Italy cycling map & highlights

Mangia, mangia! It would be awfully churlish to miss out on the delights of Italy’s dining table just because you’re on a cycling vacation so shout ’bravo!’ for bigoli con l'anatra in Venice, bagna càuda in Piedmont, bistecca alla fiorentina in Tuscany and burrata in Puglia, before adjusting saddle bags accordingly and burning it all off over a couple of klicks. Every region boasts its own best dish, so try something new or stick to carb-filled spaghetti – there’s a reason why Italian cyclists love Lycra.

No matter which region of Italy you’ve chosen to explore there will be an abundance of cultural and natural treasures that necessitate a day off to really do them justice. Building a free day into a week-long cycling itinerary also gives you the chance to do absolutely nothing around the pool or on the beach as you relax lengthened limbs and ensure you’re buoyed and ready to go the following morning.

Even if undertaking a guided cycling tour as part of a small group, it’s still pertinent to know what to do with a puncture and how to protect yourself from the elements. Packing your own saddle, a gel seat, helmet, padded shorts and first-aid kit, including Vaseline, is also advisable, as is plotting your progress on a map so you can really be prepared and gain a deeper understanding of the route and what to keep an eye out for along the way.

Overdo it. Cycling in Italy does build excitement levels and ramp up adrenaline somewhat so don’t push your pedals to their limits, particularly over the first couple of days. Find a route that suits you and make sure you put in a few hours of cycle time, at least, before heading to them there hills. You may be cycling, but you’re still on vacation, so be honest and know your limits before donning your wraparound shades, wiggling your bottom and pumping pedals like Mario Cipollini.

Ignore advice. Ride at your own pace; don’t plug in your headphones whilst cycling; cycle in single file; learn the Italian highway code – this is just some of the expert advice that’s really worth heeding. Here’s some more: set off early to avoid the midday sun, stick to designated cycle tracks and avoid drinking alcohol before you get back to base. Please don’t ignore advice if you’re hoping to have a cycling vacation in Italy that’s successful, enjoyable and memorable – for all the right reasons.

Stick to cities. Turin, Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples are undoubtedly amongst the world’s finest cities and if you’ve never been to Italy before then we’d certainly recommend a visit to any of the locations mentioned above if you’re close enough to do so on a day off. However, cycling in and out of Italian traffic is not fun, it’s dangerous. Stick to rural tarmac roads and peaceful paths leading through vineyards to hilltop towns and villages.

“Bring clothes for all weathers. We had one day when we needed sunscreen and a hat, and the next it was freezing rain. It's not a tremendously demanding ride, but you do need to be able to ride 30 miles a day and climb a hill or two.” – Wendy Pillar, cycling in the Dolomites

“Do some training riding up hills! On two of the days there are very long climbs (and very long descents afterwards). Bring clothes for a wide range of weathers if traveling in April as it can be cool and wet, but when the sun comes out it can also get pretty hot.” – Wendy Pillar cycling in Sicily

“Get some cycling practise in - most of the riding is on quiet roads, although it's still worth getting used to cycling in traffic.” – Michelle Bickle cycling in Umbria

“The whole trip was memorable... Tuscany is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to. I think the most exciting part of the trip was when we were biking to Pisa and got our first glimpse of the leaning tower. It was so surreal!” – Manpreet Annand

“Be prepared to eat lots of amazing food, pack a swimsuit.” – Charlotte Graham, cycling in Sardinia

“All of the services and accommodations were wonderfully done by small local groups and families.” – John Holder, self guided cycling in Umbria