Bike tours in Italy: 20 unmissable experiences for your cycling holidays

The extraordinary variety of Italian landscapes offers the opportunity to live extraordinary adventures through bike tours that are as varied as spectacular.

From a ride immersed in historical attractions just steps from the heart of Rome to the enchanting landscapes of the Gulf of Naples, to the Trulli of the Itria Valley and the wild nature of Umbria's woods. From the historic center of Florence to the ecosystem of the Emilian plain, then reaching the Piedmontese hills, the Lombardy lakes, and the Alpine valleys of Trentino and Friuli.

But these are just a few examples: every region has outstanding routes, among panoramic roads that cross National Parks or art cities to explore freely and sustainably.

The Italian territory gives unique emotions and an infinity of itineraries for bike lovers. Discover the characteristics of 20 unmissable bike tours in Italy, and pedal with us on an exciting journey through the beautiful scenarios of our country.

Spend cycling holidays in Italy riding in an open-air museum, a short distance from the historic center of the magical Eternal City: our journey through the best bike tours in Italy starts right from the Capital, in particular from the Appia Antica Regional Park.

Cycling is the best way to explore its paths and discover its history and nature. Starting from the main information point of the Park, the Service Center managed by EcoBike, you can retrieve a map and rent a city bike, an e-bike or a mountain bike to visit independently archaeological attractions such as the Circus and the Villa of Maxentius, and to immerse yourself in the local biodiversity surrounded by a scenario of peace and relaxation. 

If you want to know more about the monuments of the Park, you can also decide to participate in one of the various guided tours, to ride in the company of a guide and discover every secret of the thousand-year history of this picturesque and fascinating corner of Rome. 

The Regional Park of Appia Antica will make you discover an experience in balance between nature and culture, in an authentic atmosphere and far from mass tourism, to enjoy one of the most beautiful city routes by bike.

Experience Rome with the Visit Rome Pass❯

Admiring the wonderful landscape of the Gulf of Naples is always an experience not to be missed. Even more so when you can appreciate it thanks to a guided bike tour that will allow you to totally immerse yourself in this panorama of enchanting beauty.

The route winds along the Gulf coast, starting from Lungomare Caracciolo and passing through Posillipo, the Parco Virgiliano and the mythological Lake Averno, that according to ancient legends was the entrance to the kingdom of Pluto, god of the Underworld. 

The journey continues passing by Bacoli, Lake Miseno and Mount Procida, finally ending in Torregaveta. It is a quite challenging cycling itinerary: 7 hours total and several ups and downs, especially in the final part. But the scenery pays for the effort, and those who choose to ride an e-bike can enjoy it all the way. 

The presence of a guide is perfect to discover stories and curiosities of this beautiful territory, dotted with ancient temples and amphitheaters and surrounded by wild nature.

Join a bike tour between Naples and the Phlegraean Fields❯

The beautiful Matera, with its historic Sassi, the hills, and valleys that surround it, is an ideal place to visit by pedaling with an E-Bike in harmony with nature.

Leaving the city, you can head towards the beautiful Lake San Giuliano and its Nature Reserve traveling along the Strada Provinciale Papalione, on a remote path immersed in greenery.

Once you reach the lake, stop to admire it in a picnic area of the San Giuliano Reserve, or continue along the shore to circumnavigate it and immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the area.

Alternatively, a short distance from the lake, you can head towards the picturesque Crypt of the Original Sin (located at the end of a small private road, where there is a farmhouse that serves as a ticket office), a truly evocative rock church rich in frescoes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Given its isolate location, reaching it by bike is an ideal way to discover this small, historic corner of a region with a unique charm like Basilicata.

Visit Matera with a tour in English, Spanish and German❯

In the heart of beautiful Calabria, the Sila National Park is characterized by enchanting landscapes, with majestic forests, lakes and trails where you can immerse yourself in the greenery, admiring the local flora and fauna.

To appreciate the peace and serenity of this unique territory, rent an electric bike in the town of Camigliatello Silano, and from there, pedal to discover the park's attractions, traveling freely and leisurely savoring every corner of this wonderful untouched nature.

As you traverse mountain trails and expanses of meadows, you can reach the most iconic places in the area, such as the Giants of Sila, spectacular larch trees towering over 40 meters, or the shores of Lake Cecita, stopping at one of the scenic viewpoints or picnic areas.

If you're up for a longer journey, head to the picturesque village of Longobucco, at the northern end of the park, where you'll find the Museo dell’Artigianato silano e della Difesa del suolo, offering valuable insights into local traditions.

Rent an E-Bike and explore the Sila National Park❯

The beautiful sea of Sicily provides a perfect backdrop for a bike tour that takes us through the beaches and hamlets of the coast of Sciacca, about an hour's drive from Agrigento and the magical Valley of the Temples.

