Tuscany is considered a paradise for people who love biking, from professional cyclists to amateurs who just want to slow down and enjoy the surrounding landscape. One of the advantages that Tuscany has to offer cyclists is the variety of unique landscapes, ranging from dirt roads in the countryside to off-roading with a mountain bike, cobblestone streets in small villages to bike paths along the rivers.
Tuscany has a long tradition in cycling. Indeed, legends like Bartali, Cipollini and Bettini trained right here in this territory. Below you’ll find 5 scenic bike itineraries in Tuscany.
Contents
1.
Isola d’Elba
2.
L’Eroica
3.
Apuan Alps
4.
Fiesole and Florence
5.
Valdichiana
1.
Isola d’Elba
By bike in the Elba island - Credit: R.Ridi
An alternative way to visit the Isola d’Elba is by bike, which is possible all year round. The island is mostly hilly and the up-and-down slopes are a delight for bikers. There are endless paths that each present their own difficulties. You can start with an easy one, like the 30-kilometres path on Monte Calamita, near Capoliveri. The former iron mines and some interesting examples of industrial archaeology can be found along this path. This is also where the Capoliveri legend cup is held.
For a touch of vintage, we’ve included the Eroica, which covers many beautiful areas in the region as it crosses Chianti, the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia. Over the years, it has become a must for cyclists, especially during the main yearly event held on the first Sunday in October. The starting point is in Gaiole in Chianti and the race is made up of stages that range in distance from 46 to 200 kilometres, mainly on dirt roads: this is why the name of the event literally means “heroic”. The Eroica also has a food and wine tradition, considering that the stops along the race boast Tuscan specialities.
1.
Apuan Alps
Discovering the Apuan Alps on two wheels is really a different way to experience history and beauty.
One of the most scenic itineraries starts in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana where the Rocca Ariostesca fortress and the Mont'Alfonso Fortress bear witness to the importance of the Este domination in the valley. The loop-shaped path skirts the Turrite Secca stream and reach Isola Santa, takes in the direction of Careggine and follow the signs of the historic Via del Volto Santo. takes in the direction of Careggine andfollow the signs of the historic Via del Volto Santo.
1.
Fiesole and Florence
2013 World Cycling Championships in Tuscany - Credit:
Sean Rowe
The itinerary that goes from Florence to Fiesole is so scenic that it was chosen by the 2013 World Cycling Championships in Tuscany as one of the stages for the competition. Fiesole is located in the hills northeast of Florence, just 8 kilometres away, so you can imagine how beautiful the view is from up there!
1.
Valdichiana
Cycling along the Sentiero della Bonifica - Credit: Enrico Caracciolo
There is a 60-kilometre path that connects Arezzo and Chiusi known as Sentiero della Bonifica. The beginning of the route can easily be reached from the Chiusi train station. This is an easy itinerary, where you can combine cycling with birdwatching as you pass by the Chiusi and Montepulciano Lakes. The next stretch of the Bonifica follows the banks of the Canale Maestro, and shortly after, the Callone di Valiano, an important 18th-century work built to regulate the flow of water between the Chiusi and Montepulciano Lakes. A detour to Cortona is highly recommended, which is 12 kilometres away.
For more biking itineraries, please check out our cycling section.
