While the Adriatic Cycle Route is immensely popular and serves as the main artery for many cycling routes that descend from the Veneto region across the country, its counterpart, the Tyrrhenian Cycle Route, has yet to gain the same level of popularity . Yet it is one of the longest routes in Italy, stretching 741 kilometers from Ventimiglia at the westernmost border to Latina, descending through Liguria, Tuscany, and Lazio.
The cycle path likely suffers from its perpetual "work in progress" nature. It's true that the entire route is already available, but many sections are undergoing revision, especially in the Ligurian section . In Lazio, for example, a legal dispute pits the City of Rome against some landowners reluctant to allow the route to pass through the area between Mezzocammino and the border with Fiumicino. Two weeks ago, the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) ruled in favor of the landowners. Or the commitment made by the Italia Nostra Association to protect the stretch of waterfront around Passoscuro.
A cycle path close to the sea
This is, after all, the story of this route, a sort of autoRoad for bikes . It was created by combining existing sections, sections of old abandoned railways, and low-traffic routes to create a true roadway that allows you to visit Italy's Tyrrhenian coast. Always close to the sea, because that's one of the route's unique features. The project, funded by the PNRR (National Plan for Sustainable Mobility) and the National Plan for Sustainable Mobility, will be completed in the coming years. Already, its entire length is essentially cyclable.
While the Ligurian portion has already been discussed , particularly regarding its additions and the efforts several municipalities are making to promote improvements that also benefit daily traffic, let's delve more specifically into the Tuscan portion. The Tyrrhenian Cycle Route passes through areas with a deep cycling tradition, starting with Versilia . One might think of these lands as the home of seaside tourism, and that's still the case. It's also true, however, that cycle tourism is carving out a significant niche for itself, even in the local economy.
In Tuscany, the bicycle is at home
Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Lido di Camaiore have a strong connection with cycling, with countless road and off-road events organized here. But this connection with cycling is evident every day, pedaling through these cities and along their connecting roads. This is true not only for those who choose two wheels for physical activity, but also for those who prefer them for transportation, which is easier than driving. And let's not forget that more structured cities like Livorno and Pisa are just a short distance away. Here, cycling through the city streets is the best way to discover their beauty. The open spaces and welcoming atmosphere of the historic center in Livorno, for example, or the treasures of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.
The Etruscan Coast, a cycling paradise
Descending, you reach the Etruscan Coast. A region renowned for its cycling heritage throughout the world. Just think of the flood of international registrations that annually reach the organizers of the Costa degli Etruschi Epic , a mountain bike marathon scheduled for next Sunday. Until about twenty years ago, this was the preferred area for professional teams to hold their pre-season training camps, before they shifted their focus to Spain . But there are villages whose full charm can only be discovered by bike, such as Populonia, Piombino (where you can take the ferry to the many attractions of Elba Island ), or Castagneto Carducci, where the poet's legacy is still deeply felt.
In the area of Etruscan domination
We continue downhill along the cycle path and pass through areas connected to Pisa, such as Migliarino, San Rossore, and Massaciuccoli. We then arrive in Maremma, a land where Tuscany and Lazio meet, where the Etruscan presence remains strong and we cycle through wild, open spaces. We thus enter the Lazio region, where Mediterranean flora dominates the landscape. As mentioned, however, the Etruscan presence is still very strong. For example, the necropolis of Tarquinia is an almost obligatory stop for every cycle tourist. But so are the small villages in the Viterbo hinterland , also recommended for lunch in small trattorias featuring typical products.
Descending toward the Roman coast, there are towns where the capital's residents enjoy a refreshing dip (Ostia, Pomezia, Torvajanica), but also natural areas worthy of a thoughtful and intriguing stop, such as the Roman Coast State Reserve and the Torre Flavia Marshes. The Tyrrhenian Cycle Route draws to a close, touching the Pontine Marshes, beginning with the Circeo National Park , with its Mediterranean scrub and sand dunes that make a refreshing dip during your ride even more enjoyable . Near Cisterna, you can also visit the Garden of Ninfa , an authentic Italian treasure considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world. There's no better place to end your trip with the obligatory photos...
The ideal bike is the gravel
To tackle the journey the ideal bikes are the superlight ones, appropriately equipped also in the tubular part or, perhaps even better, la gravel considering that there is no shortage of dirt roads, especially in the parts where the cycle path deviates from the original design. The route is entirely on marked bike paths, but it isn't exclusively composed of them. There are also detours onto roads with little traffic, precisely because the cycle path is yet to be completed. GPX tracks are easy to find online; it's recommended to download specific ones for the sections you'll be tackling daily. It is also important, for those who want to make it the object of their holiday, to plan their trip in detail, finding the bike-friendly facilities that generally abound in all three regions. These are constantly increasing thanks to its growing popularity, but also to its presence as a hub for food and wine, train stations, and even bike repair shops. All of this will help make the trip worthwhile, a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life.
