Tuscany by bike
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Tuscany is a cyclist's dream – but not a flat one. In Chianti and around Siena, the terrain is constantly undulating, rewarded with vineyards, cypress-lined avenues, and hilltop villages. For a more tranquil experience, cycle along the coast, on the city walls of Lucca, or on Elba outside of peak season. Here you'll find the most beautiful regions, the most important traffic rules for bicycles and e-bikes, and tips for the Eroica cycling event.
Cycling in Tuscany – in brief
- For sporty types: Chianti (Greve, Castellina, Gaiole), Crete Senesi, Garfagnana.
- For gourmets and families: City walls of Lucca, Versilia coast, Maremma.
- Mandatory in Italy: Wear a high-visibility vest at night and in tunnels outside of built-up areas; drive single file outside of built-up areas.
- E bike: Pedelecs up to 250 W and 25 km/h are considered bicycles.
- Highlights: The Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti, every year at the beginning of October.
The most beautiful cycling regions
Chianti: Vineyards and Castles
The roads wind romantically through the Chianti hills , past castles, vineyards, and small towns. Because the highway between Florence and Siena handles the through traffic, many of the side roads are pleasantly quiet. A classic route leads via Greve in Chianti, with its unusually shaped market square, to Castellina, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the city walls. On the way to Siena , the castles of Castello di Meleto and Castello di Brolio are well worth a visit – both offer wine tastings. Important: hills are the norm; a bike with low gears or an e-bike will make the ride considerably easier. Guided tours and bike rentals can be found at GetYourGuide: Greve in Chianti.
Eroica: Cycling on the “strade bianche”
The Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti is one of the world's most unusual cycling events: thousands of participants ride vintage racing bikes along the white gravel roads of Chianti and the Crete Senesi. It takes place every year at the beginning of October, with routes ranging from 46 to 209 kilometers. The signposted, permanent Eroica route can be cycled independently year-round.
Lucca: Cycling on the city walls
In Lucca, a tree-lined cycle and pedestrian path with picnic areas and descents into the city runs along the completely preserved city walls surrounding the old town. The old town itself is a traffic-calmed zone (ZTL) and is easily explored by bicycle – passing the Torre Guinigi with its holm oaks on the roof and the Palazzo Pfanner with its baroque garden. Several bicycle rental shops are available in the city.
Coast: Versilia, Etruscan Coast and Maremma
Between Marina di Carrara and Viareggio, you can cycle between sandy beaches and the peaks of the Apuan Alps; cycle paths run along the promenades of Versilia. On the Etruscan Coast, seaside resorts like San Vincenzo are ideal for a stopover. The Maremma Coast, with its Maremma Natural Park and hidden coves, is wild and unspoiled. Note: Many scenic spots along the coast are also located high on hills.
Elba
A cycling tour on Elba is a real treat for cycling enthusiasts: well-maintained roads, sea views, and – outside of July and August – little traffic. However, the island is mountainous. You can take your bicycle on the ferries from Piombino ; whether there's an extra charge depends on the ferry company and fare. Bicycles can also be taken to Giglio (from Porto Santo Stefano). Information about the crossing: Getting to Elba.
Garfagnana and hill towns
In the north, in the province of Lucca and the Garfagnana region, long climbs await – more suited to experienced cyclists. Besides Siena, Lucca, and Florence, worthwhile destinations for stages include the small towns on the hills such as Volterra , Cortona, Pienza, Montalcino, and Massa Marittima. Many agriturismos (farm stays) lend out bicycles, sometimes free of charge.
Rules for cyclists and e-bikes in Italy
- High-visibility vest: Outside built-up areas, cyclists must wear a reflective safety vest or reflective belts from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise, as well as in tunnels (Art. 182 Codice della Strada).
- Driving side by side: Outside of built-up areas, cars must generally be driven in single file; within built-up areas, cars may be driven in pairs at most.
- Fines: Violations of these rules cost between €26 and €102 (as of 2026).
- Pedelecs: E-bikes with a maximum continuous power output of 250 W, whose assistance ends at 25 km/h and which only provide assistance when pedaling, are considered bicycles – without registration or license plate.
- Other traffic rules: Italian traffic regulations.
Tours and bike rental
Those who don't want to plan their own tours can find guided cycling and e-bike tours – for example, through Chianti or around Florence and Siena – at GetYourGuide: Cycling tours in Tuscany . Motorcyclists can find routes under Motorcycling in Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about cycling in Tuscany
Is Tuscany well-suited for cycling?
Yes, but it's hilly. There are many hills in Chianti and around Siena. The Versilia coast, parts of the Maremma, and the city walls of Lucca are flatter.
Do cyclists in Italy have to wear a high-visibility vest?
Yes, outside built-up areas from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise, and in tunnels.
What rules apply to e-bikes in Italy?
Pedelecs with a maximum continuous power output of 250 W and assistance up to 25 km/h are considered bicycles. They do not require registration or license plates.
When does the Eroica take place?
Every year at the beginning of October in Gaiole in Chianti. The routes range from 46 to 209 kilometers, much of it on gravel roads.
Where can you go cycling with children in Tuscany?
The city walls of Lucca, with their car-free path around the old town, are ideal. The cycle paths along the Versilia promenades are also flat.
