Cycling routes that will allow you to discover Italy's most characteristic spots
4 Jul 2023
There is nothing better than exploring Italian landscapes on your bike: not only is it good for your health, but it also allows you to discover unique and exciting views. Our country is full of routes designed for two-wheelers, thanks to which you can immerse yourself in nature. You can choose your favourite setting from the lake to the mountains or hills, or decide to visit villages and towns.
Discover the most beautiful cycling routes in Italy, a special way to get in touch with the beauty of the area.
Sentiero della Valtellina
Lombardy is home to the Sentiero della Valtellina (Valtellina Trail), a 114-kilometre-long cycle path that runs along the Adda river and through the green places in this part of the region.
The route runs from Colico to Bormio and skirts the railway line, allowing you to use the means of transport to get around easily at any time. This route will allow you to discover all the secrets of the Valtellina, from the natural landscapes to the small villages nestled in the valley.
If you are coming from out of town and want to explore the area in depth, you could stop at one of the many hotels in Milan, just an hour and a half from the start of the route.
Among the various establishments we recommend UNAHOTELS Galles Milano, a 4-star hotel located in Corso Buenos Aires, and Torre Galfa Luxury Apartments | UNA Esperienze, with its 63 two-, three- and four-room flats for rent.
Cycling itineraries: the Treviso-Ostiglia
Among the summer cycling itineraries, we recommend the Treviso-Ostiglia, a cycle path carved out of a former commercial railway. The 70 km of the route will guide you through this area of Veneto rich in wooded landscapes, fields, waterways and characteristic villas.
From the Cercara Oasis to the cycle-pedestrian bridge over the river Brenta, the Treviso-Ostiglia hides one surprise after another. It is no coincidence that it is considered one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Italy.
In Treviso you will find the UNAHOTELS Le Terrazze Treviso Hotel & Residence, a modern design hotel just a few minutes from the centre and easily accessible from the airport.
Ferrara, the city of bicycles
It is no coincidence that Ferrara is called ‘The city of bicycles’. It’s a must-see destination for two-wheel enthusiasts, who will find around 20 routes here to satisfy any need.
You can explore the historic city centre, where the Estense Castle stands, and cycle around the famous city walls, but also discover the Ferrara countryside thanks to the Destra Po, Italy's longest cycle path, and venture along the dirt roads of the Comacchio Valleys on your mountain bike.
Just 12 km from Ferrara is UNAWAY Hotel Occhiobello, a smart hotel in a strategic location which offers its guests quiet rooms furnished with great taste and attention.
Ciclopedonale Puccini
The Ciclopedonale Puccini (Puccini cycle path) allowed Tuscany to win the last edition of the Italian Bicycle Tourism Oscar, an award dedicated to excellence among cycle paths.
Discover it during a weekend bike ride. It stretches for 58 km and goes from Lucca to Torre del Lago, on a flat route suitable for everyone. It can be a special way to experience Versilia and Tuscany immersed in nature.
The characteristic that makes this itinerary unique is the fact that it is designed to rediscover the life and places of the composer Puccini. By scanning a special QR Code, you will be able to pedal accompanied by his symphonies, which will highlight precise points along the route.
If you are looking for a room, the Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze is the right choice. Here you can relax and get in shape, thanks to the hotel's elegant SPA and wellness centre.
Sicily Divide, in the heart of Sicily
Adventure lovers will find everything they're looking for in the Sicily Divide, an incredible 457-km track across Sicily connecting Catania and Trapani. The ambitious project was created in 2020 to make people discover the lesser-known side of this region.
Along the route, which winds through places such as Enna, Montedoro and Gibellina, you will find affiliated facilities and the possibility to rent bicycles to immerse yourself in the authentic heart of Sicily.
In Catania, the starting (or arrival) point of this adventure, is the Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze. It is a historic luxury hotel where you can sample typical regional cuisine and enjoy a unique view of Mount Etna.
Now all you have to do is choose the itinerary that suits you and set off. Travelling by bike is the best way to discover Italy and its most characteristic corners among breathtaking natural landscapes, villages and towns.