Best Cycling Routes in Italy

Italy is one of Europe’s most diverse cycling destinations, offering over 20,000 km of mapped cycling routes — from high-mountain passes to coastal trails and quiet country roads. 

The country’s cycling network combines official long-distance routes (Ciclovia), regional cycleways, and legendary Giro d’Italia climbs, giving riders endless options to explore.

Well-maintained roads, cycling-friendly accommodation, and a growing network of e-bike services make Italy ideal for both advanced cyclists and leisure riders.

Italy’s Best Cycling Regions at a Glance

1. Dolomites & the Mountains
2. Lake Garda & Lake Como
3. Veneto
4. Sicily & Sardinia
5. Piedmont
6. Tuscany
7. Puglia

Below, you can take a deep dive into each region, each offering a different side of the country’s landscape, culture, and riding style.

1. Dolomites and the Mountains

The Dolomites are cycling heaven for mountain lovers — a dramatic world of jagged peaks, pine forests, and winding alpine passes. From legendary climbs like Passo Giau to breathtaking descents into hidden valleys, every ride here feels epic.

What to Expect:

• Iconic climbs: Sella Ronda, Giau, Falzarego, Pordoi
• Sweeping alpine scenery and crisp mountain air
• Terrain: paved mountain roads, long climbs, technical descents
• Elevation: 1,500–3,000 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, e-bike

Best for: climbers, experienced riders, mountain scenery lovers

2. Lake Garda and Como

Italy’s famous lakes combine gentle rides with grand views — perfect for cyclists seeking beauty without endless climbs. Lake Garda’s new panoramic cycleway and Lake Como’s quiet backroads deliver a mix of lakeside serenity and rolling hills.

What to Expect:

• Stunning lake circuits and balcony roads
• The Ponale Road, Monte Baldo climbs, and scenic ferries
• Terrain: paved lakeside roads, some gravel paths
• Moderate climbs: 400–900 m/day

Cycling types: road, trekking, e-bike

Best for: leisure riders, couples, scenic explorers

3. Veneto

Veneto offers smooth riding through wine hills, medieval towns, and the foothills of the Dolomites. It’s a region where culture and cycling blend perfectly — from the canals of Venice to the vineyards of Valdobbiadene and the art cities of Verona and Vicenza.

What to Expect:

• Rolling hills, vineyards, and historical towns
• Routes linking Verona, Vicenza, and the Dolomite foothills
• Terrain: paved roads, occasional gravel tracks
• Gentle climbs: 300–800 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, trekking

Best for: culture-seekers, wine lovers, moderate riders

4. Sicilia and Sardinia

Sicily and Sardinia promise pure adventure — islands of contrasts where rugged coastlines meet sun-baked hills and turquoise seas. Both offer quiet roads, wild landscapes, and an intoxicating mix of Mediterranean culture and cuisine.

What to Expect:

• Coastal and inland routes through traditional villages
• Epic climbs like Mount Etna or Gennargentu’s mountain roads
• Terrain: coastal roads, mountain climbs, rural backroads
• Elevation: 600–1,800 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, touring

Best for: explorers, island adventurers, off-the-beaten-path riders

5. Piedmont

Piedmont’s cycling routes weave through vineyard-covered hills and alpine valleys. From the gentle wine roads of Langhe and Monferrato to the steeper climbs near the French border, it’s a region of fine wine, quiet roads, and authentic charm.

What to Expect:

• Rolling vineyard hills and alpine valleys
• Scenic wine routes and gourmet stops
• Terrain: paved country roads, rolling to steep gradients
• Elevation: 400–1,200 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, e-bike

Best for: wine lovers, cultural explorers, mixed-ability riders

6. Tuscany

Rolling hills, cypress-lined lanes, and medieval hill towns make Tuscany Italy’s cycling icon. Here, every climb reveals a postcard view — from Chianti vineyards to Siena’s strade bianche — and every ride ends with a glass of local wine.

What to Expect:

• Iconic scenery and UNESCO-listed towns
• “Strade Bianche” gravel roads and Chianti vineyards
• Terrain: rolling hills, gravel and paved mix
• Elevation: 500–1,000 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, e-bike

Best for: cultural riders, food & wine enthusiasts, photographers

Love the rhythm of the rolling hills? Discover a similar blend of scenic climbs, vineyards, and riverside rides on our cycling tour in Douro Valley, Portugal.

7. Puglia

Puglia offers a completely different rhythm — sun-soaked coastal roads, olive groves, and whitewashed villages where time slows down. Its gentle terrain and seaside views make it ideal for relaxed, immersive cycling adventures.

What to Expect:

• Coastal rides, olive groves, and historic towns
• Routes connecting Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, and the Adriatic coast
• Terrain: flat to gently rolling, quiet rural roads
• Elevation: 100–600 m/day

Cycling types: trekking, gravel, e-bike

Best for: leisure riders, culture seekers, slow travelers

Plan Your Italian Cycling Adventure

Italy’s official and regional cycling routes cover nearly every type of terrain imaginable. Want to know what’s there too see? Discover the must-see places along these epic cycling routes.

If you’re ready to explore Italy on two wheels, we’re here to help — we’ll match your fitness level, interests, and travel style with the best routes across the country.