Discover one of the most fascinating and evocative itineraries of Salento by bicycle: a route that connects Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme, following the line of the Adriatic coast and crossing places of rare beauty, such as the splendid Porto Badisco. It is a route of about 20 km, accessible and suitable for those with a minimum of training, but especially for those who want to experience the area in an authentic, slow and deep way.
St. Caesarea
This stretch of the Salento offers one of the most scenic cycling experiences in southern Italy, a true sensory journey between the deep blue of the sea, the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the blinding white of the limestone cliffs. Along the way, the landscape constantly changes: from flat stretches to slight climbs, from shady pine forests to panoramic roads overlooking the sea. The constant presence of the Adriatic accompanies the cyclist kilometer after kilometer, providing breathtaking views and glimpses perfect for a stop or a souvenir photo.
To pedal in this area is to immerse oneself in a still intact nature, made of silences, scents of wild herbs, dry stone walls and coastal towers that tell stories of past sightings and invasions. The stretch from Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme is not only a sporting proposition, but a true cultural and scenic experience, alternating history and legend, relaxation and discovery.
On the way there is Porto Badisco, a bay set among high rocks, famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the Grotta dei Cervi, considered one of the most important Neolithic remains in Europe. According to legend, it was here that Aeneas, the Trojan hero sung by Virgil, landed during his journey to the coast of Latium. A stop in this little paradise offers the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim or a snack of typical products.
Arriving in Santa Cesarea Terme, the landscape changes again: the cliffs become higher and more jagged, and the architecture of Moorish-style villas mixes with the relaxing atmosphere of the sulfur spa. It is the ideal place to end the tour, indulging in a moment of wellness or simply contemplating the sea from above, immersed in the quiet.
This route is especially recommended in spring and fall, when the weather is perfect for cycling and the colors of the landscape are at their most beautiful. The mild temperatures and low tourist influx make these months ideal for fully enjoying the beauty of the coast without hurrying, breathing in the essence of Salento at the top of your lungs.
Whether you are a cycling enthusiast, a nature lover or a curious traveler in search of authentic nooks and crannies, this two-wheeled experience will give you authentic emotions and indelible memories. All within biking distance, with the freedom to stop wherever you want and rediscover the pleasure of movement in the great outdoors.
Route details
Length: About 20 km
A medium-length route, perfect to be completed in half a day, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, make scenic stops and maybe even take a swim in one of the beautiful coves along the way. The mileage allows it to be tackled unhurriedly, making it also suitable for those who enjoy relaxed cycling.
Difficulty: Medium
The route is suitable for cyclists with a minimum of training and used to riding on roads with slight elevation changes. The presence of scenic stretches and a few ups and downs makes it varied and interesting in terms of scenery, without being too challenging. You don’t need racing bikes or professional MTBs: a well-maintained city bike or e-bike is more than enough to enjoy the ride in total comfort.
Ideal for:
Perfect for bicycle tourists, families with older kids, couples and groups of friends looking for an outdoor activity that combines light sport, nature and culture. It is the kind of itinerary that lends itself both to those who want to explore the area at a leisurely pace and to those who like to alternate between dynamic pedaling and rejuvenating breaks between the sea, bars and small villages.
Recommended period:
The route is at its best in spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the weather is cooler, the light softer and the landscape explodes in its most authentic colors. During these months, temperatures are ideal for cycling, the coast is less crowded and the atmosphere is calmer, perfect for savoring every detail of the route.
Route type:
It runs on secondary paved roads, mostly coastal, with low vehicular traffic. The route winds through scenic stretches overlooking the sea, passages through Mediterranean scrub and historic views with coastal towers and points of natural and cultural interest. The presence of rest stops, rest areas and access to the sea also makes it ideal for cyclists who want to take their time to explore.
What’s waiting for you along the way: the City of Martyrs, the beaches of Borto Badisco, the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea
Departure: Otranto – Between history, sea and light
The journey begins in magnificent Otranto, the eastern gateway to Salento, one of the most fascinating towns in southern Italy. Known as the City of Martyrs, Otranto combines sea, art and spirituality in an historic center that preserves its medieval soul intact. Before mounting in the saddle, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by its cobblestone alleys, white houses, artisan stores and flower-filled balconies overlooking the deep blue Adriatic.
