The 12 most famous gravel routes in Italy

Italy’s best-known gravel routes range from the white roads of the Eroica and Tuscany Trail to the long-distance crossings of Sicily Divide and Italy Divide. Which should you choose for a weekend with friends, your first bikepacking experience or a cycling holiday? This guide compares twelve routes and events, with distances, elevation gain, maps, GPX references and advice on who might enjoy each one.

Gravel riding gives you room to shape the trip: seek adventure across several regions, stop among the vineyards, share a ride and gather around a table afterwards. Choosing well starts with comparable information. For each name, we have selected one specific, documented version, from day rides to long multi-day journeys. This lets you consider distance, climbing and the character of the experience together, without confusing a short ride with an easy one.

Looking for gravel routes in Italy for beginners, a sociable event or a demanding crossing? Start with the table and individual entries: there are options with little climbing as well as adventures requiring experience. For families, the selection criteria focus on skills, terrain and duration.

Gravel routes in Italy: distances, elevation gain and route versions

How to read the data: distances and elevation gain are indicative figures for the stated version, drawn from the linked sources; they are not statistical averages across editions. D+ means total ascent. The formats and rider profiles help you choose; actual difficulty also depends on the surface, luggage and conditions. The professional Strade Bianche race and Gran Fondo are separate events, while the TranSardinia has MTB origins.

1. The Eroica by gravel bike: Chianti, Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia

The permanent Eroica route is a loop of around 209 km centred on Gaiole in Chianti. It crosses Chianti, the Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia, alternating asphalt and white gravel roads: a trip you can split into stages to explore villages and leave time for stops.

The permanent route is separate from the vintage cycling event, which has its own rules. To plan a trip on a modern bike, start with our Eroica guide in four stages, with maps and GPX tracks. For the network of sectors and alternatives, see Terra Eroica.

L’Eroica: who is it for?

For riders who love Tuscan white roads and want to combine cycling with village visits and stops along the way. Split into stages, it suits couples and groups with cycling fitness; riding it in a day takes considerably more preparation. Gravel climbs also make confident descending important.

2. Tuscany Trail: bikepacking in Tuscany and a first big adventure

The Tuscany Trail is a bikepacking event with an Originale route of around 460 km, starting and finishing in Campiglia Marittima. White roads, villages and varied surfaces make up a journey to ride at your own pace. The 2027 presentation gives an average of around four days: a useful starting point for planning, adjusted to your own stops.

The track can change, and shorter options are available. Use the official Tuscany Trail website for the edition you intend to ride.

Tuscany Trail: who is it for?

For those seeking a multi-day adventure and the chance to meet other travellers, without chasing a race result. The Originale calls for experience of long days on the bike. Riders new to bikepacking can compare it with the 160 km Newbie, with 1,600 m of climbing, presented by the organiser as a two-day ride.

3. Strade Bianche in Siena: the race, Gran Fondo and gravel sectors

Strade Bianche draws cyclists to Siena’s unpaved roads. The 201 km figure refers to the 2026 men’s professional race, including around 64 km of gravel sectors: it is a road race with unpaved sections rather than a wholly off-road gravel event. See the official Strade Bianche website for race information.

The Gran Fondo is a separate event: the 2026 reference includes courses of 137.7 and 87 km. We use the longer Gran Fondo for the comparison below. Before entering on a gravel bike, check the bikes allowed in the edition’s rules on the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche website.

Strade Bianche di Siena: who is it for?

For fit cyclists who want to experience Siena’s gravel sectors and the atmosphere of a major cycling event. Rolling terrain, steep ramps and descents call for preparation and bike control. Check the edition’s rules before entering with a gravel bike; for independent travel, explore the area using a suitable itinerary.

4. Veneto Gravel: self-supported riding through hills and towards the sea

Veneto Gravel offers several self-supported bikepacking itineraries based in Bassano del Grappa. The 2027 presentation lists routes of 200, 400, 470 and 720 km: the familiar “200–700 km” range is therefore an approximation.

Choose according to your time and route preference, with riverside embankments, countryside, hills and connections towards the mountains. We compare the 400 km Beach Escape. Maps and characteristics are available on the Veneto Gravel website.

Veneto Gravel: who is it for?

For riders building their independence and endurance over a substantial distance, with room for company and the experience of travel. Beach Escape is an intermediate option compared with the 720 km Classic. For a first taste of the event’s bikepacking routes, consider the 200 km Easy Rider while taking its climbing into account.

5. Italy Divide: the big gravel crossing from Pompeii to Lake Garda

The Italy Divide Classic is a long-distance proposal covering around 1,250 km from Pompeii to Torbole, on Lake Garda. A journey of this scale calls for careful planning of stages, stops and self-sufficiency, alongside an assessment of the route against your experience.

