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- Advice
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Last year, we recommended 4 bike itineraries for your Christmas holidays, both in Italy and abroad, and we hope that you had the chance to try some of them during the year that's about to end. For this holiday season, we invite you to discover winter cycling tourism with 4 new bike routes in Italy. This time, we've chosen scenic coastal and lakeside areas, perfect for enjoying milder weather and breathtaking views.
The Via Verde dei Trabocchi
The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is a pedestrian and bike path that runs along the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, covering approximately 42 kilometers and connecting the towns of Ortona and San Salvo. This route, created from the old coastal railway line that was abandoned in 2005, offers a unique experience combining nature and history. It is one of the most fascinating bike paths in Italy, ideal for those who wish to explore natural landscapes and immerse themselves in local culture.
The route passes through several towns, including Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Rocca San Giovanni, Fossacesia, Torino di Sangro, Casalbordino, Vasto, and San Salvo. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Adriatic, passing by beaches, cliffs, and traditional fishing structures on stilts known as trabocchi. Some of these trabocchi have been transformed into restaurants, where you can taste typical dishes made with fresh fish.
The route also offers numerous points of cultural and historical interest, such as the medieval village of Rocca San Giovanni, the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, and the city of Ortona, as well as nature reserves like Ripari di Giobbe and Punta Aderci.
The path is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible to everyone, including families with children. Since it is almost entirely separated from vehicular traffic, it is particularly safe, which is why it received an award at the Green Road Awards.
You can find more information about this route on the official website of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi.
The Lake Garda Loop by Bike
Cycling around Lake Garda is a captivating experience that allows you to explore three Italian regions—Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto—while passing through varied and picturesque landscapes. Why do it in winter? To avoid the large influx of tourists that characterizes the summer season and to take advantage of the relatively mild climate of the lake, perfect for visiting charming towns and tasting local food and wine specialties.
The only thing to consider is that this route is not always suitable for those cycling with their families: while some sections are bike-friendly, like the famous suspended bike path between Limone and Riva, many others run along narrow and fairly busy roads. In particular, in the mountainous areas, there are tunnels where it is mandatory to wear a reflective vest and have front and rear lights to ensure visibility.
The complete route extends for about 160 kilometers and can be completed in a single day by experienced cyclists, or divided into several stages for those who wish to enjoy the experience at a more relaxed pace. For example, on the first day, you could cycle along the western shore, starting from Desenzano and passing through Manerba, San Felice del Benaco, Salò, Toscolano Maderno, Tremosine, Limone sul Garda, and Riva del Garda. The following day, you could continue on the eastern shore, passing through the towns of Malcesine, Brenzone, Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino, and Lazise, before reaching Peschiera del Garda and, finally, Sirmione.
For a detailed plan and up-to-date information, you can visit the official Garda Trentino website, which offers a complete guide to the route.
The Riviera dei Fiori Cycle Path
The Riviera dei Fiori Cycle Path is a 24-kilometer route that stretches along the Ligurian coast of Ponente, connecting San Lorenzo al Mare to Ospedaletti. This path, created from the old Genova-Ventimiglia railway track that was decommissioned in 2001, offers a unique experience where sea, nature, and culture blend together in perfect harmony.
It is an easy route suitable for everyone, including families with children, thanks to its paved surface and the separation between the cycle path and the pedestrian walkway. Along the way, numerous scenic rest areas, refreshment points, and bike rental options make the route convenient and accessible to all.
The Riviera dei Fiori Cycle Path offers a captivating journey through breathtaking landscapes and typical Ligurian villages. Starting from San Lorenzo al Mare, a picturesque village with colorful houses, you will immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere. Continuing along the route, you will reach Costarainera, a small perched village that offers spectacular views of the coast. Further ahead is Cipressa, home to the district of Lingueglietta, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, famous for its charming views. As the journey progresses, you’ll arrive at Santo Stefano al Mare, known for its sandy beaches and its characteristic nine-sided tower. Just after that, you will come across Riva Ligure, a charming fishing village with its little harbor and numerous historical monuments to discover. You’ll continue towards Arma di Taggia and the famous Sanremo, the city of music and the Festival. Finally, you’ll reach Ospedaletti, with its mild climate and lush vegetation, marking the end of this extraordinary journey immersed in the natural beauty of Liguria.
For more details, maps, and information about bike rentals, you can visit the official Riviera dei Fiori Cycle Path website.
Sardinia by Bike
Sardinia is most famous for its beaches, which are crowded with tourists during the summer months. However, the island also offers extraordinary landscapes that can be explored by bike during the quieter months. A winter cycling vacation in Sardinia is a great choice for those looking for vast unspoiled spaces, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas as the backdrop.
Today, thanks to the Ciclovia della Sardegna, it’s easier than ever to explore the island by bike. This ambitious regional project aims to create a ring-shaped cycling route of about 1,147 kilometers, divided into 19 segments. The main goal of the Ciclovia is to promote sustainable mobility and cycling tourism, allowing cyclists to explore the island’s rich variety of landscapes and culture. The route is designed to be accessible to everyone, with moderate slopes and safe sections, many of which are on dedicated bike paths or low-traffic roads. Some sections of the ciclovia are already open, while others are still under design or construction.
Among the most scenic and captivating stretches is the cycling route in the Golfo degli Angeli, about 115 km long. This itinerary starts from Costa Rei, famous for its long white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Continuing along the coast, you'll reach Villasimius, known for its enchanting beaches, such as Porto Giunco and Punta Molentis. Further along, you’ll ride along the Poetto seafront, one of the longest and most popular beaches in Cagliari, with the possibility of visiting the island's capital. The route concludes at Capo Spartivento, a panoramic spot offering spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding coast.
For more details about the routes, maps, and the progress of the works, you can visit the official website of the Ciclovia della Sardegna.