The most beautiful cycle paths in Italy

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CYCLE PATHS IN ITALY

Despite the little attention given to the growth of bicycle mobility, in Italy we have a real heritage of cycle paths (many should be made completely safe) and cycle-tourist routes, so we have drawn up a list of the most beautiful cycle paths in Italy. It is slopes suitable, among other things, for any type of journey: you can visit them for a couple of hours, or even cross them for half a day or a full day.

ALSO READ: Roads and cycle paths: here are the most dangerous ones in Italy to cycle on.

But let's see the most beautiful, the most evocative, and also the most interesting for cyclists, for each region, from North to South passing through Central Italy.

• LOMBARDY: THE TOUR OF VALTELLINA

One of Italy's largest and greenest valleys, one of Italy's longest rivers, the Adda, and a trail that runs alongside it. A brief description of a cycle path just over a hundred kilometers long immersed in the magnificent ValtellinaDon't be afraid of the length, the padel It is completely flat and full of refreshment points and areas for picnic. Furthermore, it runs alongside the Milan-Tirano railway line, so you can start and stop wherever you want at one of its stops between Colico e Bormio, via Sondrio e GrosioDon't have your bike with you? No problem, thanks to the various rentals located along the entire route where you can rent the type of bike you prefer and leave it at the rental point closest to your arrival.

• VENETO: FROM THE ADIGE TO THE PO

Beyond the fog, the Val padana It is home to wonderful landscapes and villages that all look like large nativity scenes. In the 33,5 km that separate the two great rivers of Italy, the Po and the Adige, there are more than ten of them, all immersed in the greenery of the Polesine Valley. The path It was officially inaugurated on May 5, 2013, crossing the region that connects the territory of the municipality of Lendinara with that of PolesellaThe richness of this route is manifold. First of all, the itinerary is immersed in natural river environments (especially floodplains and whirlpools) and in open countryside, changing with each change of season, when they change appearance giving ever new colors and suggestions. Furthermore, there are many connections with other routes. In fact, you can continue in the direction of Rovigo and Venice, on the euroveil 8 (track that leads up to Cyprus). Or, you can continue until the delta of the Po, or in the opposite direction going to Ferrara, exploring the whole Po Valley.

• FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIAIN THE HEART OF THE FRIULI DOLOMITES NATURAL PARK

A unique track in the world, for the beauty of the places crossed, and ideal for those who enjoy cycling in winter. It allows you to traverse the towns of Carnia, or climb the Mauria Pass (1295 meters). The views are spectacular. For this route, we recommend using a mountain bike or a fat bike.

• LIGURIA: IN THE HEART OF THE CINQUE TERRE

This itinerary starts from the end of the walk Arenzano seafront towards all in the province of Savona , entering and exiting from beautiful tunnels – illuminated and renovated – which once housed the passage of the train: path, in fact, it also winds here along the old railway lineThe route is one of those "for all legs”. 10 km long, it is simple, flat, asphalted, all developed on the beautiful pedestrian/cycle path which always maintains far from traffic and very close to the splendid Ligurian SeaThe ease of the route helps you to enjoy its beauty carefree. You will be genuinely enchanted by the sight of the dozens of coves which give life to small beaches framed by rocks, in what appears to be a Caribbean landscape. You end up at Varazze, immediately after the famous “Arab House”, locality of Piani d'Invrea. The desire to continue until Sanremo it's strong – but there are 117 km to go.

• TUSCANYAMONG THE HILLS OF THE VAL D'ORCIA

Tuscany is one of the cradles of pedal-powered cycling. It's therefore naturally home to some of the most beautiful cycling routes in Italy, and beyond. Choosing one above all others isn't a definitive choice, but by combining the criteria of beauty with those of practicability for all and all modes of transport, a synthesis is found. It's about...Val d'Orcia ring, delightful ups and downs on the green hills combed by vineyards. It starts from Torrenieri and almost immediately you arrive at the beautiful village of Lucignano d'Asso: here, it is a punishable sin not to stop for a typical Tuscan snackThe ancient inns are also used by cyclists from all over the world, who come in their thousands in the first week of October to ride the routes of the Eroica – a race for cycling enthusiasts and collectors that run on vintage steel bicycles and kits from historic cycling teams.

• ABRUZZO: FROM L'AQUILA TO AMATRICE

The memory of all, when pronouncing the names of these two places in the central Italian Apennines, runs to earthquakes that devastated them, first in 2009 and then in 2016. Cycling between L'Aquila and Amatrice It contains a meaning that is first and foremost symbolic, of a journey to places that have risked and are at risk of disappearing. But it also has the sense of bring lifeblood to the activities of those places, through cycling – the most planet e clean e addictive between ways to exploreFinally, the 62 km that separate L'Aquila and Amatrice are a discovery ancient villages and uncontaminated nature. From the villages of Assergic e Vasto, in the green of the Gran Sasso Natural Park, up to Composto Lake Reserve, with the path that runs alongside it for almost the entire last part.

