Protected areas, food and wine excellence, archaeological sites, and spiritual places are the ingredients of an original and evocative cycling journey through the wonders of Abruzzo.
On two wheels, you can cross an extraordinary natural landscape as well as explore art cities and medieval villages. The coastline offers over 130 kilometers of fine, golden sandy beaches, centuries-old pine forests, and historic watchtowers to the north; cliffs and pebbly coves where you can admire the famous trabocchi, also mentioned by Gabriele d’Annunzio, to the south.
With three national parks, one regional park, and over thirty nature reserves, Abruzzo is the largest natural area in Europe, the authentic green heart of the Mediterranean. And to discover these pristine territories, with trails nestled between gorges, streams, castles, hermitages, mountain peaks, plateaus, and UNESCO-listed ancient forests, what could be better than a bicycle? The routes, of varying difficulty and length, are suitable both for those who love cycling through plains and hills and for the more experienced cyclist always seeking new paths and challenging routes.
Pineto, credits Gianni Alcini
Cyclotourism routes
There are several routes that guide cyclists through a dense network of roads, unveiling the region’s colorful geo-morphological and cultural panoramas. One of the main routes, suitable for all, runs entirely along the coastline — still under completion in some parts — as part of the Bike to Coast project, which is an integral part of the national Adriatic Cycle Route, characterized by enchanting pine forests and picturesque crossings like the Ponte del Mare in Pescara. After passing the town of Francavilla al Mare, it offers unforgettable views of rocky, solitary beaches, ideal stops for a refreshing break. This route is part of the Via Verde of the Costa dei Trabocchi, created along the disused railway track, fully facing the sea.
Costa dei Trabocchi, credits Massimiliano Crea
The difficulty increases gradually as cyclists leave the gentle slopes of the foothills and encounter the first true climbs, such as the Maielletta in the province of Chieti, already ridden by cycling champions. Or those of the karst plateau of Campo Imperatore within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, which will host the spectacular arrival of the seventh stage of the 2023 Giro d’Italia next May, with the individual time trial from Fossacesia to Ortona along the aforementioned Via Verde of the Costa dei Trabocchi, and the second stage from Teramo to San Salvo.
Cycling events
With hundreds of participants from around the world, the Bike Marathon Gran Sasso d’Italia (June 11, 2023) is one of the most important Granfondo cycling events at the competitive level. Participants divide into three different races: the extreme 135 km route, a medium 110 km route, and a shorter 90 km non-competitive route.
Roseto degli Abruzzi, Riserva del Borsacchio, credits Gianni Alcini
XTERRA (Scanno, July 22-23, 2023) features a series of cross-triathlon races, an extreme event that combines swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. The race begins with 1500 meters of swimming, followed by a two-loop MTB course — the first loop of 11 km with 400 meters of elevation gain, and the second loop of 19 km with 900 meters of elevation gain — finishing with a 10 km trail run. The untouched nature and unique urban setting of the town of Scanno make this event one of the most sought-after and appreciated in the global Xterra circuit. Scanno also hosts the Marathon degli Stazzi (June 4, 2023), an event that has been held since 2003 and attracts numerous bikers every year, becoming one of the most important appointments in the MTB circuit. The two routes — the Marathon of 64 km and 2080 meters of elevation gain, and the shorter Classic of 42 km with 1250 meters of elevation gain — wind through various stazzi, or shepherds’ huts, located in the territory between the Frattura fraction, the Monte Genzana pass, Passo Godi, and Lake Scanno.
The MTB circuit Sulle orme dei Sanniti spans various locations between Abruzzo and Molise. Now in its eighth edition, it includes all off-road disciplines, from cross-country to Granfondo-marathons, through areas once inhabited by the ancient Italic population. A mountain bike journey between food, art, and nature that, after the Scerni stage, will continue on May 14 with the Sirente Bike Marathon in Aielli; the Matese Granfondo on May 28 in Bojano; the Gran Sasso Marathon in Castel del Monte on July 2; the Granfondo Atene del Sannio in Agnone on July 9; and will conclude on July 23 in Carovilli with the cross-country race.
Among the new events, from June 2 to 4, 2023, the Costa dei Trabocchi will host Art Bike & Run + Wine, a weekend for athletes, families, and tourists featuring artistic performances, group games, a non-competitive running race, time trials, food-and-wine bike rides, and event spaces for tastings, workshops, and activities for children. Finally, on September 24, 2023, Castel del Monte will host Nova Eroica Gran Sasso, a new all-road event in the heart of the Italian Apennines, with routes that wind through valleys and plateaus on ancient tratturi, the white roads historically used for the transhumance of flocks, a practice recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. This is a unique opportunity to explore a territory rich in nature and history in true Eroica style.
For inspiration: Abruzzo Bike Friendly
Opening photo: vineyards and Torre del Cerrano, credits Gianni Alcini
