Lecce: E-Bike tour to Galatina with old olive mill & wine taste

Imagine cycling through sun-drenched fields dotted with ancient olive trees, passing picturesque villages with their labyrinth of narrow streets, and stopping to savor authentic regional delights. This Lecce e-bike tour offers exactly that—a 6-hour journey that combines active exploration with rich cultural experiences. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll pedal through stunning landscapes and visit historic sites, all while enjoying the comfort of high-quality bikes and thoughtfully curated stops.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to ride eco-friendly through the countryside with a top-grade e-bike, making what could be a strenuous day comfortably accessible to most. Second, the opportunity to step inside an underground ancient olive oil mill, a rare glimpse into traditional production methods that few travelers get to see.

On the downside, at 172 USD, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to explore Puglia, but the value lies in the combination of activity, culture, and regional tasting experiences. If you’re someone who loves combining history, food, and a bit of exercise—especially in a setting as beautiful as southern Italy—this tour is a winner. It suits travelers who enjoy guided experiences with authentic local flair, well-paced cycling, and the chance to learn as much as to see.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Bike Tours In Lecce? Our Top 12 Picks.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visits to ancient villages and an underground olive oil mill reveal traditional Puglian life.
• Beautiful Scenery: Cycling through olive groves and countryside with scenic views helps you appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
• Gastronomic Highlights: Sample Leccese Coffee, the famous Pasticciotto, and regional wines or enjoy a traditional Puglian lunch.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience with stories and insights.
• Active but Not Exhausting: With e-bikes, you’ll cover about 30 km comfortably, suitable for most fitness levels.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Starting at Via Giuseppe Libertini in Lecce, the tour kicks off early at 8:30 am—perfect to beat the heat and crowds. The first leg involves an 18 km bike ride through the rolling olive groves and classic Masserias (large farmhouses). As you pedal along, you’ll notice how the landscape speaks of centuries of agricultural tradition, providing a peaceful backdrop for your journey.

Your first stop is Sternatia, one of the nine towns of “Grecìa Salentina,” where the Griko dialect still echoes through the streets. Here, a guided 20-minute visit to an ancient underground Olive Oil Mill (Frantoio Ipogeo) reveals traditional methods of oil extraction, a process that dates back generations. The underground location keeps the mill cool and demonstrates how ancient communities preserved their produce.

After the mill visit, a 30-minute stop at a local café offers a chance to try the Caffe Leccese—a sweet, aromatic coffee—and the famous Pasticciotto, a pastry that originated in Lecce in 1740. These small bites are perfect for recharging before the next leg of cycling.

Next, you’ll cycle about 12 km to Galatina, a town renowned for its spectacular Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. This church is a visual feast, featuring frescoes in Giotto’s style and architectural elements spanning Roman, Norman, Gothic, and Byzantine influences—an excellent showcase of Italy’s layered history.

In Galatina, a visit to Pasticceria Ascalone offers more than just sweets; it’s a chance to see the birthplace of the Pasticciotto and taste fresh pastries. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a traditional Puglian lunch or a wine tasting in a local cellar—both options require prior arrangement and are only available for private groups.

The final stretch involves cycling to Corigliano D’Otranto, a scenic route that offers more picturesque views of southern Italy’s countryside. The tour wraps up after approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes at the starting point, making for a well-rounded, engaging day.

What Makes This Tour Special

Cultural immersion: Visiting areas where Griko dialect is still spoken offers a rare glimpse into a community with roots that trace back over 3000 years. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s a cultural lesson in persistence and identity.

Historical insights: The underground olive mill is a highlight. Unlike typical olive oil tastings at shops, this guided visit provides a tangible connection to traditional methods, making the entire process more meaningful.

Taste and tradition: The Pasticciotto’s origins in 1740 and the chance to try regional wines or enjoy a Puglian lunch make this tour flavorful on multiple levels.

Active exploration: The use of electric bikes means most fitness levels can comfortably cover the 30 km total distance, making it accessible without sacrificing the experience’s authenticity.

Personalized attention: With a maximum of 8 travelers, guides can tailor the experience, share detailed stories, and attend to individual interests—something larger tours often lack.

Practical Considerations

While the total cost of $172.31 per person might seem steep, it includes high-quality bikes, helmets, a pannier bag, water, and guided visits—all of which contribute to a seamless, hassle-free day. The price reflects the personalized nature of the experience, the expert guidance, and the curated stops.

Notice that lunch and wine tastings are not included unless arranged in advance for private groups, which is a good opportunity to customize your day depending on your preferences. The tour is designed to be flexible and caters to a broad audience—most travelers can participate, and the small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere.

The meeting point in Lecce is easy to access, and since the tour ends back where it started, you can plan your day accordingly—perhaps exploring more of Lecce or enjoying dinner in town.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just passive sightseeing. If you’re curious about regional traditions, love active outdoor experiences, and enjoy small-group guided tours that provide authentic insights, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for those interested in cultural history, gastronomy, and scenic cycling.

It also works well for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to connect with local communities and learn about Puglia’s unique Greek heritage.

Final Thoughts

The Lecce e-bike tour to Galatina offers an engaging blend of history, culture, and cuisine that’s perfect for those who want to experience Puglia beyond the typical tourist stops. The combination of active cycling, guided visits, and regional tastings creates a multi-sensory adventure that’s both enjoyable and educational.

While the price might be a consideration, the small group size and expert guidance ensure you get value for money—especially if you’re seeking a personalized, authentic experience rather than a cookie-cutter tour.

In short, this tour suits travelers eager to combine healthy activity with deep culture in one of Italy’s most charming regions. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who loves discovering local traditions, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation of Puglia’s unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, thanks to the e-bikes, most fitness levels can comfortably manage the cycling distances involved.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers guidance, top-quality e-bikes, helmet, pannier bags, water bottle, and admission to the olive oil mill.

Are lunch and wine tastings part of the tour?
No, these are not included but can be arranged for private groups with prior notice. You can choose to enjoy a traditional Puglian lunch or wine tasting in Galatina.

How long is the total cycling distance?
You’ll cycle about 30 km in total, divided into segments with stops, which should be manageable on a comfortable e-bike.

When does the tour start and end?
It begins at 8:30 am at the specified meeting point and finishes back at the same location after approximately 6 hours.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sense of curiosity. The tour provides a water bottle, but extra snacks are optional.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start, providing flexibility in your planning.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, provided they’re comfortable on a bike and can handle a day of activity.

Are the stops accessible for everyone?
Yes, the stops are designed to be accessible and involve minimal walking, with most visits being in open-air or easily navigable sites.

Do I need to know any Italian to enjoy this tour?
Guides speak English and are happy to share stories; some local names and terms may be in Italian, but language isn’t a barrier to enjoying the experience.

This Lecce e-bike tour offers a fantastic way to see and taste the true essence of Puglia—combining scenic cycling, cultural discovery, and regional flavors into a memorable day. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, the thoughtful planning and warm guides make this a worthwhile addition to your Italian adventure.