Cycling holidays in Italy: the Dolomites, wine and the Adriatic

A cycling holiday in Italy can be many things: relaxed cycling through South Tyrol’s wine-growing and apple-growing regions, days in the Alps between the Dolomites and Lake Reschen, or Mediterranean rides along the Adriatic coast. Velontour takes you to selected regions and destinations where the landscape, regional cuisine and enjoyable cycling go hand in hand.

Italy

Italy’s cycling regions each have their own distinct character. In South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Alpine valleys, lakes, vineyards and apple orchards blend with the Italian way of life. Friuli-Venezia Giulia takes you around Grado, amidst the lagoon, wine-growing countryside, culture and the Adriatic coast. Emilia-Romagna combines the sea and flatter coastal countryside with historic towns, culinary traditions and the rolling hinterland of the Apennines.

Emilia-Romagna

The Adriatic coast, Apennines and historic towns make Emilia-Romagna ideal for cycling holidays rich in food and culture.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia links the Alps, vineyards and Adriatic lagoons with cycling, Grado and historic Aquileia.

South Tyrol

South Tyrol combines the Dolomites, Lake Reschen, apple plateaus and vineyards for varied leisure cycling.

Harald Wisthaler

Destinations for your cycling holiday in Italy

Grado combines the lagoon, the beach and culture on the upper Adriatic coast. Tramin is synonymous with wine and Lake Kaltern, whilst Natz-Schabs is known for its apple orchards in the Eisack Valley. Around Lake Reschen, the Ahrntal Valley, Kronplatz, Sterzing and Niederdorf, valleys, lakes and the Dolomites characterise the Alpine landscape of South Tyrol. In Emilia-Romagna, the Adriatic coast, cities, cuisine and rolling hills come together.

Accommodation as a base for your cycling holiday in Italy

First, choose the region that suits you best, then select your accommodation as a base for your holiday. On Velontour, you’ll find hotels and other accommodation options in South Tyrol, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Emilia-Romagna.

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Cycling holidays in Italy: Which region is right for you?

A cycling holiday in Italy thrives on its contrasts. In the north, the Dolomites, Alpine valleys and crystal-clear lakes accompany you; further south, the landscape becomes gentler, and on the Adriatic coast, the sea comes into play.

In South Tyrol, you can cycle through vineyards around Tramin, through apple orchards in Natz-Schabs, or through alpine countryside by Lake Reschen. Around Kronplatz and Niederdorf, the Dolomites dominate the panorama.

In Grado, cycling takes on a Mediterranean flavour. The lagoon, the beach and the nearby Roman town of Aquileia can be combined with regional seafood cuisine and a glass of Friulano.

Emilia-Romagna brings yet another side of Italy to your plate and to your front wheel: the Adriatic coast, historic towns and the rolling hinterland meet piadina, pasta and other regional specialities here.

Two cyclists riding on a mountain path on a sunny day

Velontour

How a cycling tour becomes your cycling holiday in Italy

A cycling holiday in Italy begins with a simple decision: do you want to set off from the same accommodation every morning, or move on in stages?

On a holiday with a fixed base, you get to know a region bit by bit. In the morning, the route might take you through vineyards or along the coast; later on, there’s time for an espresso, a dip in the sea or a stroll through the old town.

On a multi-day cycling tour, the landscape changes with every stage. A well-known example is the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route, which links the Alps with the Italian Adriatic coast at Grado.

First, choose your region and destination. Then select your accommodation, cycle tour or cycling holiday. This way, individual kilometres come together to form a holiday in Italy where you’ll have plenty of time along the way for the very reason you set off in the first place.

Choose the destination for your cycling holiday now!

Aerial view of a winding road beside a green forest and turquoise lake

Tourist Info Antholzertal - Plaickner Josef

FAQs on cycling holidays in Italy

Where in Italy can you enjoy a leisurely cycle ride by the sea?

For a relaxing cycle ride by the sea, Grado and Cesenatico in Emilia-Romagna are particularly well suited. Grado offers flat routes between the lagoon, the beach and Aquileia; Cesenatico links the Adriatic coast, pine forests and a historic harbour. Grado is also situated at the end of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route and combines cycling holidays with a Mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Where in Italy can I go for a leisurely cycle ride with children?

For families, Grado, Tramin and the Ahrntal valley are particularly suitable, provided the length of the day and the elevation profile are appropriate for the children’s ages. Grado is a favourite thanks to its flat coastal paths and shallow sea, whilst Tramin attracts visitors with its nearby Lake Kaltern. In the Ahrntal, gentle valley paths run alongside the River Ahr through villages such as Luttach and Sand in Taufers.

Where in Italy can I go cycling amongst vineyards and mountains?

Tramin is a particularly ideal destination for cycling holidays amongst vineyards and mountains. Around the village, orchards, vineyard slopes, flatter paths and alpine scenery alternate; Lake Kaltern offers a refreshing break for a swim. Tramin is also the eponymous home of Gewürztraminer and combines South Tyrolean cuisine with a Mediterranean way of life.

Where in Italy can I go cycling with a view of the Dolomites?

Niederdorf and the Kronplatz region in the Dolomites are particularly well-suited for a cycling holiday with views of the Dolomites. Niederdorf is situated near the Three Peaks and Lake Braies, whilst Kronplatz links the Puster Valley with Bruneck, castles and alpine scenery. The highest peak of the Three Peaks massif rises to 2,999 metres.

South Tyrol, Grado or Emilia-Romagna: Which one suits me best?

South Tyrol is the place for you if you’re looking for the Dolomites, Alpine lakes, wine-growing villages and peaceful valleys. Grado is the better choice for flat paths, the lagoon and a beach holiday. Emilia-Romagna combines the Adriatic coast, historic towns, regional cuisine and a hilly hinterland. It all comes down to which landscape and holiday atmosphere you prefer.