Let’s discover gravel, a sustainable cycling method that is becoming more and more widespread. And we will also see the best routes to take in Italy.
The cycle tourism in Italy is a constantly growing sector: according to estimates collected byIsnart (National Tourist Research Institute) And Legambiente, in 2023 it generated 5 billion euros and 57 million attendances. A trend that confirms how two wheels are increasingly appreciated, because they allow you to enjoy a slow tourism which materializes in experiential travel memorable, a contact with nature and with people. Between outdoor activities of this type, is becoming increasingly established in Italy gravel. Let’s find out in detail what it is and what the best routes in the Bel Paese are.
What is gravel and why is it attracting more and more enthusiasts?
Gravel is a sustainable and inclusive cycling modality which combines elements of racing bicycles and of mountain bikingallowing you to venture on dirt and gravel roads to explore vast open spaces, both alone and in a group. It is spreading more and more, being attractive for both more experienced enthusiasts that for i amateur cyclists.
The word “gravel” refers as much to the discipline as to the bike itself: the gravel bikes. This type of bicycle adopts the basic geometry of a road bike, but is equipped with components that make it more resistant and suitable for various terrains, from rural roads to dirt paths. The concept originated in 2010 in the United Stateswhere many secondary roads are not asphalted, creating the need for a suitable vehicle to travel these routes.
Gravel bikes allow you to explore new places and enjoy the natural environmentcombining speed and agility. John Tomac, a former road and mountain biker, was among the pioneers of this fusion of styles. Over time, gravel has evolved from a simple pastime to a structured sportoffering a less formal alternative to traditional cycling disciplines and promoting freedom of exploration.
In addition to being accessible to cyclists of all levels, it is also eco-friendly. In Italy, enthusiasm for gravel has grown thanks to the interest in cycle tourism And greener modes of transport. Gravel bikes are equipped with wide tires, curved dumbbells And comfortable saddleswhich ensure a comfortable driving position, also ideal for bikepackingor the travel mode with bags attached directly to the bike.
The best gravel bike routes in Italy
The gravel bike is versatile, suitable for both asphalt and paths, and capable of connecting different types of routes, from forest roads to mountain paths. Here are the best Italian routes.
Pordelio cycle path
Suspended on Venice lagoonthe Pordelio cycle path is recognized as the longest cantilever runway in Europe.
Inaugurated in 2022 in the municipality of Cavallino Treportithis extraordinary one water cycle path offers spectacular views of the islands of Burano and Torcellothe system of Mose dams and the Adriatic sea. Open to everyone, adults, children and pedestrians, this cycle path allows you to enjoy an eco-sustainable experience immersed in the unique landscape of the lagoon habitat.
Extending for a total of 7 km, the cycle path is built of steel and wood and lights up in the evening, creating the perfect atmosphere for night rides under the starry sky. For this reason, it is affectionately nicknamed the Path of Breath.
Path connects the town of Cavallino to Punta Sabbioniideal starting point to reach Venice via public transport.
Garda by bike
Sustainable, panoramic and so scenic that it seems almost dreamlike, the suspended cycle path on Lake Garda stands out as one of the most spectacular cycle routesnot just in Europebut all over the world.
This architectural marvel, also known as the Dream cycle pathis easily accessible viaEuroVelo 7 and extends for 3 km overlooking the crystal clear waters of the lake, connecting the municipalities of Lemon And Chief Reamol.
Pedaling on this track, you have an almost floating experience, with the solid rock of the cliff on one side and the intense blue of the Garda on the other. Every corner reveals unique visual surprises, making the journey an unforgettable experience for anyone.
Oropa cycle paths
We are located a short distance from most enchanting villages in Piedmontprecisely between the provinces of Biella And Ivreaimmersed in the cultural attractions of Canavese and of Valsesia.
In this context, a unique initiative was born: the Oropa cycle paths. A project, promoted by“Movimento Lento” Association“, which follows the success of Oropa pathwhich has quickly become a favorite destination for slow tourism enthusiasts.
The Oropa cycle paths offer over 350 km of routeswhich wind through some of the most fascinating locations in the region.
The starting points are the stations of Santhià, Biella And Ivreafrom which two well-traced and signposted itineraries depart, including the Via Francigena Morenico-Canavesana. The first itinerary guides travelers towards the Sacred Mountain of Belmontepassing through the Sacred Valley and the Valchiusella. The second, however, heads towards the Serra Morenica and leads to the suggestive Sanctuary of Oropaone of the most famous and popular sacred places in the Piedmont.
Parks Cycle Path
There Parks Cycle Pathin Calabriaoffers a fascinating Apennine route that crosses 46 cities, villages And inhabited centersas well as 3 national parks – The Pollino ParkThe Sila Park and the Aspromonte Park — and 1 regional park, the Serre Natural Park. This itinerary extends along roads with low vehicular traffic, cycle paths and sections of former railways.
The route develops for 545 kmreaching the maximum altitude of 1,565 meters near Lake Arvo, at km 208, and descending to 19 meters above sea level at Reggio Calabria. The route is divided into 12 stages, with lengths varying between 31 and 58 km each. Each stage has different degrees of difficulty, making the cycle route accessible both to families with children and to expert cyclists looking for more demanding challenges.
Puccini cycle/pedestrian path
Awarded as best routeOscar of Cycle Tourism 2023the Puccini cycle/pedestrian path winds through the Tuscanyconnecting Lucca to Lake Towera fraction of Viareggio. This route explores the significant places in the life of the famous musician Giacomo Puccinifrom his birthplace to Serchio valleypassing through the Versilia until the Lake Massaciuccoli.
One of the distinctive characteristics of this itinerary is its nature ofcycle path with music“. Along the route, cyclists can access various Puccini symphonies via QR codes placed on special signs, which enrich the experience with music that adapts to specific sections or points of interest, as well as several narrative podcasts. The route is 58 kilometers long and offers numerous services such as bikesassistance, charging points for e-bikes, refreshments and drinking fountains.
Trabocchi track
One of cycle paths along disused railways most famous at a national level is the Trabocchi trackwhich extends along the Adriatic coast, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic on one side and a series of paths immersed in nature on the other. A notable example is the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve in Vastoeasily accessible from Punta Penna lighthousethe second highest in Italy after the Genoa Lantern.
But what is the connection with trains in this story of sea and salt? It is crucial, since this greenway follows the route of a former Adriatic railway, along 42 km between Ortona and Vasto. This railway, which operated from 1863 to 2005, has spanned two centuries of history, now transforming itself into an evocative cycle route.
Sicily Divides
The Sicily Divides it is an extensive cycle route that crosses the Sicily from east to west, connecting Catania to Trapani. This route passes through picturesque villages and towns, follows former railway tracks and runs along river banks, offering an alternative to crowded beaches and common tourist destinations.
Launched in 2020 bySicilian Cycle Association during the pandemic, the Sicily Divide is equipped with bike hotels, bicycle rental and charging services, refreshment points and assistance. Cyclists who complete the entire route can earn the Divider’s Pass, a sort of “passport” that is obtained by collecting stamps along the way. This passport offers benefits and discounts in various partner accommodation facilities.
Article Modified On:April 18, 2024
