
After 3.6 km, stop at the Magnifica Dairy (at the intersection with SP 119), then turn left to reach the agricultural brewery “Birra Salento” in Leverano.
You then pedal back toward Copertino on the small road parallel to the ring road. Crossing SP 17, follow the signs for Lecce (SP 6) and San Pietro in Lama (SP 16). After about 8 km, you will encounter the workshop of Belliggiano potter Tiberio Belliggiano, entering the town of S.Pietro in Lama after 700 meters.
Past the village, turn right to return to nearby Lequile.

Route type: loop
Length: 37 km
Height difference in ascent: 80 m
Downhill elevation gain: 80 m
Highest point: 51 m
Lowest point: 37 m
Type of surface: asphalt

Technical tips:
The route is on asphalt and suitable for everyone. Only a few stretches, especially on provincial roads, require some attention if tackled at peak traffic times.

Municipality of departure: Lequile
Place of departure: Lequile
Municipality of arrival: Lequile
Place of arrival: Lequile

Recommended period: all year round