Sciacca is a charming town with several historical attractions, such as the Luna Castle, dating back to the 14th century, or the 18th-century Porta Palermo, which provides access to the picturesque alleys of the center.

But it's the coastal landscapes that truly stand out: start from the area of the Terme and head east, towards the resorts of Contrada Verdura, following the secondary roads that cross the countryside and stopping at the various beaches you encounter along the way.

You'll discover truly special places, such as the Spiaggia di Timpi Russi, with its red sands and clear waters, or the peaceful Lungomare delle Sirene.

Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento at sunset❯

The route between the town of Orosei and Marina di Orosei Beach is a rather short cycle and pedestrian path (about 1.5 kilometers), but very suggestive, as it allows you to reach the splendid views along the Gulf coast.

From here, you can then follow the "Via del Mare”, a path that passes between the beach and the Petrosu pond, allowing you to cycle peacefully while appreciating the scents and colors of a truly special territory.

The entire area of the Gulf of Orosei, in fact, offers spectacular scenery, including enchanting beaches (such as Cala Mariolu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world), the untouched nature of the Mediterranean scrubland, and the historical ruins of ancient Nuragic sites.

Thanks to an E-Bike, you can more easily navigate even the most challenging stretches of the interior, reaching panoramic viewpoints on the cliffs and discovering the most beautiful hidden coves in all of Sardinia.

Exploring central Apulia by bike is an experience that will make you feel in a world outside of time and space. 

The itinerary starts from Locorotondo and reaches Alberobello, following quiet roads that cross the Itria Valley and pass next to the famous Trulli (the Itria Valley is also called Valle dei Trulli), the traditional conical stone constructions that characterize this region.

Traveling by bike through the cattle tracks and olive groves will give you unique sensations, and when you ride next to a Trullo you can feel its charm and its aura of tradition and mystery. 

From Alberobello the route, well marked by signs indicating the cycling routes in the area, develops in a ring returning to Locorotondo. The 25 km total follow gentle ups and downs and are quite easy to ride, making you free to appreciate the strength and energy that this beautiful corner of Puglia offers to visitors.

Molise, as Italy's smallest region, is often mistakenly overlooked from a tourist perspective. The reality is that it's a fascinating land, rich in unique places and century-old traditions. Exploring it with a bike tour will allow you to delve deeper into its historical attractions, enchanting landscapes and hidden secrets.

In particular, rent a bike and visit the capital, the city of Campobasso, is worthwhile. For those more fit, starting by climbing up to Monforte Castle, which overlooks the city, offers splendid views of the surrounding hills.

Carefully descending towards the historic center, you can discover other characteristic sites of the city, such as the ancient Church of San Giorgio and Leonardo, the Museo Sannitico (which will take you through millennia of history, surrounded by ceramics, bronzes, marbles and funerary contexts), and the unmissable Museo dei Misteri.

The latter will introduce you to the tradition of typical processions in Campobasso, the so-called "Sfilate dei Misteri", and the 18th-century machines that take part in them, allowing you to travel through the culture and customs of the region.

One of Italy's most beautiful National Parks is located right amidst the wild Apennine peaks in the heart of Abruzzo. It's the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and to explore its beautiful untouched nature, there's nothing better than a bike tour.

The itinerary starts from L'Aquila and immerses into the park immediately after the village of Arischia, following the SS80 road and crossing isolated valleys and vast forests. The route is quite challenging (for the less fit, it's advisable to rent an E-Bike), but very rewarding.

With a short detour from the main road, you can reach the beautiful scenery of Lake Campotosto and its Natural Reserve. Alternatively, continue on the main road, stopping in the small and characteristic villages of the area, such as Aprate, Nerito, or Poggio Umbricchio, until you exit the park near the village of Montorio al Vomano, after a journey of almost 60 kilometers.

In a region where you can experience hundreds of cycling routes, there’s one in particular that represents the authentic and little-known Umbria.

You can start from the walls of Corciano, a charming medieval village that rises 408 meters above sea level, among castles and wooded areas that will leave you breathless in an easy path suitable for everyone.

After cycling through fields and farmhouses, you'll be able to admire a magnificent view of Villa del Colle del Cardinale, then return, after a long ride passing through the Canneto area and taking a glimpse at the enchanting Monte Amiata, back to Corciano

In the center of the village, you'll find the tower of Porta S. Maria, Coragino square (with a beautiful well from the 16th century), the Town Hall, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, and the Palazzo dei Priori, the parish church of S. Maria Assunta (inside of which is preserved the Assumption panel by Perugino, dating back to 1513), and the Gonfalone by Benedetto Bonfigli, painted in 1472.

Around Corciano, you can also visit the Castle of Pieve del Vescovo and the fortified castles of San Mariano, Solomeo, Chiugiana, Mantignana, Chiugiana, and Capocavallo. Located a few kilometers apart, they still retain an ancient and scenic appearance.