• UMBRIA: ASSISI-SPOLETO-NORCIA

Perhaps it is no coincidence that the most beautiful cycle path in Italy, among all the most beautiful, is located right here in the exact center of Italy, in Umbria. In fact, the path that connects Assisi a Norcia, via Spoleto It has been awarded as the most evocative cycling route in Italy. Landscape characteristics with few rivals in the world, scenic villages such as those of Saint Anatolia of Narco o Nera Valley, o PreciThe stretch between Spoleto and Norcia is perhaps the most fascinating, as it passes almost entirely on the old railway line, so it's all a coming and going of the dozens of narrow tunnels they seem doors to other worlds. Finally, the technical features are perfect for a route that is truly suitable for everyone: here too the length touches the 100 kilometers, but the slopes are not merciless and can be cycled by all legs.

• LAZIO: THE APPIAN ROAD

Lazio is rich in cycling routes, as are many other Italian regions, especially in the North and Center, with the stunning Tuscan-Emilian and Umbrian landscapes. Choosing the most beautiful one per region isn't easy, but in the case of Lazio, there are Rome, and Rome when it comes to Great Beauties He always knows his stuff. That's why we chose a route that, in terms of history and charm, has few equals in the world. Cycling on the Appian Way it means putting the wheels on the same cobblestones as Caesarian or Flavian eraA long road lined with imposing pine trees and ancient ruins, in full Roman countryside, for a route that starts from just below Castel Gandolfo and it arrives up to the Aurelian Walls, then to Baths of Caracalla. All this, passing through the Villa of Maxentius, Catacombs of San Callisto e San Sebastiano, As well as the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. Finally, it is not unusual to come across, during your 25 km ride, a herd of sheep, or cows, or buffaloes and bulls intent on their walk with shepherds and dogs. A slice of antiquity from the gates of Rome right into its heart.

• MARCHE: LAKE FIASTRA

• MOLISE: BETWEEN CARPIONE AND COLLE D'ORSO

Molise is always overlooked in the news and even in national rankings. Here at Non Sprecare, we don't forget anyone, and we've discovered that even in the province of Isernia There's a cycle path that hides enviable beauties. A cycle loop that starts from Carpinone and passes by Sessano of Molise e Bear HillThere's a bit of everything in these 32 kilometers of Molise's hinterland: monuments, castles, waterfalls and streams and also a lakeOne more reason to visit every corner of Italy, even the most hidden and least talked about.

• CAMPANIAAMALFI COAST

A destination for mass tourism and non-mass tourism, a setting for memorable films, places of social life and starred cuisine. Amalfi Coast It's all this, but there's another way to experience it, outside the classic schemes, and that's on a bike. It starts from the seafront of Sorrento, from the Gulf of Naples, and you move to the other shore of the small Sorrento peninsula. From there you are continually amazed by the wonders of Italy's most famous coast – and beyond. From the thousand colors of the bay of Positano, to the fishermen's homes of Praiano, to the white houses of the old and powerful Maritime Republic of AmalfiOne beauty after another, pedaling hundreds of meters above sea level, enjoying one of the most beautiful views and sunsets in Italy.

• PUGLIAFROM GIGAZZANO TO CEGLIE MESSAPICA

It is the most famous and evocative aqueduct in Italy – and the largest in Europe – and can be explored on your bike, on a brand new, protected and safe cycle path: 11 kilometres that go from Figazzano, part of the Municipality of Cisternino to that of Ceglie Massapica, both in the province of Brindisi. A half-day trip immersed in the Apulian landscapes, among the unmistakable Mediterranean scrub and cultivated fieldsThe arrival is in the town of Ceglie Massapica, a city of art and a land of gastronomy which, thanks to its trulli, historic farms, to centuries-old olive groves and karst caves, has become a popular destination for many foreigners, especially the English. Furthermore, this first short stretch is only the beginning of what will be one of the longest cycle paths in Italy and which will connect Puglia to Campania, for a ride through the wonderful hinterland of Southern Italy.

• SICILY: THE SCULPTURE PARK

As more and more often happens, old railway lines are being transformed into cycle paths. It is the case of the cycle path at the Sculpture Park in Syracuse, which follows the route of the now disused railway line that connected the city with CataniaA relatively short ride, given its length of only 6 km, which however are all immersed in a UNESCO heritage landscape. A dive into an ancient and evocative atmosphere, from Greek Theatre in Ortigia Square and Baroque Churches, without forgetting the splendid view of the Mediterranean and the classic Sicilian natural beauties. Furthermore, the cycle path is dotted with sculptures by ten contemporary artists. A project (entirely financed with European funds) born to create a bridge of languages ​​between theancient art, That Contemporary and surrounding landscape.

THE PORTAL OF CYCLE LANES IN ITALY

TO KNOW MORE: Ghost cycle paths, from Rome to Catania, all the waste and dangers for cyclists