Below is a comprehensive list of the best places to visit if you want to explore Italy by bicycle. It is based on my personal considerations, and I hope you find it useful! In this article, I will concentrate on the regions of Southern and Central Italy. Italy is a geographically diverse country, so one article is insufficient! Discover the best cycling routes in Central and Northern Italy by clicking here.
Let’s get started!
The best cycle paths in Southern and Central Italy
Umbria
Umbria is a central Italian region known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and delectable cuisine.
The Assisi Cycle Path
The Assisi Bike Trail, which winds through the beautiful countryside surrounding the historic city of Assisi, is one of my favorite cycling routes in Umbria. The route provides a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Lake Trasimeno route
It is a 65-kilometer path that runs near Lake Trasimeno, the largest in this central Italian region. In the province of Perugia, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Castiglione del Lago and Magione.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region that includes the historic city of Rome.
The Via Francigena cycle path: ( Below: me on via Francigena with an E-bike near lake Bolsena).
One of my favorite itineraries in Lazio is the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury in England to Rome. The Italian section of the route covers 380 kilometers and takes you through the beautiful countryside in Tuscany and Lazio. My house is in Bolsena near the lake in Northern Lazio.You can download the Francigena app which will have GPS tracks. You will meet pilgrims along the route.
From Formia to Sperlonga route
This is a 52-kilometer journey through the Lazian countryside that includes the coast. Congregates various cities of primary interest, such as Gaeta and Itri.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of my favorite cycling destinations in Italy. The mountains and the coast offer a diverse range of landscapes to explore.
The National Park of the Gran Sasso route
One of my favorite hikes is the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso cycle path, which takes you through the magnificent mountains of the Gran Sasso. The route provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and picturesque villages.
The Majella National Park route
A beautiful 150-kilometer journey through Abruzzo’s countryside. Attention: Some streets are obstructed and difficult to navigate.
Campania
Campania is a southern Italian region known for its historic cities, ancient ruins, and sandy beaches.
The Costiera Amalfitana route
One of my favorite Campania itineraries is the Costiera Amalfitana, which takes you along the beautiful Amalfi Coast and to charming towns like Positano and Amalfi. The landscape is simply mozzafiato.
Molise
The Molise is a southern Italian region that offers a peaceful and unspoiled environment for cyclists.
The Tratturo Magno route
One of my favorite routes is the 120-kilometer Tratturo Magno, which takes you through beautiful countryside and historic towns like Agnone and Scapoli.
The Lake Matese route
A 100-kilometer route that leads to Lake Matese, which is located in Campania, exactly in Caserta.
Basilicata
The Basilicata is a southern Italian region known for its ancient towns and historic cities.
The Pollino National Park route
One of my favorite routes is the Tour by Bike of the Pollino National Park, which takes you through the magnificent Pollino National Park as well as other historic towns like Rotonda and Viggianello. The panoramas are truly breathtaking.
The Piana del Lago and Abriola route
It’s a 40-kilometer route that passes through villages such as Abriola, which has a population of 1300 people.
Puglia
Puglia is a southern Italian region known for its beautiful beaches, uliveti, and picturesque countryside.
The Ciclovia dell’acquedotto pugliese route
One of my favorite cycling routes in Puglia is the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese, a 32-kilometer route that passes through olive groves, vineyards, and charming towns like Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca.
The Laghetto d’Umbra cycle path
Don’t miss this 70-kilometer loop around a beautiful lake!
Calabria
Calabria is a southern Italian region known for its beautiful beaches, landscapes, and charming seaside towns.
The Coastal Cycle Path
The Coastal Cycle Path, which takes you along the beautiful coastline and beyond charming towns like Tropea and Pizzo, is highly recommended. The views of the sea are simply breathtaking.
The route at the base of Sila National Park
It is a nearly 90-kilometer path that passes through charming towns like Marcellinara and Taverna.
The Sila National Park also serves as a national resource for biodiversity and conservation issues.
Sicilia
The Valley of the Temples cycle path
This route takes you past the ancient Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples and through the beautiful countryside, is one of my favorite bike paths in Sicily.
The route from Punta Secca to Marina di Ragusa
It is a 12-kilometer route that is best done at sunrise or sunset to fully appreciate this Italian spectacle. It is not a difficult path; rather, it is a simple stroll along the Promenade.
Sardegna
Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s second-largest island, has a diverse landscape for cyclists.
The Costa Smeralda cycle path
This is one of my favorites, as it takes you along the beautiful Emerald Coast, past stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The Gulf of Gonnessa Promenade route
It’s a 70-kilometer path through the deep blue. The Gonnessa coast is very popular with families and sea lovers due to its breathtaking and unforgettable views.
Discover the best cycling routes in Central and Northern Italy by clicking here.