Pesaro is the Italian Capital of Culture 2024, as well as a fascinating city rich in monuments and immersed in a splendid natural landscape, represents an ideal starting point for those who want to explore the Adriatic coast of Marche with bike tours.

From the historic center, in fact, you can head north along Provincial Road 44, immediately entering a lush forest and passing not far from the beautiful Villa Imperiale, a historic residence from the 15th century.

Follow the signs for the Fiorenzuola di Focara Beach, which is about 15 kilometers from Pesaro. The route, besides being constantly immersed in greenery, offers spectacular views of the Riviera del San Bartolo, the stretch of the Adriatic Sea located between Pesaro and Gabicce Mare, right at the northern border of Marche.

Once you reach Fiorenzuola, you can appreciate the charming atmosphere of this medieval village and its castle, not forgetting to admire the panorama from the viewpoint, before descending (with care!) to the beach, to enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation.

The bike is perfect for exploring an extraordinary art city like Florence in a relaxing and ecological way.

But if you want to try a truly unique experience, join a night bike tour of the city, to discover the wonders of the historic center away from the crowds and savoring in a different and extraordinary way the most famous monuments.

The itinerary starts in Via de' Neri, a short distance from the Uffizi Gallery, and continues along the characteristic streets of the center, passing the river Arno and reaching the terrace of Piazza Michelangelo. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the illuminated city, in a special atmosphere and cradled by the gentle evening breeze.

An easy route to cycle by E-Bike, perfect for those who love art cities and for those who want to discover Florence from a new, fascinating and unmissable perspective.

Join a night bike tour with E-Bike in Florence❯

Emilia Romagna is one of the most suitable regions where experience bike tours in Italy. Among the hundreds of proposals, our itinerary develops in a fairly atypical territory.
Start from Bologna, from where you can reach in little more than 50 km the Oasi La Rizza, a former rice field redeveloped in order to recreate the typical aquatic environments of the plain. An ecosystem where numerous species of wild birds coexist, from the kingfisher to the grey heron, to the mallard and the majestic white stork.
Along the path, very suggestive, you can see the old locks of the Navile Canal, called “Sostegni", used in the past to make the canal navigable (the lock of Battiferro is attributed, according to some, to Leonardo da Vinci). Furthermore, water was used as a source of energy for the operation of numerous mills, to transport people and goods, and to irrigate the land.
At the “Sostegno” of Castelmaggiore, leave the left bank of the Navile and continue on secondary roads to S. Marino until Bentivoglio, where you’ll find the magnificent historical complex and its Castle, the hunting residence and leisure of Giovanni II di Bentivoglio.
Continue along the right bank of the Navile to reach the Oasi La Rizza. During the return, finally, you’ll pass through the villages of Castagnolo, Funo di Argelato, and Trebbo di Reno, to conclude a perfect route to admire by bicycle, amidst glimpses of nature and rare beauty of history.

One of the most scenic bike tours in Italy will take you through the wonderful Cinque Terre National Park, particularly along the 26 kilometers of the route between Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare.

The route is not flat; rather, it is quite challenging with continuous ups and downs. However, the landscape you'll traverse is truly extraordinary: you'll ride along the Ligurian Sea, admiring incredible sceneries between beaches and cliffs, and also venturing into the inland mountains.

Along the way, not far from Monterosso, you can stop at the Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore, a true oasis of peace and relaxation (it also offers rooms for overnight stays) from which you can enjoy enchanting views of the Cinque Terre coast.

Once you arrive in Monterosso, to replenish yourself, try one of the typical dishes or street foods of Liguria, such as the tasty Trofie al Pesto or the savory Focaccia di Recco.

Explore the Cinque Terre by boat❯

In Piedmont, cycling tourism is a way of life. Road cycling can be practiced with extreme enjoyment across almost the entire territory.

Traveling slowly on the paths alongside the streams and in the green valleys, surrounded by the myriad sounds and colors of a land pulsating with life and intoxicated by the scents of rare flora, will be a pleasure that will linger long in your memory. Naturally, when cycling between Langhe and Roero, forget about flat terrain: it's either uphill or downhill!

A very advantageous aspect of the area around the splendid city of Alba is the low traffic, which, combined with generally excellent asphalt conditions, offers the opportunity to look around and especially appreciate certain routes and unique panoramas, such as those along the Barolo wine routes or at the borders of the Alta Langa, or even along the Tanaro River towards the lands of Barbaresco.

Pedaling along these roads, you'll admire how nature and gastronomy are in perfect symbiosis, offering unique and exciting experiences. The routes are truly interesting, although more suitable for experts in cycling tourism. Even if beginners can still appreciate this extraordinary territory, of course, using an E-Bike!

