By bike through the old railway tunnel from Levanto to Bonassola Photo: stock.adobe.com/Frankix
From our editorial team
The insider tip for cyclists in Italy - the "greenways". Disused railway lines that have been converted into fantastic cycle paths.
Italy with a difference: according to the latest figures, over 2 million cyclists use Italy's cycle paths every year - and the trend is rising. The former railway lines are particularly popular, the so-called Greenwayswhich mostly lead car-free through breathtaking landscapes - from the Ligurian coast to the Dolomites
The Pontebbana cycle path in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In the north-east of Italy, in the border triangle between Austria, Italy and Slovenia, you will find one of the most beautiful railway cycle paths in Italy: this 67-kilometre cycle path runs along the former railway line from Tarvisio to Moggio Udinese along the Fella river through the impressive mountains of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The route is very well developed and asphalted, with a few bypasses. You cycle 43 kilometres on the railway line, on which the 500 metres in altitude can be managed without much effort. There are only a few short ascents and descents on the bypasses. The route includes 28 railway tunnels. The Pontebbana, or Pontafel railway, was opened in 1879. The line was closed in 2000 and opened to cyclists in sections from 2005.
The former railway line on the Riviera of Flowers
The asphalted coastal cycle path "Pista ciclabile del Ponente ligure" offers breathtaking views and a very easy route on the former railway line between Ospedaletti and San Lorenzo al Mare, which is also suitable for families with children. The 24-kilometre, two-lane route, which also includes a separate pedestrian path, offers access to beaches and green areas and passes through six railway tunnels. The railway line was closed in 2001.
The route begins in Ospedaletti, which is surrounded by subtropical flora like a natural amphitheatre on the Riviera dei Fiori, the Riviera of Flowers. From here, the journey continues to Sanremo, which owes its fame to flower cultivation and the music festival of the same name. The town is also the destination of the famous Milan-Sanremo cycle race. After wonderful views of the sea and through old railway tunnels, the route ends in San Lorenzo al Mare, a small coastal village with 1,300 inhabitants.
The railway line through the Valle Staffora in Lombardy
A 33-kilometre cycle path through the Staffora Valley was built on the former railway line from Voghera to Varzi and has been fully accessible since 2021. The electric railway line was opened between the towns in 1933, but was closed again in 1966. This green route through the Apennines is the result of a renovation project lasting several years.
The route leads through fields, vineyards, small forests and historic villages, a mixture of medieval heritage and culinary delights. In addition to the usual infrastructure - such as information boards, rest areas, drinking fountains and more - there are also charging stations for e-bikes along the route.
Cycle path between Lake Como and Lake Lugano in Lombardy
The narrow-gauge railway between Menaggio on Lake Como and Porlezza on Lake Lugano was inaugurated in 1884. It was closed in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War. Almost 7 kilometres of the 12.5-kilometre cycle route lie on the former railway line, which leads through the beautiful Lago di Piano nature reserve. The route has a total ascent of 250 metres, is mostly asphalted and easy to ride. It is suitable for mountain bikes and trekking bikes.
Cycle path through the Fiemme Valley
This tarmac cycle path follows the route of the former Val di Fiemme railway, the Ferrovia della Val di Fiemme. The railway line was opened in 1917 and closed in 1963. In 2012, sections of it were rebuilt as a greenway and is now 48 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 650 metres. The route leads through forests and orchards and offers impressive views of the Dolomites.
If you like cycling on holiday: More and more towns and cities in Italy are using bike hire systems and e-bike charging stations. Many rural regions now have well-developed cycle paths through vineyards and nature parks. There are many tours that are offered as a package, whether sightseeing tours through Rome, Naples or Florence or cycle tours with wine tastings in Tuscany.
