Gallipoli to Lecce

November 22, 2024

LThe last ride of our tour was from Gallipoli back to Lecce. We woke up to a very strong wind 60+kph/40+mph) but luckily it was from the SW and we rode to the NE aka a tail wind. There were times when we were just pushed along without needing to pedal, it would have been a brutal head wind if we had been going the other way. The coastal part of the ride was amazing with serious wave action that even got us wet with spray. Once we turned inland we had a quick stop in Nardo for a break,then the wine tasting and finally into Lecce. We are here for an extra day just to relax and enjoy the city.

The route and profile as it was supposed to be but we missed our wine tasting location so we had to back track 5+km to find it, we weren’t going to miss it.

The bridge to the old town of Gallipoli which is an island and the fort.

Saint Mauro church an example of a Byzantine church.

Four towers left from a fort that are now incorporated into a restaurant. Also notice the palm trees in the wind.

You often see these vegetable trucks in the small towns. I am sure they are local farmers selling their fresh produce.

The square in Nardo. This area is referred to as The Seat, a square where legal and fiscal proceedings took place back in the 16th century.

I believe we had a sirocco wind today that comes from North Africa. They can reach 100kph and carry sand from the desert.

The Tramontana wind is the other common wind around Gallipoli.

However, there are 2 others as mentioned here.

The café in which had a croissant and DC.

Beautiful cannolis that we did not have.

A map of all of the wine regions in Puglia.

The modern version of the concrete vats in which some of the wine is aged, particularly the rosé.

We had a tour of the winery that is small operation and only grow Negroamaro grapes and turn it into wine. They age the reds in French oak barrels. It is okay but I prefer Primitivo.

Their rosé was not bad so we bought a bottle.

I couldn’t resist the company jersey because I love their slogan.

More orecchiette this time with veal meatballs.

Today's ride: 65 km (40 miles)
Total: 65 km (40 miles)

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