Nestled in a unique setting in the heart of the Aosta Valley on the banks of the Dora Baltea River, the regional capital of Aosta is a city rich in culture and nature, as well as an ideal place to discover and appreciate through bicycle tours.

The center offers significant historical attractions, from the Arch of Augustus to the Roman Walls, to the highly interesting museum complex of the Megalithic Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans.

But cycling enthusiasts will especially enjoy the surroundings of Aosta: along the banks of the Dora Baltea, in fact, runs the cycle and pedestrian path that leads from Pontey to Sarre. Starting from the hamlet of Point Suaz, behind the station of the capital, you will travel approximately 6 kilometers in a relaxing manner and away from traffic, immersed in greenery and flanked by the placid waters of the river.

Once you reach Sarre, cross the village and reach the Royal Castle, an imposing building dating back to the 13th century, which in the 19th century was a hunting residence of the Savoy. Visitable through guided tours, it is a truly pleasant place to learn a bit about the history of the region, admire the splendid interior decorations, and enjoy an excellent view of the valley below.

Don't miss out on one of the most beautiful bike tours in Italy by taking the "Garda by Bike", the cycle path around Lake Garda with a length of 140 km.

It's an itinerary with breathtaking views of Lake Garda, an exclusive route that skirts the lake and offers the opportunity to admire unique panoramas and cross through charming villages.

The path runs parallel to the main road for a stretch, but at several points and for several kilometers, especially when there are tunnels, it continues right along the edge of the lake.

The road is wide and suitable even for families, with no steep climbs and well-defined bridges. The route with wooden traffic separators is accessible to all types of bicycles. In addition to cyclists, pedestrians can also enjoy the beauty of the landscape and elegant architecture, making it a tour that is sure to impress anyone who has the opportunity to experience it.

Explore the Lake Garda by boat❯

A splendid hilly area in the heart of the Veneto region, in the province of Verona, Valpolicella is renowned for its vineyards and typical red wines, such as Valpolicella Classico or Amarone. What could be better than combining a bicycle trip in this beautiful natural setting with the discovery of the fabulous local food and wine heritage?

Take part in an E-Bike tour and pedal through the picturesque vineyards of Amarone, getting in tune with the environment and local traditions. You'll travel easily and relaxingly through the green hills, admiring unique colors and scents, as well as fabulous views and picturesque villages, like Gargagnago, a hamlet of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, a charming village situated atop a hill and surrounded by vineyards and cherry trees.

Gargagnago is known as Borgo dell’Amarone (Village of Amarone) because it’s located in an area of production of the homonymous wine. But this is also a place from which numerous trails depart, perfect for those who love to explore nature and discover the most enchanting and authentic glimpses of the territory.

When you decide to take a break, stop at one of the local wineries to try the wines and sample tasty local products, such as cold cuts or cheeses like the classic Monte Veronese.

Participate in a bike tour in Valpolicella❯

An itinerary that starts from the hamlet of Mostizzolo, in the municipality of Cis, and goes into a beautiful valley surrounded by high Alpine ranges, going up the course of the Noce stream for about 34 km until the hamlet of Peio, in the upper valley.

Despite the conformation of the territory, the route is not particularly challenging: obviously you go over 1000 meters, but in a rather sweet way, with a few climbs in the final part. Those who are not particularly trained can use an e-bike, or opt for the reverse path, going down to the valley quickly and easily.

Along the way there are several refreshment points, perfect for short stops that will allow you to relax, recover energy and immerse yourself in this fantastic mountain scenery. 

In addition to the natural beauty, you can also stop to admire historical places such as Castel Caldes or the Rocca di Samoclevo; or you can discover the secrets of local culture at the Museo della Civiltà Soliandra in Malè.

The Ciclovia Alpe Adria is a fascinating itinerary that crosses the most suggestive places of Friuli.

It’s part of a cross-border cooperation project for the development of sustainable mobility and it develops from the common will of the three participating regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Land Salzburg and Land Carinthia) to identify a cycling route that connects Salzburg with Villach, Udine, Aquileia and Grado, creating a direct link between the central European cycling network and the Adriatic Sea. 

You can complete the route in Friuli in one week, starting from Coccau and reaching Grado after 175 km. You'll travel across bridges, mountains, and hills in the extraordinary nature of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, stopping in small towns like Venzone or Gemona to savor typical products and enjoy a moment of relaxation in the quaint villages.

Udine is also a splendid city with beautiful monuments to visit, such as the Castle and the Cathedral, the patriarchal palace, and the Diocesan Museum, not to mention a very unique botanical park like the Cormor Park.

Other possible stops along the route are the Strassoldo Castle and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Aquileia and Palmanova, before reaching the sea of ​​the beautiful Grado and thus completing our journey among the most fascinating bike tours in Italy.