Discover Tuscany and the Giro d’Italia roads on your bike
Tuscany offered a cycling spectacle of rare intensity in the second week of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, hosting three stages that showcased the beauty and diversity of its territory. From the white gravel roads of Siena to the time trial between Lucca and Pisa, and finally today’s stage from Viareggio to Castelnovo ne’ Monti (in the Reggio Emilia province), the region displayed its most authentic face. For cycle tourists, these same lands offer alternative routes, more accessible but just as captivating—perfect for experiencing the excitement of the Giro firsthand.
On the Strade Bianche: Tuscany’s Gravel Soul
The Giro stage that led the pros from Gubbio to Siena crossed the iconic white gravel roads that define the Tuscan landscape. These dirt tracks, made famous by the Strade Bianche classic, offer cycle tourists routes steeped in nature and history.
One example is the route starting in Siena and winding through the Crete Senesi, passing through San Quirico d’Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, and Pienza, before arriving at the scenic Piazza del Campo.
For those looking for a ready-made experience, the Eroica offers two permanent routes: one of 205 km and another of 135 km, both starting and ending in Gaiole in Chianti—perfect for discovering the charm of Tuscany’s white gravel roads.
From Lucca to Pisa: the Puccini Cycleway and Beyond
The 10th stage of the 2025 Giro featured a 28.6 km individual time trial from Lucca to Pisa, on a flat but technical route.
For cycle tourists, the Puccini Cycle Path is an ideal alternative: an approximately 50 km itinerary following the Serchio River, linking Lucca to Torre del Lago through river landscapes and natural areas.
Other recommended routes include the Pisa–Lucca loop via San Giuliano Terme, about 80 km and suitable for intermediate cyclists, and the route from Lucca to Lake Massaciuccoli, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
From Versilia to the Apennines: Riding Between Sea and Mountains
The Giro stage from Viareggio to Castelnovo ne’ Monti covers 186 km and over 4,000 meters of elevation, passing through the Garfagnana and tackling tough climbs such as the San Pellegrino in Alpe, with gradients of up to 19%.
For cycle tourists, Garfagnana offers more accessible yet equally fascinating routes, such as the itinerary from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana to Barga, passing through historic villages and mountain landscapes.
Another option is the climb to the Passo delle Radici, less demanding but scenic—perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the nature of the Tuscan Apennines.
The Tuscan stages of the 2025 Giro d’Italia highlighted the diversity and beauty of the region, offering valuable inspiration for cycle tourism. From Siena’s white gravel roads to the bike paths between Lucca and Pisa, and up to the mountain routes of Garfagnana, Tuscany proves to be an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the thrill of cycling in all its forms—through sport, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
