Slow Cycling between Polignano and Villages

Polignano a Mare, with its spectacular cliffs and historic center overlooking the Adriatic, is an ideal starting point for a slow and regenerating cycling tourism experience. But beyond the sea, this area of Puglia holds a surprising inland, made up of secondary roads, dry stone walls, centuries-old olive groves, and small villages to discover at a leisurely pace, on a bicycle.

The beauty of cycling tourism in this part of Puglia is that no great athletic skills are required. The country roads are mostly flat, quiet, and little trafficked. Perfect even for families with children, provided they are used to cycling for a few kilometers. The ideal is to use trekking bikes or city bikes with sturdy tires, as some stretches may be unpaved or slightly uneven.

One of the simplest and most scenic routes starts directly from Polignano and heads towards Conversano. It is about 10 km through countryside dotted with farms, fig trees, olive trees, and isolated trulli. The quietest road is the one that crosses San Vito, then rises inland along secondary roads.

Upon arriving in Conversano, it is worth taking a break in the historic center: the Romanesque cathedral, the Aragonese castle, and the small civic museum are worth a visit. Additionally, there are bars and bakeries where you can enjoy focaccia or typical sweets before heading back.

For those looking for a slightly longer but still accessible route, you can consider a loop of about 30 km. Starting from Polignano, you can reach Castellana Grotte, passing through suggestive and silent rural stretches. After a stop (even just outside) near the famous caves, you can continue towards Conversano, and from there return to Polignano.

This route crosses ancient paths, dry stone walls, and typical landscapes of the Bari countryside. It is suitable for cyclists with a minimum of experience, but it can also be tackled by children aged 10 and up if they are used to cycling.

Another alternative starts from Polignano towards Mola di Bari, following the coast but then deviating inland, along roads that cross cultivated fields and olive groves. You can encounter ancient farms – some of which are still in operation – and small rural nuclei. This route is especially recommended in spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder.

Best period: spring and autumn are ideal, but summer is also fine if you start early in the morning. Bicycles: city bikes or trekking bikes. Electric bikes are also perfect for those who want to tackle the route without effort. Children: it is advisable to bring helmets, water bottles, and some snacks. Some stretches may be dusty, so it's better to have sunglasses and sunscreen.

To avoid getting lost, it is useful to plan the route with apps like Komoot, Wikiloc, or Google Maps in “bike” mode. Cycling between Polignano and the inland means slowing down the pace and immersing yourself in the authentic scents, sounds, and landscapes of Puglia. It is a sustainable way to travel, respecting the territory and allowing you to truly connect with its soul.

Instead of limiting yourself to the classic visit to the historic center and the balcony overlooking the cliff, cycling tourism opens new perspectives, enhancing also the nearby villages, often excluded from the main tourist circuits but rich in history and charm. And upon returning, after a day on the bike, what could be better than an artisan gelato or an aperitif with a sea view on the seafront of Polignano?