We recommend a short visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, famous for its extraordinary 12th-century floor mosaic, among the largest in Europe, depicting the Tree of Life and numerous biblical and mythological scenes. Finally, the Aragonese ramparts provide a spectacular view of the harbor and coastline-a perfect way to start the day.
Intermediate stage: Porto Badisco – Nature, legend and silence
Leaving Otranto behind, the coastal road winds gently southward through stretches of Mediterranean scrub, dry stone walls, centuries-old olive groves and spectacular views of the sea. In places, the view opens onto enchanted bays and coastal watchtowers, silent sentinels of the coast that tell of a past of Saracen raids and seafaring life.
After about 10 km you reach Porto Badisco, a small protected inlet, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and wild stretches of the Salento Adriatic coast. Here, according to legend, Aeneas escaping from Troy landed, as Virgil recounts in the Aeneid. But in addition to the legend, Porto Badisco is also a place of great archaeological interest, thanks to the proximity of the Grotta dei Cervi, a prehistoric site with cave paintings dating back more than 6,000 years (currently closed to the public for preservation, but can be visited virtually in some local museums).
This is the ideal stop for a rejuvenating break: a swim in the clear waters of the bay, a stop at one of the small bars with a terrace overlooking the sea, perhaps enjoying a hot pasticciotto or a coffee on ice with almond milk. The silence of the place, interrupted only by the sound of the waves, makes this stop a moment of pure peace.
Arrival: Santa Cesarea Terme – Relaxation and beauty suspended between sky and sea
The ride continues for a few more kilometers along an increasingly rugged and spectacular coastline until you reach Santa Cesarea Terme, perched on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic. This resort has been famous since the 19th century for its sulfurous thermal waters, which flow from four natural caves and are still used today for wellness and curative treatments.
In addition to its spa vocation, Santa Cesarea is striking for its elegant and reserved atmosphere, with Moorish and Art Nouveau period villas built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous is Villa Sticchi, with its arabesque dome and dominant position on the cliff.
Once you arrive, you can choose to:
- Indulge in bathing in the clear, deep waters of the rocky coastline
- relax with a spa treatment
- Enjoy a lunch or aperitif at one of the many sea-view venues
- or just sit and watch the sea, which here merges with the sky into a single blue horizon
The magic of Santa Cesarea Terme lies precisely in its relaxing energy, which makes it the perfect place to end an itinerary between nature, history and wellness.
Why choose this itinerary
Choosing the bike route from Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme, passing through Porto Badisco, means living a complete experience, which goes far beyond a simple bike ride. It is an opportunity to discover the authentic heart of Salento, pedaling through spectacular landscapes, historic sites and small natural gems hidden along the coast.
Coastal panoramas among the most beautiful in Salento
This itinerary offers some of the most iconic and striking views of the Salento Adriatic coast. The sea will be your traveling companion: deep blue, sometimes turquoise, always present among white cliffs, quiet bays and inlets that look like something out of a postcard. The views from high above the sea, especially in the higher stretches, are simply unforgettable.
Quiet and safe roads, ideal for cycling
The route is on secondary roads, with little traffic and well maintained, perfect for enjoying the day’s cycling in total serenity. The absence of traffic-related stress and the ability to stop often to admire the scenery make this route ideal even for those who are not experienced cyclists but like to move through nature in freedom.
Sports, culture and relaxation in one experience
In just a few kilometers , historical heritages, millenary legends and natural beauty alternate: from the Cathedral of Otranto with its unique mosaic, to the Grotta dei Cervi in Porto Badisco, to the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea. All combined with the pleasure of light physical activity, immersed in nature. It is the perfect itinerary for those seeking a balanced experience between movement, discovery and personal well-being.
Ideal for a day trip
With a short length and plenty of stopping places, this route is perfect for a day trip, even if you’re only on vacation for a few days. Starting from one of our bike rental locations-for example, from Otranto-you can easily arrange a half-day or full-day excursion, with free return or transfer service upon request.
A rejuvenating experience, for body and mind
Cycling along this stretch of coastline means disconnecting from routine, breathing clean air, listening to the sound of the sea and rediscovering a slower pace. Every bend in the route offers a new glimpse, every stop is an opportunity to stop and savor the present. It is a way of traveling that regenerates, relaxes and leaves its mark.