The organiser recommends tyres at least 45 mm wide and low gearing. The gravel label should not suggest an entirely smooth crossing. The reference for this version is the official Italy Divide website.

Italy Divide: who is it for?

For riders seeking a demanding crossing who already have experience of consecutive days in the saddle, navigation and resupply. This is the longest option in the selection: independence and endurance matter as much as the desire to explore. It is better suited to a carefully prepared travel project than a first gravel weekend.

6. Sicily Divide: a gravel journey from Trapani to Catania

The Sicily Divide is a permanent itinerary connecting Trapani and Catania, with an alternative start in Palermo. It lets you organise a journey through inland Sicily with a stage schedule of your own: you do not need to wait for a collective departure.

The official overview gives around 460 km for the Trapani route; the actual distance depends on the variant and updated track. Versions exist for different bikes. Use the Sicily Divide website to find the right gravel track, rather than confusing it with a road version.

Sicily Divide: who is it for?

For fit travellers who want to cross inland Sicily and organise stops at their own pace. It suits those who enjoy discovering towns along the route and managing their trip independently. The amount of climbing makes low gearing, sensible stage lengths and time for breaks important.

7. Piemontgravel: Langa and Roero, vineyards and good company

Piemontgravel combines bikepacking with the hills of Langa, Roero and Monferrato. It is presented as a non-competitive adventure for gravel bikes and MTBs, with white roads as well as trails, mule tracks and technical sections.

The 2026 rules list four formats: 111, 222, 333 and 444. These are references for that edition, not a guarantee that every future track will measure exactly the same distance. We compare the 111; for new proposals, visit the Piemontgravel website.

Piemontgravel: who is it for?

For groups and couples who want to combine gravel riding with the landscapes of Langa and Roero in a sociable setting. The 111 is an introduction to touring compared with the event’s longer distances, but 1,700 metres of climbing still require fitness. Village stops can be part of the experience without chasing performance.

8. Marche Trail: social gravel and adventure in the Marche region

The Marche Trail offers several ways to explore the region. The 2026 programme lists four routes starting and finishing at Abbadia di Fiastra: OneShot Social Gravel at around 87 km, Short at 187 km, Classic at 300 km and Wild at 400 km.

Distance helps distinguish a shorter outing from a multi-day journey, but does not describe terrain or climbing on its own. We use OneShot for the comparison. The Marche Trail website is the starting point for comparing the edition’s formats.

Marche Trail: who is it for?

For riders looking for a gravel day to share, starting and finishing at the Abbadia di Fiastra Village. The 2026 programme pairs the finish with music and beer: a sociable format to enjoy with friends. At 87 km with 1,400 metres of climbing, it remains a sporting day out.

9. Abruzzo Trail: bikepacking between the Adriatic and the Apennines

The Abruzzo Trail – MAGS Experience presents the 200 km Discovery and 330 km Classic Gravel for 2026, starting in Roseto degli Abruzzi. Classic Gravel reaches the areas of Rocca Calascio, Campo Imperatore and L’Aquila.

The 200–330 km range covers those two options: the event also offers a 470 km Explorer and an MTB version of the Classic. We compare Discovery. For the appropriate track, consult the official Abruzzo Trail website.

Abruzzo Trail: who is it for?

For riders who want to explore the Teramo hills on a shorter journey than the event’s longer routes. It offers an introduction to bikepacking in Abruzzo once you have built a good fitness base. Those seeking a more extensive adventure can compare it with Classic Gravel and Explorer.

10. Gravellina: gravel riding among Valtellina’s vineyards and hills

Gravellina brings gravel riding to Valtellina with routes based in Sondrio. The website presents the 75 km eastern loop towards Villa di Tirano, the 55 km western loop towards Ardenno and 40 km La Corta.

Our comparison uses La Corta: 40 km and 800 metres of climbing, leaving time for stops while still requiring uphill riding. The Gravellina website also separates its road and e-bike proposals, which should not be confused with the gravel routes.

Gravellina: who is it for?

For riders wanting a taste of gravel in Valtellina, with a shorter distance and time to enjoy the landscape. It suits friends and couples already used to riding in hilly terrain. Forty kilometres does not make it a flat leisure ride: the 800 metres of climbing also matter when planning a family outing.

11. Gravel del Sale: a sociable ride around Cervia and Romagna

The Gravel del Sale Fantini Club is based in Cervia and carries on the tradition of the Strade Bianche del Sale event. Its 2026 edition offers four distances: 35, 60, 100 and 120 km, exploring coastal landscapes and the Romagna area.

For a more relaxed profile we choose the 60 km medium route, listed by the organiser with around 70 metres of climbing. The routes page is marked as being updated, so check the edition’s final GPX. Event information is also available from Cervia’s official tourism website.

