As a cycling enthusiast, I am attempting to explore many of Italy’s incredible cycling routes. Whether you prefer leisurely rides through vineyards and olive groves or challenging climbs up steep mountain passes, Italy has an abundance of scenic routes to explore.
The following is a comprehensive list of the best places to visit if you want to cycle around Italy. It is based on my personal thoughts, and I hope you find it helpful! I’ll begin in the north and work my way down to the south in this article (although more than one article will be needed).
Click here to learn about the best cycling routes in Central and Southern Italy.
The best cycle paths in Northern Italy
Trentino Alto-Adige
This region, which borders Austria, offers breathtaking scenery, well-marked trails, and an extensive network of bike paths for riders of all skill levels.
Dolomites Cycle Path
The Bike Path of the Dolomites, which takes you through the beautiful Dolomites and past charming towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, is one of my favorite cycle routes in this region.
Credit: @mathiboubou IG
Valsugana Cycle Path
A true paradise for all bike enthusiasts. It is 80 kilometers long and features a mix of cultural, historical, and natural landscapes that serve as the border between Trentino and Veneto. The Brenta River connects these two regions, a cultural route reminiscent of the great European Paths.
Ghiaia Alpina Cycle Path
A 41-kilometer-long route with a maximum elevation of 2100 meters.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Allow yourself to be enchanted by the beauty of this magnificent Italian region.
The Friuli Venezia Giulia is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and seaside resorts.
Collio Goriziano Cycle Path
I strongly recommend the Cycling Tour of the Collio Goriziano Wine Region, which will take you through the beautiful Collio Goriziano wine region as well as other incredible cities like Gorizia and Cormons.
Verlassener Hafen
Cycling tour for experts. There are approximately 95 kilometers of pure difficulty that require good preparation.
Veneto
Veneto is an Italian region with numerous opportunities for cyclists. Because of its varied geographical location, the region offers a variety of routes suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
The Lake Garda Route
The Lake Garda route, which takes you around the stunning Lake Garda and past charming towns like Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda, is one of my favorite cycle routes in Veneto. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
The Po Delta Veneto Regional Park
A 50-kilometer path is suitable for all skill levels, surrounded by a breathtaking green landscape and located next to the Po River, Italy’s longest river.
Piemonte
Piemonte is a northwestern Italian region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque countryside.
The Barolo’s Roads (Strade del Barolo)
One of my favorite cycling routes in Piedmont is the Barolo Roads, a 63-kilometer route that takes you through the Langhe wine region, passing through fascinating cities like Barolo and La Morra.
Colle delle Finestre
The road is usually open from June 1 to September 30. The maximum slope is 14%, and there are 55 hairpin bends along the 18.6 km. It is not suitable for everyone.
Lombardia
Lombardia is a northern Italian region known for its beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, and historic towns.
The Como Lake Itinerary
One of my favorite cycling routes in Lombardy is the Lago di Como route, which takes you around the beautiful Lake Como and charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna. The view of the lake and the surrounding mountains is simply breathtaking.
Cycle Path between Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese
The trail spans nearly 60 kilometers and is ideal for lovers of lake scents. Passing through these two lakes, you will have the sensation of being completely surrounded by a beautiful and enjoyable blue horizon.
Valle d’Aosta
The Aosta Valley is a region in northern Italy that is home to some of the highest Alps peaks.
The Gran San Bernardo’s Route
I strongly recommend the Passo del Gran San Bernardo route, which will take you through the magnificent Alps and beyond the historic Passo del Gran San Bernardo. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
Joux da Verres Col Cycle Path
A 60-kilometer path for true experts.
Liguria
Liguria is a northwest Italian region known for its beautiful coastline and beaches.
The Cinque Terre Route
The Cinque Terre route, which takes you along the coast and through the famous five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, is one of my favorite cycling routes in Liguria. The route is approximately 25 kilometers long and provides a stunning view of the sea and the colorful houses perched on the cliffs.
The Framura-Levanto Route
Because the surface areas are almost entirely paved, this is an exciting route. Very comfortable, but not exhausting.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is a northern Italian region known for its delicious food, historic cities, and scenic landscapes.
Panorama tour of the Apennines
The Strada panoramica dell’Appennino, which passes through the beautiful Apennine mountains and charming towns like Brisighella and Portico di Romagna, is one of my favorite cycling routes. The views of the mountains are simply breathtaking.
Passo della Cisa, Cirone Passo, and Silara Passo
This nearly 60-kilometer path will take you through buildings that appear to be from another era and will end in Bocca Aperta.
Toscana
Tuscany is a central Italian region known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and delectable food and wine.
The Heroic (Eroica) Cycle Path
The “Eroica” route through the beautiful Tuscan countryside is one of my favorite cycling routes in Tuscany, however, it is over 200km and you might want to split it in several days trip.
The Cave di Marmo di Carrara Route (Carrara marble caverns)
A 40-kilometer path that requires exceptional physical fitness to reach your destination.
Le Marche
The Marche is a central Italian region known for its beautiful beaches, countryside, and historic towns.
The Adriatic coast
This route, which takes you along the beautiful coast and beyond fascinating cities like Senigallia and Fano, is one of my favorite cycling routes in the Marche.
Gola del Furlo National Park
A 30 km path away from the sea, immersed in the Marche hinterland.
