One of the most beautiful regions in Italy to visit by bicycle is Tuscany itself.

In particular, there are a number of areas that offer wonderful bicycle touring and hiking trails. From trails to be done by mountain bike to easier dirt road routes that can be done even with children. It will be a day in contact with nature, immersed in a landscape where silence, peace and the unspoiled beauty of forests and hills reign.

Here are some routes to bike in Tuscany, for all levels of difficulty and in all areas of the region.

Una delle regioni più belle da visitare in bici è proprio la Toscana.

The surroundings of Siena are the richest in routes to do by bike and allow you to reach really beautiful places by pedaling! Here are some routes to discover.

• Via Francigena. One of the most beautiful paths in Italy to do on foot but also by bicycle. There is an official bike route that runs close to the Via Cassia but also numerous tracks and wilder paths that follow the hills. You can then adapt the route to your preferences, passing through Monteriggioni, Bagno Vignoni and other medieval villages.
• Via Eroica. This bike route in Tuscany is a great classic, a re-enactment that represents the true essence of cycling tourism. The route is shaped like an 8 and runs between Siena, Chianti to the north and the Crete Senesi to the south. The Via Eroica is on paved roads and well-maintained dirt roads, so it can be tackled with relative ease.
• Tour of the 4 DOCG wines. If you love good wine, this itinerary in Tuscany to do by bike is perfect because it touches the areas of Vernaccia, Chianti, Nobile and Brunello. The last part reaches Val d’Orcia and will allow you to see Pienza, San Quirico and Montalcino, where the noble Brunello is produced.

Tuscany bike routes in Val di Chiana

If you prefer an easier route that is also suitable for children, the perfect solution for you is the Sentiero della Bonifica, which runs through the Val di Chiana area between Chiusi and Arezzo. It is a long ride (70 km) on the Chiana Master Canal, a totally flat route on a well-maintained dirt road closed to traffic.

The only problem with this route is that it is almost entirely in the sun, so avoid doing it during the warmer months because it may become challenging due to the heat, mugginess and humidity. The trail can be reached from Gargonza by descending to Monte San Savino and then joining the trail at Loc. Cesa in Val di Chiana. The trail is about 15 km from Gargonza.

Some of the most significant places you will see are Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino, Chiusi and the lake of Montepulciano, so the most beautiful villages in the entire Val di Chiana.

When to organize bike routes in Tuscany

There are certain months of the year when it is best to do bike routes in Tuscany.

At some times it is not recommended because of the climate and weather conditions: for example, in summer Tuscany can be very hot so choose at most routes that you can finish in half a day, to avoid the most sultry hours. In winter, on the contrary, you risk finding rain and cold weather that would make cycling unpleasant. The best months for cycling around Tuscany are therefore April, May and June, or the months of September and October.

Gargonza Castle is the ideal starting point if you want to organize a bike ride. Nestled in the beautiful Val di Chiana, in addition to the routes we have mentioned in the article, it offers the possibility to ride some trails that wind right from the Castle.

If you would like to book your stay and get more information about bike routes in Tuscany, contact us.