Valle d'Itria Randonnée

A randonnée through the wonders of the Valle d'Itria

The Valle d'Itria Randonnée is the cycling event that gathers hundreds of long-distance enthusiasts in Ostuni at the end of every summer. Organized by the Bici Club Ostuni with a start at the Foro Boario of the White City, in the province of Brindisi, the event is part of the Rando Tour della Magna Grecia circuit and is valid as a 200 km brevet recognized by ARI (Audax Randonnée Italia) and BRI (Brevetto Randonneur Italia).

What is a randonnée?

Unlike a granfondo, a randonnée is not a timed race: there are no rankings or winners. The goal is to complete the entire route within a set time limit, checking in at designated points along the way. It is a discipline that rewards endurance, pacing, and a spirit of sharing, where the true opponent is the distance and the finish line is a personal achievement.

The route: 214 km between hills and coast

The main route spans approximately 214 kilometers, with over 2,700 meters of elevation gain, in a loop that traverses the heart of the Valle d'Itria. From the panoramic climb above Ostuni, overlooking the Adriatic, cyclists pedal toward the inland trulli country, passing through Locorotondo and Alberobello, amidst ancient olive groves, forests, dry-stone walls, and breathtaking views. The return leg heads back toward the shoreline, along the coast from Torre Canne to Rosa Marina, reaching the evocative Piana dei Millenari. For those not wishing to tackle the full distance, a shortened route of approximately 100 kilometers is also available, perfect for those new to long-distance cycling.

A territory to experience from the saddle

The Valle d'Itria is one of the most recognizable landscapes in Puglia: a mosaic of cultivated hills, countryside dotted with trulli, and small white villages like Ostuni, Cisternino, and Martina Franca. Riding through it means crossing a unique rural heritage, where stone architecture and monumental olive trees tell centuries of farming history. The randonnée thus becomes, beyond a sporting challenge, a slow and authentic way to discover the territory of the Municipality of Ostuni and the province of Brindisi.

An event that has grown over time

Born in 2019, the Valle d'Itria Randonnée has become a staple of the Puglian cycling calendar over the years, attracting randonneurs from all over Italy. The Bici Club Ostuni manages the organization with checkpoints, refreshment stations, and assistance along the route, all in a welcoming, typically Puglian atmosphere.