Bariexperience.com | Water cycle path: discover the itinerary of the Apulian aqueduct cycle path. The itinerary that passes from Murgia to Salento, passing from the Terra di Bari.

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Pedal in the history of Puglia water: discover the cycle of the Apulian aqueduct by passing from Murgia and Valle d'Itria

There is a path , which crosses the whole Puglia , combining the heights of the Murgia with the Salento heel, passing through the Terra di Bari and the Itria Valley . This route, over 500 kilometers long, is the cycle of the Apulian aqueduct , a cycle route of its kind that follows the historic track of the main channel of the aqueduct, a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering of the early twentieth century.

A cycle path that develops along the infrastructure of the Apulian aqueduct , from Caposele (in Campania), where the source of the Sele is born, up to Santa Maria di Leuca, the extreme south of Puglia. A trip that crosses the entire ridge of the region, giving unpublished landscapes, rural testimonies, stone bridges , woods, farms, trulli and small villages suspended over time.

But it is in the central stretch - the one that crosses the Murgia and the Terra di Bari - that the cycle path becomes really magical: accessible and fascinating, with well -kept dirt roads, extraordinary landscapes and a network of secondary roads that make it perfect for slow cycling, families and those who want to live the authentic Puglia by pedaling in the quiet. So we go from Castel del Monte to Cassano delle Murge , and then gradually descend into the green heart of the Itria Valley between Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica , until we continue towards Salento and the view of the sea.

Continue reading to better explore the path that passes from the Alta Murgia to the most authentic Itria Valley .

A cycle tourist route between engineering, nature and rural culture

The Apulian aqueduct cycle path is an ambitious project that aims to transform the historical track of the aqueduct into a large green route, from Castel del Monte to the head of Leuca, crossing the whole Apulian hinterland. Over 500 km , the itinerary largely follows the main channel of the AQP, built between 1906 and 1939 to bring water from Campania to the heel of Italy.

The cycle path winds along secondary paths and low turnout dirt tracks, often set between limestone hills, dry stone walls and Mediterranean vegetation. It is a path designed for bikepacking, daily excursions or rural trekking , perfect for those looking for total dive in authentic landscapes, ancient silences and peasant architecture.

Murgia and Valle d'Itria, a suggestive trait

Among the undoubtedly fascinating sections of the Apulian aqueduct cycle path, the stretch that crosses the Terra di Bari, with a trend that starts from the height of the north-western Murgia and gently descends towards the iconic landscapes of the Itria Valley, between trulli, vineyards and centuries-old woods stands out.

This segment of the route, already partially usable and reported, follows the historic water conduct by crossing the territories of the Alta Murgia , passing from Castel del Monte , Cassano delle Murge , Acquaviva delle Fonti , Sammichele di Bari and Noci , and then deviate towards the suggestive landscapes of Alberobello , Locorotondo and Cisternino . The bottom is mainly compact dirt road , well preserved and ideal for gravel , MTB or e-bikes , offering an immersive experience in the green heart of Puglia.

During the journey, you can admire monumental bridges-canal, stone water toll booths, oak woods, lone head and large panoramic views of the rural landscape. It is the most authentic and silent part of the region, far from classic tourist circuits, perfect for those looking for nature, slowness and discreet beauty.

The itinerary in detail:

From Castel del Monte to Cisternino , crossing the rural and hilly landscapes of the Murgia and the Itria Valley . The itinerary touches (or touches) locations such as Cassano delle Murge , Acquaviva delle Fonti , Sammichele di Bari , Noci , with recommended deviations to Alberobello , Locorotondo and finally Cisternino .

Type of soil:

Mixed route : mainly compact dirt road and historical sheep tracks , with sections on secondary asphalt and not very busy.

Because it is interesting:

It is the wildest, most authentic and rural part of the cycle path . The route can be divided into several stages , perfect for those who want to travel slowly, make small deviations (see Alberobello and Locorotondo), and enjoy nature without haste.

On the silent paths of the aqueduct

The stretch of the aqueduct cycle path that crosses the Terra di Bari and arrives in the Itria Valley is a precious treasure chest for those who want to discover the deepest and least told Puglia. Here you will not find crazy or factories, but only country roads , paths between olive trees , dry stone walls and the noise of the wind among the branches .

It is a perfect itinerary to regenerate itself, to really detach the plug and rediscover the pleasure of moving slowly in a path full of charm and culture. So the cycle of the Apulian aqueduct , in its Bari section, represents one of the gems of regional cycle tourism: poetic, accessible and extraordinarily authentic .