Mountain biking in Italy: the best MTB routes

Gabriel    mountainbikingholidays     holidays in Italy, Italy, mountain biking, Mountain biking holidays, mountainbiking, Mountainbiking in Italy, Mountainbikingholidays, MTB, MTB routes

Sometimes people overlook the mountain biking in Italy, thinking more of the country’s love of road cycling.  This is partly because the Giro d’Italia is one of the world’s premier (and oldest) professional cycling races (even if it only lasts for the month of May).

Look off-road for Italy's best routes Photo:Flickr/ juanpol

But what cyclists don’t realize is that within the forests of those mountain stages lies a unique and extensive system of dirt trails. These trails crisscross the Italian peninsula and offer up a lot of off-road fun.

And the Italians have been using them for ages. For example, in 1996, when mountain biking made its debut at the Olympic games in Atlanta, GA, Paola Pezzo – from Verona – won the gold for the women’s event. The Italians have a passion for off-road cycling and so should you: it is the best way to avoid the crowds and see the most beautiful parts of the country.  Here are just some of the best routes I’ve ridden in Italy:

Crete Senesi

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in Tuscany, the Crete Senesi lie just south of Siena (Florence’s rival town to the south). The name means literally “siennese clays” and the countryside maintains a darkish hue that is unlike any other part of the region. It’s dusty in summer so you’d want to cover your mouth as you ride. The terrain is undulating and is a great primer for kids. And full of wildlife: you’ll see fox, magpies and possibly wild boar! Also, with the increase of agriturismo (farmhouses converted into hotels) you can enjoy your mountain biking in Italy based in local, traditional accommodation.

Take refuge, then ride into the Italian Alps Photo:Flickr/Muleonor

La Via dei Briganti

Off in Italy’s western Alps, just to the north of Genoa, lies a certain trail with an amazing history. Known as the Via dei Briganti – or “Smugglers Way” – it was the old road used by contraband merchants to avoid heavy taxation and duties over a hundred years ago.

Today, this single-track snakes up some tough climbs and down into luscious valleys of green grass and granite stone. This is a favorite route from which to view an otherwise undiscovered section of the Alps – with plenty of mountain huts and Italian rifugio along the way helping to create a multi-day adventure.

Monte Argentu

Sardinia is synonymous for is sandy-white beaches and emerald coasts. The inland part of the island is just as spectacular. Sardinia was once mined for its rich mineral deposits, and now the network of trails and paths has created some of the most thrilling (and challenging) mountain biking on the island.

Climb up through narrow single-track into thick forests, and then descend on sketchy loose scree to the coast. Amazingly varied, these trails will also lead you to rock climbing crags and some of the quietest villages imaginable for the night.

Spotting MTB routes on Etna Photo: Flickr/askii

Monte Etna

Mountain biking takes on a different meaning when you’re true to its name: biking on a mountain. Mount Etna in Sicily is one of the greatest destinations for the active mountain biker who also happens to be food-savvy. No other region of Italy gives you the beauty of the coast with the total lunar-landscape of this active volcano’s mighty sides.

The lava rock is sharp and I’d recommend wearing long trousers since the winds are strong and cold at the summit, even in the middle of summer. Bike down along Randazzo (a village made from lava-rock), Nicolosi (known for its wines) and down into Catania (delicious seafood). Make sure to avoid the volcanic ash on the side of the road: made primarily of silicon, it can be treacherous when damp.

.

About the author

Gabriel Del Rossi wrote 10 articles on this blog.

Gabriel is a professional tour guide and ski instructor. He has mountain-biked most of the trails in the French/Italian Alps and in New England in the US. When not outside, Gabe can be found writing for various on-line publications.

• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook

Related posts:

1. Mountain Biking in Marrakesh
2. The Top 10 Mountain Bike Routes in France
3. The 10 Best Downhill Mountain Bike Routes in the World

If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!