Tour special: Unknown cycling areas in Italy
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the picturesque coastal roads of Sicily and the steep slopes of the Dolomites, Italy offers a wide range of challenges for cyclists of all abilities. It is not only renowned professional cycling races such as the Giro d'Italia that attract cycling enthusiasts to the country. The panoramic landscape offers a marvellous backdrop for touring cyclists.
Dolce Vita on the bike
Cycling in Italy is the best way to experience the country in a very personal and intense way. You can get closer to the Italian lifestyle by cycling through picturesque villages, stopping at local markets and fortifying yourself with home-made delicacies.
The Italian government has also recognised this trend and continues to invest in the expansion of cycle paths and the improvement of infrastructure for cyclists. The goal is clear: Italy, with its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and passionate hospitality, is to become a perfect destination for cycle tourists. In this Italy special, we present three regions that are still rather undiscovered on the cycle tour atlas:
1st insider tip Marche: Discover the unknown Italy by bike
The Marche region is located in the centre of Italy, between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines. In contrast to popular Tuscany, it is less well-known and less crowded. Nevertheless, the province has some surprising things to offer cyclists. MYBIKE went on a discovery tour by bike.
In 2024, Pesaro, the capital of the province of Pesaro and Urbino, will be named European Capital of Culture 2024. Pesaro is home to Gioacchino Rossini's birthplace, which now houses a museum. In honour of the famous composer, Pesaro has also hosted an annual summer festival since 1980. The Marche region not only spoils its visitors with cultural highlights, but also with an extremely varied culinary scene with a wide range of regional delicacies: Crescia sfogliata, a type of puff pastry pancake, and olive ascolane, plump stuffed and deep-fried olives, are just two of the highlights. A visit to Marche therefore promises delights for all the senses - from sophisticated culture to exquisite gastronomy.
2. cycling in Abruzzo: the jewels of the Trabocchi coast
Abruzzo, the northernmost region of southern Italy, impresses its visitors with a coastline of over 125 kilometres as well as rolling hills and mountain peaks in the interior, which are up to 3,000 metres high. This diverse region offers a wide range of varied cycle tours, both culturally and scenically.
Along the coast you can see many ancient pile dwellings for fishing, which are connected to the mainland by narrow bridges. These are the ones "Trabocchi", which Gabriele D'Annunzio described in his poems and which gave the coastal stretch in the province of Chieti its name.
The 42-kilometre "Via Verde" Costa dei Trabocchi cycle path also runs directly along the coast on a former railway line.
3rd tip for the low season: Cycling tours on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a popular travel destination due to its impressive rock formations, rugged coastal landscape with numerous small beaches and charming fishing villages in pastel colours. Especially in the low season, you can explore the region by bike.
The historic coastal towns and villages inland, such as Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento, are well-known. But there are also hidden and lesser-known idyllic corners to discover.
The picturesque coast south of Naples has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. However, this idyll is repeatedly spoilt by coaches and cruise ships, which flood the popular sights of Amalfi and Positano in particular with crowds of people. In addition to all this, other tourists are also looking for a place to enjoy the breathtaking view of the glittering sea. Tourism has the coast firmly in its grip.
In early spring and autumn, however, you can still explore the Amalfi Coast relatively undisturbed. Even on the busy "Amalfitana" coastal road and on the small side roads, there is less traffic. The tours on the Amalfi Coast are nevertheless strenuous. The steep rock faces need to be climbed. It is not for nothing that the professional road race Giro d'Italia regularly runs through the region.
And more information about your holiday in Italy at: www.italia.it/en
