The 2024 Cycle Tourism Oscar also this year awarded some destinations that stood out for the cycling and tourist attractiveness of their territories. Who’s on the podium this year?
The Pedemontana cycle path of Friuli Venezia Giulia took first place, followed by the Val di Neto cycle path in Calabria and the Green Road dei Fiori in Trentino. Each awarded route stands out for its scenic beauty, sustainability and the offer of services to cycle tourists.
1. And the Oscar goes to… Ciclovia Pedemontana, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Pedemontana Cycle Route of Friuli Venezia Giulia FVG3 it extends for 180 km, connecting Sacile to Goriziafuture European Capital of Culture 2025. Along this cycle route you cross the prestigious wine-growing areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia, from Grave to the DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli and Collio, renowned for their excellent wines.
The route begins in Sacile and is accessible to all cycle tourists thanks to the low altitude difference, the cycle paths, the easy dirt roads and the limited traffic roads. THE FVG3 is part of the ten regional cycle routes of Friuli Venezia Giulia, 5 of which are passable and fully mapped, accompanied by numerous cycle paths and dirt roads, suitable for the different bikes and needs of travellers.
2. The Val di Neto cycle/pedestrian path, Calabria
Calabria, cradle of Magna Graecia, is transforming its face through sustainable tourism. Over the past two years, he has connected natural areas such as National Parks of Sila, Serre, Aspromonte and Pollinoinvesting in services for cycle tourists, promoting slow tourism and creating jobs with training courses for residents.
The Region, already winner of the Oscar in 2021 with the Parks Cycle Routereturns to the podium with the Val di Neto cycle/pedestrian path. It is an ancient 42 km mule track that runs on the left bank of the Neto river, from the ancient thermal site of Bruciarello to its mouth on the Ionian Sea. A journey through the scents, colors and flavors of Calabria along a route dedicated exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists. The cycle/pedestrian path represents an example of responsible tourism, with eco-compatible infrastructures and numerous services for cycle tourists, such as fitness areas and nature observation points.
3. Green Road dei Fiori, Trentino
The Green Road dei Fiori, in Trentino, is a cycle/pedestrian path that connects Val Rendena to Valle del Chiese, for a total of 57 km. This itinerary, immersed in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park, is characterized by enchanting alpine scenery and a rich floral variety, with over 600 species of flowers. During flowering, the path turns into a real palette of colours, making it an amazing viewing experience. The presence of historic villages and sites linked to the Great War further enriches the itinerary, which also offers a shuttle service for the return, making it accessible and convenient for all cycle tourists.
The special mentions of the Cycle Tourism Oscars
There are 3 itineraries that received a special mention:
- Apennines Bike Tour: The largest sustainable mobility route in the country, a 3100 km route that crosses 14 regions and 33 provinces, connecting 300 small municipalities.
- Santa Barbara Mining Route (Sardinia): A circular route of over 600 km that passes through historic mining areas, offering an immersion in the history and nature of Sardinia.
- The Silent Way (Campania): An itinerary of approximately 600 km in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, known for its scenic beauty and the quiet that reigns along the route.
International Award: Flanders
The foreign destination award went to Belgian region of Flandersknown for its hospitality to cycle tourists and for the routes that pass through picturesque and culturally rich scenery.
Now in its ninth edition, the Cycle Tourism Oscar is not only an opportunity to celebrate and promote some Italian cycle itineraries and cycle routes, but represents the opportunity to encourage public administrations to invest in slow tourism. This is in the face of studies and numerical analyzes that support and comfort this direction, also given the figures that emerged from IV ISNART and Legambiente Report, in collaboration with Bikenomistpresented at the 2024 Cycle Tourism Fair.
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