The Ligurian Alps are located where the Western Alps take another big turn to the east and finally sink into the Mediterranean. In the triangle between Turin, Ventimiglia and Finale Ligure, the trail spots interlock almost like links in a chain. You could spend weeks travelling from valley to valley here, slowly working your way south. Until finally the azure blue Mediterranean opens up on the horizon. That's why it's a good idea to travel here in a camper van. This way, you can comfortably explore the spots one after the other and maybe even add a few beach days on the Riviera at the end, as the sea here is usually still at bathing temperature until the end of October.
Just a few kilometres across the French border, one of the biggest bike parties in Europe is taking place from 8 to 12 October: The Roc-d'Azur Festival is celebrating its 30th birthday this year in Fréjus! Professional riders, manufacturers and entire families have already registered for this end-of-season event with marathon, downhill and children's races. Alpine touring enthusiasts will also take on the famous Ligurian border ridge road. The military road winds over the mountain ridges along the French-Italian border stones. For 60 kilometres, the route winds through historic gravel bends, always at a panoramic altitude of 2000 metres. The biggest playground, however, is for trail lovers: from the Sauze d'Oulx bike park to the Colle di Nava, Val Prino, Diano Marina and Valle Argentina bike spots all the way to Finale Ligure.
Conclusion From the high mountains to the sea: a super area for freeriders who also like to use a shuttle.
Finale Ligure: Over the years, the bike resort west of Genoa has blossomed into a true trail mecca. The trails are maintained, there is a route book, bike guides, well-stocked shops and shuttle buses for freeriders. Info: finaleligure-bikeresort.com
Valle Argentina: Probably the valley with the least rainfall in the hinterland between Imperia and San Remo. Witches used to live here, but today downhillers and freeriders sweep across the trails in the Argentina Valley. A top spot even in winter.
Alta via del Monti Liguri: The Ligurian Alta Via is a high-altitude hiking trail that stretches 400 kilometres over the coastal mountains: from Ventimiglia to La Spezia. The trail is very challenging in parts, but key sections can be avoided. Info: altaviadeimontiliguri.it
TrailXperience: The TrailXperience guides are absolute experts in the Ligurian Alps. Info: trailxperience.com
Beautiful accommodation, delicious food, rolling hills and cypresses - and a new flow trail every day. Umbria and Tuscany are now at their most unspoilt! There are two accommodations in the Italian boot that you simply have to visit: Ernest Hutmacher's bike centre in Massa Vecchia and Villa Rey in Umbria. Both establishments are run by experienced bike professionals, so all-round catering and a wide range of tours are guaranteed (see right). If you're looking for adventure, take the ferry across to Elba and venture across the island on ancient mule tracks. On the way back, trail enthusiasts can stop by the Bandite Trail Area in Punta Ala. The start of the big Enduro Series takes place there every year.
Conclusion Top autumn destination for fans of good food and well-groomed trails.
Massa Vecchia: The bike station is often used by professional riders as a training area and is only 18 kilometres from the sea. Pool and large pump track on the doorstep. Info: massavecchia.it
Villa Rey: Silvia, the sister of trial legend Hans Rey, has created a true bike oasis on Lake Trasimeno. Great food and childcare. Info: hotelvillarey.com
A trip to South Tyrol is also worthwhile at short notice over the weekend if the weather forecast is good. There are countless reasons: In the Vinschgau Valley, iconic trails wind their way downhill between the Reschen Pass and Meran on both sides of the valley. Trail beginners will love the smooth flow curves of the Holy Hansen, while big mountain adventurers make their way over the Madritschjoch (3123 m). The big plus of this destination: with 300 days of sunshine a year, the Venosta Valley is one of the three driest valleys on the Alpine ridge!
Vinschgau-Sonnencross: The side valley of Merano has long been known for its many long super trails - and every year the bike hoteliers open up another one. The best overview: trails.com
Latemar circuit with lift: New: three lifts for 15 euros. This means you can ski around the Dolomiten-Stock in one day! Info: bikehotels.it
In Sicily, you need a rain jacket for seven days in October. One day less in Sardinia and Crete. However, it is generally two degrees warmer in Sicily. At least if you compare the climate tables of the three large Mediterranean islands. So the weather doesn't really help when deciding which island to go to for a well-earned autumn holiday.
In contrast, there are significant differences in flight prices. In October, a flight from Munich to Sardinia with Air Berlin costs 190 euros. Of course, the island is the closest to Germany. For Sicily, on the other hand, you have to shell out almost 300 euros and for Crete another 100 euros more. And in each case the bike transport has to be added. So why take the longer and twice as expensive flight to Crete? For example, because the Greek island has the most suitable touring area for bikes: Four mountain ranges line up here from east to west. Although there are hardly any trails on Crete, it is possible to cross the island on gravel roads. However, you need either a guide or a really well-marked GPS track, as the topographical maps are very inaccurate and there is practically no signposting of the trails. Sardinia also has several exciting mountain ranges. However, many paths here get bogged down in the maquis. But there are very useful tour books for Sardinia and, of course, bike centres that are happy to help.
Conclusion Gravel roads on Crete, challenging and hidden trails on Sardinia. A mix of the two on Mount Etna!
Crete: Swiss couple Barbara and Martin Gernet have been living on the Greek island since 1995 and offer guided bike tours. They know trails that you would never find on a map. Info: www.martinbike.com, www.olympicbike.com, www.sunbiketeam.com
Sardinia: In Sardinia, it's best to put your trust in the guides from Gallura Bike Point. As many super trails end in a secluded bay, the guys sometimes send a taxi boat. Info: www.gallurabikepoint.com
Sicily: From the sea to Mount Etna: Bike Alpin offers guided island crossings in autumn. Info: www.bikealpin.de
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
