Otranto to Santa Maria Di Leuca

We were on our bikes at 0900 - needing to get a good start for our 56 km ride.
Another glorious day for riding until we got rained on for maybe 30 mins. Adds to the fun!
Today's ride was, apparently, the most challenging in terms of ascents, however, compared to Croatia, we thought it was quite manageable. We rode down the east coast of the Puglia region to the most easterly point of Italy.
Stopped at a little grocery store in Tricase Porto for ham and cheese rolls (see video). No butter or mayo, etc. However, it was delicious. Outside the store, there was a group of Italian men playing cards. The scene epitomized the Cittaslow concept (slow living). It was such a special scene I asked if I could take a photo.
Our final stop was at Santa Maria Di Leica's Lighthouse Square. This place is a destination for pilgrims all over Europe and is referred to as 'the end of the earth'. It is where all distance is measured from so zero km is in the square - there is a monument with 0 km inscribed on it.
Checked into our hotel, went for a swim in the glorious sea and then strolled around the area before dinner at a local restaurant.
We start biking up the west coast tomorrow - 65 km.
As with our Croatian bike trip, this group is developing lovely relationships - it takes 3 or 4 days for this to happen, but it's nice when it does!Read more