Lecce to Galatina E-Bike: Olive Mill & Wine Tasting + Taxi back

About this tour

Pedal through the Salento countryside on an e-bike, covering a gentle 28 km loop from Lecce to the villages of Sternatia and Galatina. Meet Gaetano in Sternatia, a local keeper of Griko—the ancient Greek dialect still spoken in this 3,000-year-old enclave—and descend into a 15th-century underground olive mill carved into the bedrock. Visit Galatina's Basilica with its stunning 14th-century frescoes, then stop at the legendary pasticceria where the Pasticciotto was first made in 1740. A private taxi whisks you back to Lecce at 1 PM.

Highlights

• E-bike ride through quiet Salento backroads, 28 km flat terrain
• Meet Gaetano, Griko speaker and storyteller in Sternatia village
• Explore 15th-century underground olive mill with centuries of history
• Basilica of Santa Caterina—14th-century frescoes in Giotto's style
• Pasticceria Ascalone, birthplace of the Pasticciotto in 1740
• Grecìa Salentina region, home to 3,000-year-old Greek-speaking community
• Premium HiBike e-bike with full kit and professional local guide

What to expect

You'll ride on flat rural roads, stopping in two villages of the Grecìa Salentina to absorb local culture at a relaxed pace. In Sternatia, Gaetano will guide you underground into the olive mill, sharing folklore about the region's lamp-oil traders and village customs whilst reciting verse in Griko. The basilica visit offers quiet time among Renaissance frescoes. At the pasticceria, you'll see the birthplace of a Puglian classic pastry. The entire loop feels unhurried; the e-bike handles the effort, leaving you free to chat with your guide and take in the landscape. Expect roughly four hours of riding and stopping combined.

Good to know

The route is entirely flat and suitable for any fitness level, though not recommended for those with spinal issues, pregnancy, or serious cardiovascular concerns. Optional Primitivo wine tasting and traditional Puglian lunch can be arranged for private groups with one week's notice. Taxi return is included and takes about 20 minutes.