Guide to the Best Cycling Routes in Italy and Europe

Summer is here, and with it comes the desire to recharge both body and mind—perhaps by planning a bike trip, a form of relaxation that, in Italy and Europe, goes far beyond the idea of a simple vacation. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, for example, Italy recorded 89 million cycling-related overnight stays, marking a +54% increase compared to 2023. Cycle tourism is also booming in the rest of Europe, with the EuroVelo network now covering over 56,000 km of cycle routes and France reporting a steady 5% annual increase in cycling visitors.

You don't need to be a pro cyclist to travel by bike. What matters is the desire to slow down and experience a different kind of escape—one that's about discovery more than performance. Whether it's for a weekend or a longer break, on a road or gravel bike, with panniers and racks or in full bikepacking style, this guide to the best cycling routes in Italy and Europe includes destinations worth riding at least once in a lifetime. From mountains to coastlines, solo or with friends, we've also included tips on guided road and gravel bike tours, self-guided adventures, and relaxing weekend getaways. Because the beauty of a bike trip lies in discovering the world one pedal stroke at a time—and every cyclist deserves a journey that leaves them changed, for the better.

The best cycling routes in Italy and Europe

Cycling in Italy

If you've decided to plan your road or gravel bike trip in Italy (yes, road bike travel is definitely possible), then you absolutely have to ride at least one of these routes:

Northern Italy (road or gravel) | between Belluno and Trentino-Alto Adige, there are plenty of routes that vary in length and difficulty, as well as several long-distance bike paths connecting Trentino to Austria and Germany, or to neighboring Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. One excellent option is the cycle route from Bolzano to Ferrara—315 km of mostly gentle terrain that can be comfortably covered in three days (Bolzano - Rovereto, Rovereto - Mantua, Mantua - Ferrara);
Northern Italy (mtb or gravel) | still in Northern Italy, the Po River Cycle Route is a must-ride for any bike traveler—not only because it follows the course of Italy's longest river (starting from the bike path in Paesana, near Cuneo, and ending at the river delta), but also because it offers a unique journey through history, art, culture, and local food traditions. Spanning just over 1,500 km, it takes you through Piedmont, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna before reaching Veneto;

A segment of the Po River Cycle Route | Credit: cicloturismo.it

Central Italy (road or gravel) | the coast-to-coast route always has its own special charm. Starting, for example, in Senigallia (Marche), you can reach the white sands of Marina di Vecchiano (near Pisa) after crossing 560 km of roads winding through postcard-perfect landscapes, colors, and villages that the world envies. From the Adriatic coast through the Marche hills to the Colfiorito Highlands—gateway to Umbria—you’ll pass through towns like Foligno and Corciano before heading into the Val di Chiana and eventually the breathtaking Val d’Orcia. Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Torrenieri, and Buonconvento are just a few of the iconic stops on this enchanting route, which then follows the gravel section of the Via Francigena towards Siena. After leaving the famous Piazza del Campo behind, the route continues to Monteriggioni and on to Colle Val d'Elsa, climbing up and over the hills to Volterra, from where a long descent leads you all the way back to the sea;

An example of coast-to-coast by bike in Italy

Central Italy (gravel) | still in central Italy, gravel bike lovers can take on the permanent route of L'Eroica—an unforgettable 209 km adventure through the heart of the Terre di Siena, passing through the Chianti region, the Crete Senesi, and the Val d'Orcia. While the route is technically accessible to all types of bikes, we strongly recommend riding it on a gravel bike, whether you're touring or bikepacking. You won’t regret it!
Southern Italy (road or gravel) | not everyone knows that, in recent years, Southern Italy has become one of the most popular destinations for bike travelers, with the percentage of cycling tourists rising from 7% to 17.4%, according to the 2023 Isnart report. The most visited regions? Puglia and Basilicata lead the way. The Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Route (set to reach 192 km by 2026, making it one of the most important in Europe) and the Basilicata Parks Cycle Route—featuring 21 routes of varying difficulty that pass through more than 70 villages and 120 points of interest—are at the top of the list;
Southern Italy (road or gravel) | but there are three more southern regions that are increasingly loved by bike travel enthusiasts. One is Abruzzo, offering both the pleasure of riding a bike path built on a former railway line (from Martinsicuro to San Salvo) and the thrill of bikepacking through some of Italy’s most iconic and untouched landscapes—such as Campo Imperatore, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, Rocca Calascio, and Campo di Giove. Calabria and Sicily, with their respective Parks Cycle Routes, also provide diverse landscapes and unique settings that can make your cycling journey truly unforgettable.

A stunning view of Campo Imperatore captured during the 2025 Nova Eroica Gran Sasso | Credit: eroica.cc

Cycling in Europe, Bikeroom x Eat Sleep Cycle

If what you're looking for is a guided road or gravel bike tour—or a self-guided adventure—Eat Sleep Cycle, an official Bikeroom partner, is exactly what you need. Founded in Spain in 2016 by a group of expert and passionate cyclists, Eat Sleep Cycle is a tour operator that promotes cycling as a way to discover new places, respect the environment, and connect with local communities and cultures wherever they operate.

Whether you love epic mountain climbs, scenic gravel escapes, or you're simply an explorer at heart, Eat Sleep Cycle offers a winning bike travel formula: carefully designed routes with GPS tracks, useful tips and full support, expert local guides, high-quality accommodations, and optimal timing to ride in your dream destination. These are the four key ingredients for a tailor-made cycling experience—on road or gravel.

Wondering how many tours you can choose from? The list includes timeless classics like Spain, Italy, and France—countries that blend culture, tradition, iconic routes, and gourmet cuisine—as well as far-flung adventures in Patagonia, Morocco, and Colombia. You’ll also find routes through Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, the UK, Ireland, and the USA. And with the code BIKEROOM100, you'll get €100 off at checkout on any Eat Sleep Cycle tour package. All that's left to do is choose your next destination and get your bike ready—there's a whole world waiting to be discovered!

Cycling in Europe, Bikeroom x Eat Sleep Cycle

Want to Learn More?

Road Bike vs Gravel Bike

Planning a cycling holiday but not sure whether to go with a road bike or a gravel bike? No worries. Check out our complete guide to the differences between road and gravel bikes. And if you're new to the world of off-road riding, don't miss our introductory guide to gravel bike—packed with everything you need to know!