Gravel del Sale: who is it for?

For those who prefer riding in company with fewer hills and want a more relaxed day than the big trails. The 60 km medium route has the least climbing among the versions compared here. Families already used to unpaved riding can look into the 35 km short route, checking the track and rules for younger participants.

12. TranSardinia: crossing Sardinia between gravel and MTB

The TranSardinia links Olbia and Cagliari through Sardinia’s mountainous interior. 446 km refers to Tristan Bogaard’s published bikepacking version, developed from Giorgio Pupillo’s MTB itinerary: it is not the distance of every historical variant.

Turbolince has a TranSardinia map, GPX track and stage information (in Italian). Our entry covers an archived MTB track, distinct from the 446 km bikepacking version published on BIKEPACKING.com.

This option needs particular attention if you plan to use a gravel bike: the bikepacking description includes pushing sections and rocky terrain. The author recommends a mountain bike while allowing for a suitably equipped gravel bike. Assess the variant and surfaces before choosing the bike and stages.

TranSardinia: who is it for?

For experienced bikepackers seeking Sardinia’s mountainous interior and prepared for long climbs, rocky terrain and pushing sections. The experience is closer to an MTB journey: the guide recommends a mountain bike while allowing for a suitably equipped gravel bike. It suits those who prioritise adventure and assess terrain before distance.

How to choose a gravel route: beginners, families and adventure

For a first experience and riding in company

The medium Gravel del Sale prioritises little climbing; Marche Trail OneShot focuses on a shared day ride, with more ascent. Piemontgravel 111 and Tuscany Trail Newbie offer introductions to multi-day riding over shorter distances than the long routes. Start with the skills and fitness you already have, then decide how much room to leave for stops and overnight stays.

For an adventure-focused cycling trip

Italy Divide, Sicily Divide and TranSardinia call for planning across several days and managing your independence. On the Eroica and Veneto Gravel, you can shape a staged journey by choosing your pace. Fitness, luggage management and navigation skills are as much a part of the trip as the kilometres.

For families and groups with different abilities

Choose with the least experienced rider in mind, consider distances you have already tried and check the terrain. The short Gravel del Sale is an option to investigate, without assuming suitability for children or trailers from distance alone. Groups may also value the ability to shorten the ride; for events, check minimum ages and participation rules.

Maps and GPX tracks: guides available on Turbolince

Explore our English Eroica guide in four stages with maps and GPX tracks, the TranSardinia MTB map and stages (in Italian) and more cycling holiday and multi-day tour ideas. To explore other areas, see our collections of MTB and gravel routes in Valtellina and MTB and gravel rides in Sardinia.

Frequently asked questions about gravel routes in Italy

Which gravel routes in Italy are good for beginners?

Among the versions compared, the medium Gravel del Sale has little climbing but still covers 60 km. For a first multi-day trip, consider Tuscany Trail Newbie or Piemontgravel 111, choosing your pace according to fitness. Gravellina La Corta is short but includes 800 metres of climbing.

Which gravel routes are suitable for families?

It depends on age, experience on unpaved surfaces and the distance each person can comfortably ride. The 35 km Gravel del Sale short route is worth investigating for families already used to cycling; check terrain, traffic and the rules for younger participants. None of the long crossings is presented here as suitable for everyone.

Where can I find maps and GPX tracks for these gravel routes?

Turbolince has an Eroica guide in four stages and a map of an archived MTB version of the TranSardinia. For the other events and the versions mentioned, the links lead to the organisers’ or authors’ websites; some tracks are reserved for registered participants. Always check the route version and edition.

Are the Eroica and Strade Bianche the same route?

No. The permanent Eroica route is a loop of around 209 km centred on Gaiole in Chianti. Strade Bianche is a race starting and finishing in Siena: the 2026 men’s professional race covers 201 km. The Gran Fondo is a separate event, with a 137.7 km long course in the version compared here.

How many days do I need for a gravel trip in Italy?

It depends on the route and pace. Among the documented proposals, Tuscany Trail gives an average of four days for the Originale; Sicily Divide presents a seven-day itinerary, and the TranSardinia bikepacking guide suggests nine. The shorter Gravellina, Gravel del Sale and Marche Trail OneShot options are day rides.

Sources and selection criteria

“Most famous” describes this editorial selection of twelve names, rather than a statistical ranking. Figures refer to the stated version and edition, with a source provided in each entry. The “who is it for?” profiles are editorial assessments based on distance, climbing and documented characteristics, not difficulty certifications or reports of field testing. Before setting off, check the updated GPX and the rules of any event you intend to enter.

Sources checked on 20 October 2026. Distances and elevation gain are indicative and may change with the track.