Motorcycling in Tuscany

Beautifully winding roads – stunning scenery – pleasant climate – culture and Tuscan cuisine

For motorcyclists, Tuscany is a true paradise: winding roads through vineyards and cypress-lined avenues, mountain passes in the Apennines and the Apuan Alps, and at the end of the day, a delicious meal in a medieval town. Here you'll find the most beautiful motorcycle routes, the most important traffic rules for motorcyclists in Italy, and tips for planning your trip.

The most beautiful motorcycle routes in Tuscany

Chiantigiana (SR 222): Florence – Siena

The Strada Regionale 222 "Chiantigiana" connects Florence and Siena, winding its way through the Chianti hills. It passes through Grassina, Strada in Chianti, Greve, Panzano, and Castellina in Chianti, ending just before Siena. The road is winding but well-maintained – ideal for relaxed cruising with stops in the wine villages. It's busy on weekends and during peak season; early morning is the best time to drive. Read more about the towns along the way under " Beautiful Places in Chianti".

Val d'Orcia: San Quirico, Pienza, Monticchiello

The Val d'Orcia in the south of the province of Siena is the picture-perfect Tuscany: rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, and charming stone towns. A beautiful circular route connects San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza , Monticchiello, and Montepulciano . The famous winding road lined with cypress trees winds around Monticchiello – it's a popular spot for photographers, so drive carefully.

Passo del Muraglione (SS 67): Pass between Tuscany and Romagna

The Passo del Muraglione (907 m) on the Strada Statale 67 "Tosco-Romagnola" lies in the municipality of San Godenzo, northeast of Florence. The road connects the Mugello and the San Godenzo valley with the Montone valley in Romagna and is one of the most popular motorcycle routes in the Apennines. The pass takes its name from a stone wall built in the 19th century to protect travelers from the wind.

Garfagnana and Apuan Alps

North of Lucca, the SR 445 follows the Serchio Valley through the Garfagnana region to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and on to the Passo dei Carpinelli (just under 850 m). From Castelnuovo, the SS 324 climbs to the Passo delle Radici (1.529 m) on the border with Emilia-Romagna. The area is considerably quieter than Chianti and Val d'Orcia; some secondary roads are narrow and not always in the best condition. More about the region: Apuan Alps and our road trip through Tuscany.

Traffic rules for motorcyclists in Italy

Motorcyclists in Italy are subject to the general rules of the Italian Highway Code – plus some special features:

• Helmet compulsory: For drivers and passengers on all motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. The helmet must comply with ECE standard 22-05 or 22-06. Violations are subject to heavy fines and vehicle confiscation.
• Light: In Italy, motorcycles must use dipped headlights day and night – even in urban areas.
• Freeway: Permitted from 120 cm³ engine capacity (with sidecar from 250 cm³ and 15 kW); the driver must be at least 18 years old.
• Driving style: Riding while standing, riding with one hand, and wheelies are expressly prohibited.
• Passenger: Children must be at least five years old to ride along.
• High-visibility vest: Keep it readily accessible and carry it with you in case of a breakdown outside of town.
• Limited Traffic Zone: The traffic-restricted zones in the old towns (Florence, Siena, PisaThe rules (e.g., Lucca) generally also apply to motorcycles. Please check the specific rules of each city locally.

Street	Speed limit	in rain/snow
In town	50 km/h	50 km/h
country road	90 km/h	90 km/h
Expressway	110 km/h	90 km/h
Highway	130 km/h	110 km/h

Further rules regarding blood alcohol limits, fines and breakdown assistance can be found in our travel advice for Italy.

Toll for motorcycles

Italian motorways are almost entirely subject to tolls; there is no vignette. Motorcycles belong to toll category A and therefore pay the same as cars. Those using a Telepass with the motorcycle tariff activated receive a 30% discount on participating motorway operators until the end of 2026. For travel through Austria and Switzerland, however, you need a vignette – prices and details can be found on our 2026 toll page.

Arrival and planning

Stopover at Lake Garda

We recommend that you make an overnight stop at Lake Garda on your motorcycle trip to Tuscany. This will allow you to arrive more relaxed and also enjoy the roads around the lake. We recommend the Beach Hotel Du Lac , where we have had good experiences. It is located in Malcesine, right on Lake Garda. The route via the Brenner Pass is described in our section on travel routes through Austria.

Best time to travel for motorcycle tours

The best times to travel by motorcycle in Tuscany are spring and autumn. While the air is clear and the views sometimes breathtaking in winter, it can snow and get quite cold, especially at higher elevations. In the height of summer, you should plan your trip carefully and choose routes that aren't too crowded with tourists. After all, crawling along winding roads behind a camper van in the sweltering heat isn't for everyone. The beauty of motorcycling lies in its flexibility: it allows for spontaneous trips to more remote regions.

Vespa tours and accommodation

Arrived without your own motorcycle? Guided Vespa tours through Chianti are offered from Florence and Siena, often including wine tasting – you can find an overview at GetYourGuide (Vespa tours & rentals) . A good base for tours in Chianti is Greve in Chianti on the SR 222: Accommodation in Greve in Chianti.

Frequently asked questions about motorcycling in Tuscany