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, doable in a day.
You don't need to be super fit. There are some slopes, but they're not tough. The path is mostly compact dirt or asphalt. Trekking or gravel bikes work well, but not city bikes. One thing to know before starting: in some areas near Ceglie Messapica, there have been issues with aggressive dogs. So, I've focused on marked 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 gets easier and flatter. Biking in that direction is smart for reaching beaches and coves. You can't get to them by car, or it would take long detours.
The main reference is the Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese. It's the most structured route here. It starts in Alberobello, passes through the Valle d'Itria, and reaches Ceglie Messapica, then goes further. The total is about 230 km, 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 see trulli, farmhouses, and a network of small paths crossing the route.
Starting from Alberobello, one of the most interesting parts is the stone bridges. The most famous is the Ponte di Cecca, overlooking the Canale di Pirro. Here, vineyards and pastures mix with trulli and farmhouses. From this point, you can continue on the ciclovia towards Locorotondo or take side paths into the medieval districts of Cocolicchio and San Marco.
Continuing through the Cupa, Lamie Affascinate, and Marziolla areas, the trulli become denser. Many are quite old, with different shapes based on their original use. In Marziolla, you'll find one of the oldest documented trulli in the Valle d'Itria. It has the year 1559 carved on its architrave.
Getting back on the Acquedotto cycle path, you pass Locorotondo heading towards Cisternino. You cross the Figazzano area and a short stretch in Martina Franca's territory. From here, you gradually enter Ceglie Messapica's countryside. Passing 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, including an attack on a cyclist. It's not widespread, but it's good to know before you start your trip.
The reported areas are Madonna della Grotta, Mesola, Mustazzo, and Pezze Sant'Angelo, especially near the old slaughterhouse. It's advised to be very cautious here. If possible, avoid walking or biking in the more isolated sections.
You won't face these risks if you stick to the marked cycle path. The main route stays far from those areas, so there's no reason to venture into the isolated trails of that countryside part.
