Otranto – Mouth of the Alimini Lakes loop from Sternatia

Otranto – Mouth of the Alimini Lakes loop from Sternatia

Moderate

riders

Otranto – Mouth of the Alimini Lakes loop from Sternatia

04:18

103km

330m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 29, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 78.7 km for 81 m

After 81.0 km for 103 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

25.9 km

Grotte di San Giovanni

Cave Entrance

26.3 km

Otranto

Highlight • Settlement

Otranto is one of the most famous and characteristic towns in the province of Lecce. It has almost 6,000 inhabitants and is the easternmost town in Italy. Various peoples and cultures have succeeded one another here (Messapians, Romans, Byzantines, Aragonese) and the town still develops around the imposing castle and the Norman cathedral.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

34.3 km

Mouth of the Alimini Lakes

Highlight • Lake

Here the Alimini Lakes reach the sea. The lake closest to the coast, called Alimini Grande, is of lagoon origin and is made up of brackish water. The smallest, on the other hand, called Alimini Piccolo or Fontanelle, is fed by underground springs and is therefore composed of fresh water. The two lakes are in communication through a channel called Lu Strittu. The whole lake area is of particular naturalistic importance as it offers shelter to various species of migratory birds in their movements from north to south. The flora surrounding the two basins is also unique and there are very rare plant species.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

45.9 km

Area archeologica di Roca Vecchia

Archaeological Site

46.4 km

Torre di Roca Vecchia

Highlight • Monument

It's well known that this area is home to a unique archaeological park. Researchers come from all over to study the site. Its history predates the Roman Empire and the Messapian civilization.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

49.0 km

Tower of San Foca

Highlight • Monument

Today the seat of the Harbor Master's Office, after the overly invasive restoration discussed, it still holds the primacy of symbol of the town that hosts tourists and locals to enjoy the sea view, the flavors and the wind, which always blows here.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

55.2 km

Le Cesine Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

The Oasis, which covers about 380 hectares, is one of the most preserved and important humid environments in southern Italy, the last survivor of the vast swampy and wooded area that stretched from Brindisi to Otranto. The landscape of which it is made up alternates dunes, marsh areas, drainage canals, mixed woods and Mediterranean scrub. In the past, however, the whole area was an unhealthy zone, not cultivable, which affected the productivity of the Salento area and where the anopheles mosquito lived, carrying serious diseases and infections. For these reasons in the nineteenth century it was decided to reclaim the area, with the dual aim of defeating malaria and obtaining land to be used for cultivation.
The reclamation of the area was carried out by proceeding with the canalization of the land, or with the construction of a dense network of minor canals connected to a main and larger one, which made fresh water flow towards the sea, and with the preparation of a series wells capable of collecting and storing a certain quantity of water to be used in case of need. In addition to having become a point of reference for all lovers of walking and outdoor sports, thanks to its position along one of the main migratory routes, today the oasis is identified as an essential habitat for numerous aquatic and migratory birds, as well as endemic species of amphibians and small mammals.

Tip by

57.2 km

Riserva Naturale Statale di Popolamento Animale Le Cesine

Nature Reserve

57.9 km

Le Cesine Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Wellness offered by nature: clean air, intense greenery, the spectacle of changing light depending on the habitats visited, all the senses are solicited and pampered, the rhythm of breathing changes.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

62.2 km

Riserva Naturale Statale Biogenetica San Cataldo

Nature Reserve

63.5 km

San Cataldo

Highlight • Beach

San Cataldo is a fraction of Lecce that overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is a famous tourist destination for its white sandy beaches and for its proximity to the provincial capital. The seafront is equipped with small gardens, a wide sidewalk and a cycle path and there is a signal light for boats heading towards the port of Bari.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

98.0 km

Menhir delle Lete

Archaeological Site

102 km

Sternatìa

Highlight • Settlement

Sternatia is located in Grecia Salentina, a region south of Lecce where grico, an endangered dialect of Greek origin, is spoken. The city has an ancient history rich in artistic and cultural testimonies and a walk through the alleys is a good moment to take a moment to rest from pedaling.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

103 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types