Puglia by Bike: Pugliese Aqueduct Bike Path

For those wishing to explore Puglia by bike, the Pugliese Aqueduct Bike Path offers a captivating journey through the heart of the region, following the route of two historic aqueduct conduits: the Main Canal from Caposele (AV) to Villa Castelli (BR) and the Grande Sifone Leccese to Santa Maria di Leuca (LE).

The itinerary follows the historic route of the Pugliese Aqueduct, an impressive structure built between 1906 and 1939, which stands as an excellent example of industrial archaeology. The chosen mode of transport is, of course, the bicycle, which “glides” along the water, traversing secondary roads and dirt paths free of traffic, offering an immersive and authentic experience of the Apulian landscape.

Opting for this travel solution, covering 500 km through the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia, allows you to embark on a journey that combines the intrinsic charm of the places with the majestic work of man, creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Let’s take a look at all the main stops along the route.

The journey proposed to cycle tourists along the Pugliese Aqueduct Cycle Path is an extraordinary route that intertwines the history and nature of southern Italy’s inland areas. The route follows the historical traces of Europe’s most impressive water system, a series of approximately 500 kilometers connecting Alta Irpinia to Salento, crossing regions rich in culture such as Alta Murgia and the Valle d’Itria.

The “bike adventure” towards Puglia, as mentioned, begins in Alta Irpinia in Campania, at the monumental Sanità springs in Caposele. Among the villages of Irpinia, Caposele stands out as a location of remarkable significance. This small town, situated at the foot of the Monti Picentini Park, is a treasure trove full of charm and historical testimonies.

In this area, it is possible to explore the source of the aqueduct that supplies water to the entire Puglia region and even see the original lock gates from 1909, still in perfect working condition.

The Campanian village is also renowned for the Sanctuary of San Gerardo and the associated worship, as well as for the Fluvial Park, an area where visitors can walk along trails immersed in a rich natural environment filled with local fauna and flora. Additionally, the Museo delle Macchine di Leonardo further enhances the cultural offerings of this fascinating place.

The initial stretch of the magnificent journey that allows you to reach Puglia by bike is a climb towards the Sella di Conza, the watershed between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. After crossing the Ofanto River and passing through the territory of Calitri, cyclists can venture into Basilicata, a region that offers stunning and unmissable landscapes such as those located between Rapone and Ruvo del Monte.

If you have the opportunity to stop for a quick visit, you should know that Rapone, one of the first towns encountered during the bike journey to Puglia, presents itself as a treasure chest filled with traditions and architectural treasures. Its historic center captures attention with its medieval atmosphere and offers gems such as various panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains and countryside, as well as initiatives like the Percorso delle Fiabe, a project that has revived ancient local stories.

Once you arrive in Basilicata, don’t miss the chance to visit another jewel: Ruvo del Monte. Here, you can admire the castle that overlooks the village, presumably of Lombard origin, reconstructed in 1348. Additionally, you can explore one of the museums dedicated to rural traditions, enjoy a coffee in the charming historic center with its quiet and intimate piazzettes, or take a leisurely walk through the beautiful municipal forest.

Resuming the bike trip towards Puglia, crossing the canal-bridges over the Atella river offers a breathtaking view to all cyclists who decide to cross it pedaling directly on the channel. After this truly spectacular sight, the route continues through the Vulture Melfese region, with a service track parallel to the axis of the Ancient Appian Way and EuroVelo 5.

Here too, the beauty of the landscape, with the now dormant Vulture volcano as a backdrop, creates a suggestive scene appreciated by every visitor. After crossing the Apennine sections, the route begins in Puglia, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves even more in the culture and traditions of this fascinating area.

The Apulian aqueduct traces a path through inland Puglia, offering breathtaking scenery and nothing but cultural authenticity. The ascent from the Bradanic trough to Alta Murgia is the only uphill and partially strenuous stretch, but from Castel del Monte to Villa Castelli, cyclists can travel almost without interruption along the service track, which winds along a constant downhill slope.

Passing through Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo, wonderful villages of the Itria Valley, it’s possible to immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural richness of these fascinating places, discovering millenary traditions, admiring the uniqueness of the trulli and experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Apulian life.

For cyclists who venture along the cycling itinerary of Puglia by bike through the Apulian Aqueduct Cycleway, choosing to stay in a trullo in Locorotondo at the Trulli Loco facilities represents the ideal option. This holiday home complex offers six independent accommodations in characteristic Apulian dwellings, properly renovated and equipped with all comforts.

Maintaining a family atmosphere, the objective of the family that owns the structure is to make all guests relive the emotion of home and the particular connection with the land passed down through generations, so that during their vacation they can savor the spirit and true essence of this region.

Rejuvenated in one of these prestigious structures, it’s possible to continue the bicycle journey to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the aqueduct ends with the famous monumental waterfall, a place that offers a unique and unmissable spectacle. The evocative conclusion of the route offers the opportunity to admire the majesty of this water system and to immerse yourself completely in the magical atmosphere of the final destination.

In conclusion, the Apulian Aqueduct Cycleway is an invitation to immerse yourself in the wonders of Puglia through an unforgettable cycling tourism experience. Besides providing a cross-section of the history and culture of three Italian regions, it represents a virtuous example of the union between landscape, industrial archaeology and experiential travel. Choosing this travel solution becomes tangible testimony of how history, culture and sustainability can converge in a unique experience for cyclists and nature lovers.