Italy

Italy has a range of cycling stories! Undoubtedly one of the countries most passionate about cycling, with icons to which we pay tribute and which are already part of the collective memory: Fausto Coppi, Bartali, Alfredo Binda, Eddy Merckx… are just some of the great cyclists who have footprint on Italian roads with the Maglia Rosa. But Giros d’Italia aside, the transalpine country is one of the best prepared countries in Europe for road cycling, MTB and gravel.

Cycle touring in Italy

Italy, steeped in cycling history, is one of Europe’s most famous cycling destinations. Anyone who has enjoyed a cycling holiday in Italy knows what we are talking about: infinite kilometers of high mountain landscapes in the Dolomites with dreamlike climbs, sea and mountain sceneries that envelop the entire coast, with special interest in the Adriatic Sea, the immensity of some of its lakes, such as the famous Garda, a classic cycling mecca that will soon be even more attractive thanks to its floating cycle path.

Talking about Italy is talking about historic climbs: Passo Gavia, Mortirolo, Passo Stelvio, Torre di Fraele, Marmolada, Falzarego, Campolongo, the 3 Cime di Lavaredo… we list endless mythical climbs at top of which you experience an emotional catharsis.

Pure Italian cycling to ride part of its classic strade bianche, those characteristic dirt and dusty roads where we can experience a return to the past, recalling the number of cycling fans who have ridden its trails, especially in Tuscany, surrounded by charming landscapes of vineyards and olive groves.

Moreover, cyclists can enjoy their cycling holiday in Italy without having to bring their own bike, as excellent bikes can be rented all over Italy.

Why Italy as a cycling destination? 

Modality: Road bike, MTB and Gravel

Climate: Italy enjoys the best of the Mediterranean climate in all its regions near the coast, and has a slightly cooler climate throughout the Italian Apennines and the borders with Austria. The months of June, July and August are the hottest, and the season from March to May and from September to November offers the most pleasant weather.

When: The best time to plan a cycling holiday in Italy is between mid-April and early June, and between mid-September and October. Likewise, it must be taken into account that in areas such as the Dolomites the weather is different from that of the rest of Italy. And if you don’t want to freeze to death on the way, don’t even think about planning a cycling trip to the Dolomites in January and February.

Top climbs: Passo Gavia / Bormio 2000 / Mortirolo / Stelvio / Torre di Fraele / Marmolada / Falzarego / Campolongo / Gardena / Sella / Giau / 3 Cime di Lavaredo

Events: Eroica Dolomiti / Gran Fondo Stelvio Salvini / Maratona Dolomites / Sportful Dolomiti Gran Fondo