Valle D'Itria By Bike: Itinerary and Tips
A section of the Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Path between Alberobello and Ceglie Messapica: trulli, farmhouses, dirt roads almost always away from traffic. And a few things to know before you set off.
The route I describe covers the Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese between Alberobello and Ceglie Messapica. It's about thirty kilometers and can be done in a day.
You don't need to be super fit. There are some inclines, but they're not tough. The path is mostly compact dirt or asphalt. Trekking or gravel bikes are fine, but not a city bike. One thing to know before starting: there have been serious incidents with aggressive dogs in some areas of Ceglie Messapica's countryside. That's why I focus on marked cycle paths, avoiding isolated trails in risky areas.
There are many different routes. Inland, you'll find quieter secondary roads and dirt paths. Heading towards the sea, the terrain becomes easier and flatter. In that direction, biking is a smart way to reach beaches and coves. Some places are hard to reach by car or require long detours.
The main reference is the Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese. It's the most structured route in the area. It starts in Alberobello, passes through the Valle d'Itria, and reaches Ceglie Messapica, then continues beyond. It's about 230 km in total, but even a section is worth it. The parts through the Valle d'Itria are about thirty kilometers, surrounded by greenery and away from traffic. You'll pass trulli, farmhouses, and a network of small paths crossing along the way.
Starting from Alberobello, one of the most interesting sections is the stone bridges. The most famous is Ponte di Cecca, overlooking the Canale di Pirro.
Here, vineyards and pastures alternate with trulli and farmhouses. From this point, you can continue on the cycle path towards Locorotondo or take side trails into the medieval districts of Cocolicchio and San Marco.
Continuing through the areas of Cupa, Lamie Affascinate, and Marziolla, the trulli become denser and often very old. Their shapes vary based on their original use. In contrada Marziolla, you'll find one of the oldest documented trulli in the Valle d'Itria. It has the date 1559 carved on its architrave.
Getting back on the Acquedotto cycle path, you pass Locorotondo heading towards Cisternino. You go through contrada Figazzano and a short stretch in Martina Franca's territory.
From here, you gradually enter the countryside of Ceglie Messapica. The passage through Montedoro (near the namesake farm) marks the start of a more enclosed and less visually "open" section. After a few kilometers, the route reaches Pineta Ulmo. It's a natural area with shade, perfect for a break or picnic before continuing.
Recently, there have been serious incidents involving dogs in some parts of Ceglie Messapica's countryside. There was even an attack on a cyclist. It's not widespread, but it's good to know before you go.
The reported areas are Madonna della Grotta, Mesola, Mustazzo, and Pezze Sant'Angelo, especially near the old slaughterhouse. Here, it's advised to be very cautious, avoiding walking or biking in the more isolated parts if possible.
These risks don't exist if you stick to the marked cycle path. The main route stays far from those areas, so there's no reason to stray into the isolated trails of that countryside part.
