Otranto to Leuca - Puglia 🇮🇹 - CycleBlaze

November 19, 2024

Otranto to Leuca

We left Otranto for a one night stay in Lueca.  It turned into 60km ride with some minor diversions with 2330ft of climbing, the most all trip I think.  This isn’t much but some of the climbs were pretty steep.  It was the best weather day of the tour with sun and 23C which was perfect for our beautiful coastal road.  We did have a bit of head wind all day but with e- bikes you don’t care.  The coastline was beautiful with very quiet roads.  There were several of the old tower fortifications built in the 12-16th century and two lighthouses.   We stopped at a local cooperative that offered us food produced locally by the farmers.  Tonight we are staying in an old home that is more museum than hotel.  It is associated with a hotel next door.

Today’s route and profile.
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A view of the coast early this morning
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Our first lighthouse the Palascia the most eastern point of Italy.
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Us at the same location.
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Another coastal view after the lighthouse.
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Now in Santa Ceasarea Terme with these thermal baths attn are under renovation. You can see the Muslim influence in the decor.
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Another view
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The locals still swimming at this time of year.
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One of several watch towers to defend against attacks of pirates and Ottoman invaders.
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We had the opportunity to enjoy a light lunch put on by a local non-profit cooperative showcasing the local farmers products. This dish is tomatoes on what looks like a very dried out bagel. The bread is made of barley and can be preserved for up to 8 months. Before the tomatoes were added the bread was soaked in water to soften it. With tomatoes they added olive oil of course and oregano.
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The second portion was bread, broccoli covered with lemon infused olive oil, cooked cickory and an egg also covered with lemon olive oil.
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This was dessert, fennel with orange infused olive oil and back olives, not for me. Plus goat cheese and fig jam with a hint of chillies, ok.
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I purchased a can of the lemon olive oil.
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Another coastal view.
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The lighthouse at Leuca.
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A view of Leuca and the Ionian Sea from up by the lighthouse.
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The basilica of Santa Maria of by the lighthouse.
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Our accommodation for tonight, clearly it was once someone’s residence. It dates back to 1860.
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Our room.
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The lighthouse from the waterfront in front of our hotel.
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Orecchiette again since it is the pasta of Puglia with cherry tomatoes, cheese, and a little pesto. Delicious.
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Heather ParryWe ate a lot of that in Sicily as well.
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2 days ago

Today's ride: 60 km (37 miles)
Total: 232 km (144 miles)

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Pat HeydonFabulous photos. Food looks so lovely and fresh!
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3 days ago