Cycle Through Italy: Inspired by Giro d’Italia Stages

With the arrival of May, Italy turns pink as the Giro d’Italia takes over roads, mountains, and passionate hearts. While top cyclists battle it out on epic stages, even those without podium ambitions can discover the wonders of our country by bike, riding along routes inspired by the stages of the Giro 2025.

Ciclovia del Salento Ionico_Credits Roberto Guido_Ciclonica
Ciclovia del Salento Ionico_Credits Roberto Guido_Ciclonica

The Fiera del Cicloturismo has selected six routes that reveal the most authentic and charming sides of Italy, from the hills of Tuscany to the coasts of Salento, from the mountains of Basilicata to the historic villages of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Percorso Giro d'Italia
Giro d’Italia Route

1. Puglia – Salento Ionian Cycle Route

Stage four of the Giro passes through Puglia. To celebrate, we suggest a journey between Manduria and Ugento, where the Ionian coast of Puglia shines in its most authentic splendor. Enchanting beaches, lush pine forests, and nature reserves alternate with villages rich in history and tradition.

Ciclovia del Salento Ionico_Credits Roberto Guido_Ciclonica2
Ciclovia del Salento Ionico_Credits Roberto Guido_Ciclonica

The route is curated by the “Ciclonica” project, which offers a network of bike-friendly accommodations combining local hospitality with services tailored for cycling tourists. The Salento Ionian Cycle Route is also a journey through time, with unchanging landscapes of ancient olive groves and crystal-clear waters. With the Ciclonica app, cyclists can discover points of interest, agritourisms, and track their itinerary in real time. A route where natural beauty and Salento culture blend into a unique experience.

2 & 3. Basilicata – Stones and Mountains

Basilicata is a hidden gem crossed by the fifth and sixth stages of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. In Matera, cyclists can ride among the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dive into the history of this unique city. Matera’s loop route lets you explore the city and surroundings, cycling through history and nature.

Basilicata - Matera photo by F.Vigliotti
Basilicata – Matera photo by F.Vigliotti

In Potenza, you’ll find the Meridiana Cycle Route, one of 2025’s new additions. This 295 km loop route, with a 6,110-meter elevation gain, crosses the Lucanian Apennines Park, passing through 22 villages via low-traffic roads and connecting with other cycling routes. It’s a chance to discover a wild and lesser-known area, far from typical tourist routes, through sustainable and immersive cycling tourism.

4. Tuscany – Puccini’s Route

Stage ten takes the cyclists through Tuscany, one of the most beloved regions for cycling tourism. The Puccini Pedestrian and Cycle Path combines nature, history, and music. The route, running from Ponte a Moriano to Lake Massaciuccoli, offers breathtaking views of the Lucca countryside and allows riders to explore the places that inspired Maestro Giacomo Puccini.

Tuscany Florentine hills
Tuscany Florentine hills

Along the 50 km nearly flat route, cyclists can stop at service points, recharge e-bikes, and enjoy local traditions. Thanks to interactive signs with QR codes, it’s even possible to listen to Puccini’s works while cycling, adding a unique dimension to the biking experience.

5. Veneto – The Treviso-Ostiglia Cycle Route

From Veneto to Friuli Venezia Giulia in a single stage, the fourteenth of the Giro. We begin with a journey through the history and nature of Veneto: the Treviso-Ostiglia is an 85 km bike route that follows an old, now decommissioned railway line between Treviso and Ostiglia. It winds through Veneto’s countryside, passing cultivated fields, picturesque villages, Venetian villas, and natural areas where biodiversity thrives.

Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route

The route is well-marked, safe, and accessible to everyone—from families with children to experienced cyclists. Along the way, there are numerous rest areas, refreshment spots, and bike parks where you can recharge and discover local flavors. Thanks to its flat terrain, the Treviso-Ostiglia is perfect for a relaxing ride that still offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

6. Friuli Venezia Giulia – Gorizia and Beyond

And finally, we arrive in Friuli Venezia Giulia. In 2025, Gorizia will be the European Capital of Culture, and what better occasion to explore this region by bike? The FVG3 Pedemontana Cycle Route is the perfect way to discover Friuli Venezia Giulia, riding through hills, vineyards, and charming villages. The route runs from Sacile to Gorizia, offering spectacular views of the Julian Alps and the Friulian plain.

FVG3 Manzano photo by Devis Solerti
Friuli Venezia Giulia, FVG3 Manzano photo by Devis Solerti

Moreover, in 2025 cycling tourism in Friuli will become even more international thanks to the GO!2025 routes, which connect Italy and Slovenia, offering the chance to explore Collio, the Brda hills, and iconic locations of the Great War. A journey through borderless landscapes, where cycling tourism becomes a bridge between different cultures and traditions.

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