Cycling in Italy is more than a sport — it’s a full sensory experience. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and culinary wonders, Italy is a top destination for cycling holidays. Whether you’re cruising along the coast, climbing mountain passes, or exploring vineyard valleys, these scenic cycling routes offer the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and beauty.

Here are the best cycling routes in Italy to inspire your next bike tour.

Piedmont and the Langhe – Wine & Truffle Country to Cycle

Discover one of Italy’s hidden gems: cycling in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Ride through vineyards, hazelnut groves, and medieval villages like Barolo and La Morra. This route is perfect for those seeking a balance between scenic bike tours and culinary experiences, with panoramic views and world-class wines along the way.

When is the best time to cycle around Piedmont and the Langhe?

Middle spring to middle fall, especially during the harvest season in autumn.

Tuscany – Chianti & Val d’Orcia, wine and white roads

Tuscany is an icon for bike touring in Italy, with its cypress-lined roads, hilltop towns, and endless vineyards. The Chianti region offers a gentle yet rewarding ride, with opportunities to stop for wine tastings and traditional Tuscan meals.

When is the best time to cycle around Tuscany?

April to June or September to October.

Dolomites – Epic Alpine Climbs

For cyclists seeking elevation and challenge, the Dolomites are among the best cycling routes in Europe. The Alta Badia circuit includes legendary passes like Passo Pordoi and Passo Gardena, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and alpine beauty.

When is the best time to cycle in the Dolomites?

June to September, when mountain roads are fully accessible.

Lake Garda & Valpolicella – Family-friendly and Versatile

Lake Garda cycling routes range from flat, family-friendly paths along the shore to more intense climbs inland. The highlight? The Garda by Bike path — a breathtaking route suspended over the water or the Valpolicella wine hills closed to the beautiful city of Verona.

When is the best time to cycle around Lake Garda & Valpolicella?

Middle spring through middle autumn.

Cinque Terre – Coastal Beauty With a Challenge

Few places in the world offer the visual drama of the Cinque Terre, and while the terrain is steep and demanding, the reward is unforgettable. This UNESCO-listed stretch along the Ligurian coast combines cliffside roads, colorful villages, and panoramic sea views. Though the villages themselves are mostly pedestrian, the surrounding hills offer thrilling rides — think sharp switchbacks, vineyards clinging to rock, and the deep blue Mediterranean always in view.

Ride from La Spezia through Levanto, taking in gems like Riomaggiore and Vernazza from above. Bring your climbing legs — and your camera.

When is the best time to cycle around Cinque Terre?

Late winter or middle autumn, when the roads are quieter and the temperatures just right.

Puglia and Matera – Southern Italy’s cycling soul

Bike tours in Puglia are relaxed and sun-soaked. Ride through olive groves, along the Adriatic coast, and into towns like Lecce and Polignano a Mare. Extend your trip to include Matera, a city carved from stone and rich in history. The road from Puglia to Matera delivers stunning rural scenery and a truly unique destination.

When is the best time to cycle around Puglia and Matera?

March to May or September to November.

Western Alps Occitane – Wild, Remote, and Amazing to Ride

For cyclists in search of quiet roads and epic climbs, the Western Alps near the French border are perfect. Ride passes like Colle dell’Agnello and Colle Fauniera surrounded by raw, untouched nature. This is a route for experienced cyclists looking for authenticity and solitude.

When is the best time to cycle in the Italian Western Alps?

Late June to early October.