Murgia region in Italy draws cyclists and slow‑travel tourists

The Valle d’Itria in the southern Murgia plateau offers a popular 30‑km cycling loop that links four UNESCO‑listed towns—Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Cisternino—along the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese. The route combines paved sections, low‑traffic roads and gravel tracks, making it suitable for any bicycle, and passes stone bridges, historic trulli and traditional masserie.

At the same time, the Murgia is being promoted for slow‑travel tourism. Historic masserie have been converted into guesthouses where visitors can take part in olive‑harvesting, bread‑making, cooking classes and other farm‑based activities. The quiet landscape, dry‑stone walls and easy walking or mountain‑bike trails are marketed as a way to reduce stress and recharge both body and mind.