In this blog post we will give you some insights about the best Gravel Bike Destinations in the Italian Alps. Gravel bikes are designed to make off-road adventures comfortable, efficient, and especially fun.
Born in the States, Gravel Bike makes its way in Italy. Northern Italy offers endless possibilities for those who are looking for an active vacation based on sport and adventure. With a versatile gravel bike and the right equipment, it is possible to ride many routes, in most cases in complete peace and without crossing too many busy streets. Gravel makes it easy to leave the paved roads behind and throw yourself into a real biking adventure!
Bags well secured, bike check-up completed, training done, spirit of adventure is not lacking and off you go for some great gravel bike trips in the most stunning alpine destinations.
Gravel Bike Route - Oglio Cycle-way between Trentino South Tyrol and Lombardy
In 2017 it was nominated as Italy's most beautiful cycleway at the Italian Greenroad Awards. 280 km of bike path, starting from an altitude of 1,883 above the sea level, winds from Tonale Pass, on the border between Lombardy and South Tyrol, surrounded by the glaciers of the Adamello, descending through the forests of Camonica Valley to Lake Iseo. You will cross the charming vineyards of Franciacorta and heading to the North Oglio Park. Then into the plains until the Oglio River flows into the Po, discovering Ponte di Barche di San Matteo delle Chiaviche, one of the last remaining pontoon bridges in Italy.
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Starting point: Passo del Tonale, 1,883 masl
Arrival: Ponte di Barche in San Matteo delle Chiaviche, 21 masl
Elevation gain: 1,862 m
Road: 80% asphalt and 20% dirt roads
Length: 280 km
Gravel Bike Route - Asiago between Veneto and Trentino
The Asiago plateau is one of the most fascinating landscapes between Veneto and Trentino. The loop that starts and finishes at Rifugio Marcesina is also perfect with a gravel bike: it has a height gain of about 650 m and reaches up to almost 1,600 m in elevation. The forests and green meadows fill the eyes with beauty, and the route runs on unpaved roads that serve as access to mountain pastures and huts.
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Starting point and Arrival (ring): Rifugio Marcesina (Asiago Plateau)
Elevation gain: 655 m
Length: 41,08 km
Altitude: from 1,699 m to 1,277 m
Gravel Bike Destination - the Hidden Gems of Veneto
This gravel bike route is a true adventure through Veneto, beginning and ending in Piazzola sul Brenta. With a trail covering an impressive 690 kilometers, it touches the magnificent Veneto cities of Bassano del Grappa, Belluno, Conegliano, Treviso, Padua and Verona venturing to the Venetian lagoon. Joining the Unsupported Bike Adventure, now in its fifth year, it’s a cool experience. Remember that it is essential to equip yourself with bike bags and lightweight gravel bikes.
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Starting point and Arrival (ring): Piazzola sul Brenta
Length: 388,24 km
Elevation gain: 1,721 m
Gravel Bike Destination - From Friuli Venezia Giulia (Trieste) to Slovenia
The capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste is an important and elegant border city, a melting pot of cultures, styles, and flavors. From here, following the route of Parenzana along the coast between Poreč and Rovinj will give you the big picture of the lively atmosphere of these coastal towns. The adventure then continues to the southeastern coast and the renowned Rabac and back in the loop to return to Trieste. An incredible gravel adventure that will offer you unforgettable seascapes, lush nature and historical villages.
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Starting point: Triest
Arrival: Poreč
Elevation gain: 1000 m
Length: 131 km
Road: 40% asphalt, 60% dirt roads
Gravel Bike Destination - Val di Sole Dolomites
Val di Sole is not only MTB. During the weekend of 24-26 June 2022 some gravel enthusiasts had the opportunity to test out the new trails in Val di Sole in Trentino. The Alpine Gravel consisted of 7 technical routes with a length between 35 and 55 kilometers - little asphalt and lots of dirt or alpine terrain - and a positive elevation gain between 750 and 1,900 meters. As the name suggests, this is not classic gravel: there is a combination of valley floors, forests and alps for rides with breathtaking views. The event, with a limited number of participants, was reserved for 25 lucky bikers who had the chance to be the official Val di Sole Alpine Gravel testers!
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Starting point: San Martino di Castrozza
Elevation gain: 1,310 m
Length: 42,5 km
Road: 40% dirt roads