Among the Italian regions most committed to cycling tourism, Friuli-Venezia Giulia undoubtedly stands out. It's a must-visit destination for those who love travelling by bike in Italy and embracing a slower, more mindful approach to cycling — one that goes well beyond the idea of a simple holiday, whether you're on a road bike or gravel bike. Just as we highlighted in our recent guide to the best cycling routes in Italy and Europe.
From historic bike routes and "five-star" cycle paths to medieval villages, unspoiled nature, and gourmet cuisine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a true paradise for every type of cyclist — from beginners to road racers, from touring cyclists to gravel enthusiasts — where every road has a story to tell. In this compact summer guide, we’ve put together 5 top road and gravel routes to ride in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: a selection of ideas and inspiration we hope will encourage you to explore the region that will be crowned Cycling Tourism Capital 2025.
5 Must-Ride Road and Gravel Routes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
If you're planning to cycle or bikepack through Friuli-Venezia Giulia, here are 5 road and gravel routes we recommend riding at least once in your lifetime:
-
Alpe Adria Cycle Route (FVG 1) | The Alpe Adria Cycle Route is the undisputed queen of long-distance bike itineraries, connecting Salzburg to the Adriatic town of Grado and crossing the stunning Julian Alps near Tarvisio (Udine). This spectacular setting recently hosted the "Jova Bike Concert" — the only summer 2025 live show by Lorenzo Cherubini, aka Jovanotti — as part of the No Borders Music Festival at the Fusine Lakes. It was the first live concert accessible exclusively by bicycle. Jovanotti himself made the journey by bike after recovering from a serious accident during a holiday in the Dominican Republic two years earlier. He rode 770 km from his home in Cortona (Arezzo) to Tarvisio, accompanied by a group of friends including Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion Paolo Bettini, and fellow Tuscan and former Italian national team coach Daniele Bennati. «I had never ridden on this incredible bike path — it's truly amazing,» Jovanotti said from the stage before his performance. From Tarvisio, the award-winning Alpe Adria Route continues through the Fella Valley all the way to the Grado lagoon. For those wanting to complete the full route — whether on a road bike or gravel setup in bikepacking mode like Jovanotti — it takes around 8 days to cover the 415 km and 5,410 meters of elevation gain from Salzburg to the sea. Along the way, riders are treated to a dreamlike landscape filled with bridges, tunnels, and old train stations transformed into cafés and rest stops — offering a truly unforgettable cycling experience;
-
Pedemontana Cycle Route (FVG 3) | Stretching over 182 km with just under 1,000 metres of elevation gain, this route can be comfortably completed in 2 to 3 days. The Pedemontana Cycle Route crosses Friuli-Venezia Giulia following the natural arc of the regional Alpine foothills. It begins in Sacile (Pordenone), where the Livenza River flows, and ends in Gorizia–Nova Gorica (Slovenia), the joint European Capitals of Culture for 2025. Along the way, you'll pass through notable towns such as Maniago — world-renowned for its cutlery production — Toppo, listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Gemona (a strategic junction of three major cycle routes), and the historic town of Cividale del Friuli. Just a short detour from the main FVG 3 route, you'll also find charming villages like Polcenigo, Poffabro, Venzone, and Gradisca d'Isonzo (also ranked among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages), easily reachable via interconnected cycle paths that link back to the main trail;
-
Tagliamento Cycle Route (FVG 6 and 6A) | This route runs north to south across Friuli-Venezia Giulia, from the mountainous Carnia region to the seaside town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, following the right bank (FVG 6) or left bank (FVG 6A) of the Tagliamento River — Europe's last major wild Alpine river. The official starting point is Ampezzo, near the river's source at Passo della Mauria, but many cyclists opt to begin in more accessible towns like Socchieve or Tolmezzo (both in the province of Udine), where the FVG 6 signage is clear and the route becomes more cyclist-friendly. The path is mostly paved, running along bike lanes and secondary roads, though certain sections feature gravel stretches or embankment trails that suit gravel bikes or touring setups. We recommend planning your ride using dedicated apps like Komoot, which allow you to define both starting and ending points, select your bike type (road, gravel, touring, etc.), and view surface types and suggested waypoints. For those who prefer riding exclusively on a road bike, the route can be easily adjusted to avoid unpaved segments. Covering a total of 189 km, this itinerary takes you through a diverse landscape of Alpine views, historical towns, cultural landmarks, and coastal beauty — a perfect choice for a multi-day bikepacking trip.
-
Medieval Villages Loop | This easy bike-and-hike loop connects the medieval gems of Gemona del Friuli and Venzone — the latter declared a national monument in 1965 — both nestled in the historic heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The route runs for about 30 km, covering a nearly continuous stretch of the Alpe Adria Cycle Path, where Lombard architecture, ancient city walls, and gentle Alpine landscapes come together. From Venzone, the route crosses the Tagliamento River and descends toward Bordano, a village known for its butterfly-themed murals that adorn many houses — a tribute to nearby Mount S. Simeone, which hosts a remarkable variety of butterflies in summer. Here, visitors can also explore the "Butterfly House," open during the warm season. The loop returns to Gemona via another scenic crossing of the Tagliamento at Braulins. With low mileage and virtually no elevation gain, the route allows plenty of time to explore the town centers and cultural landmarks, making it the perfect half-day ride — whether on a gravel bike or e-bike;
-
The Grand Ring of the Friulian Hills | A moderately challenging route totaling 360 km with 7,700 meters of elevation gain (the highest point at 1,155 meters), this loop is ideal for a multi-day bikepacking trip through some of the most scenic landscapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The itinerary forms a counterclockwise ring through the rolling hills where the celebrated DOC Colli Orientali and Collio wines are born. The route leads to Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gateway to the enchanting Natisone Valleys. From here, the road climbs to the crest of Mount Colovrat, known as the site of the infamous Battle of Caporetto during World War I. The most demanding stage in terms of elevation is the section through the Torre Valleys leading to Gemona del Friuli. After crossing the Tagliamento River, the journey enters the Arzino Valley, where a gourmet stop in San Daniele del Friuli — home of the world-renowned DOP prosciutto — is a must before returning to Udine.
Want to Learn More?
Road Bike, Gravel Bike or Electric Bike?
Planning a cycling holiday but unsure whether to go for a road bike, a gravel bike, or an e-bike? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Check out our complete guide to the differences between road and gravel bikes, or read our tips on how to choose (and how much it costs to buy) an electric bike. And if you’re curious about the world of "gravel riding," don't miss our introductory guide to gravel bikes — everything you need to know, all in one place.
How to Prepare For a Bike Trip
You've picked the bike, but still unsure how to set up for the journey? Let Bikeroom help with the complete guide to everything you need for a successful bikepacking or cycling adventure.
