Myrtle Claus
Of course, Tuscany stands for history and culture. But Tuscany also stands for beautiful landscapes, rolling hills and foothills of the Apennines. A true El Dorado if you like to sit on your mountain bike.
Who wouldn't want to drive on those famous 'strade bianche', those unpaved country roads with white pebbles, past wine farms? Looking for hills to climb and spectacular off-road routes to 'downhill' through the woods?
But even if you just like to ride around on your mountain bike in a relaxed way to enjoy the surroundings, you will come in Tuscany pulling you.
MTB routes in Tuscany
Tuscany is home to a huge number of beautiful mtb routes, spread throughout the region. We list the 5 most spectacular areas for you. In each of them you will find routes of varying degrees of difficulty, for the MTB beginner to the really experienced die-hards.
And whether you like cross-country or trail riding or prefer enduro or even pure downhill, there is bound to be something for you.
1. Apuan Alps and surroundings
The West Coast. That's the name that Italian mountain bikers once gave to the area around Massa Carrara. You will find trails that run over hills and mountains near the sea, hidden in dense forests.
The terrain is very varied, with routes for every level of experience. The hills of Pietrasanta and Camaiaore are very suitable for less experienced mountain bikers or cyclists who go for relaxation.
Montemarcello and its parks are a stone's throw from the Cinque Terre, with routes on narrow paths in the typical Mediterranean greenery. in the area of Monte Belvedere and Pasquilio you will find tracks for finding your mtb flow.
Mount Brugiana is another step higher in terms of difficulty; a rugged place with old hiking trails used for enduro competitions that run from the mountains to the Versilia coastline.
There are also endless descents with sea views from Monte Folgorito. Finally, Campocecina is a real freeride spot in the Apuan Alps with hyper-technical and steep trails.
2. Abtone
The Abetone is of course famous for its Gravity Park, the ski area that has beautiful routes outside the ski season for the more experienced mtb'ers.
But the Abetone, with all the cross-country trails through forests and the rolling landscape, is also a perfect place if you prefer cross-country trails.
Those routes all start at the foot of the Ovovia, the funicular. The trails, between 5 and 30 km long, are well signposted and interconnected.
But you can also cycle the famous Strada del Duca or follow one of the cross-country skiing trails that start in Pian di Novello. Most routes are suitable for everyone, although there are courses that you should ignore after a period of rain.
And if you come in the area, don't miss the beautiful suspension bridge at Mammiano Basso over the Lima stream. It is 220 meters long and one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
3. Massa Marittima
Perhaps Massa Marittima is the area in Tuscany that best combines relaxation and cycling pleasure. It offers a wide variety of trails and dirt roads around the medieval town, surrounded by cypresses and olive trees.
You can go there for more traditional mountain bike rides on trails built by local course builders. You will find 'super enduro' tours for the more experienced mountain biker, but also less strenuous routes along lakes and vineyards with the occasional piece of asphalted road.
Another plus of Massa Marittima is that it is close to Punta Ala, another spectacular area. You will have the opportunity to combine the tracks of the two areas, from the 'firebreaks' of the hinterland to the singletracks overlooking the sea at Cala Violina.
4. Punta Ala
Punta Ala has been the location for important mountain bike competitions for years. The area between Castiglione Della Pescaia and Follonica is a natural park and a wonderful place to discover by bike.
The trails are interconnected by ancient mule tracks, which follow the slopes of the hills. There is something for everyone: cross county, technical and fast descents, big climbs and pedal sprints.
The Bandite Trail Area includes more than 15 trails of varying difficulty, with some experience required. There are tracks for the experienced mountain biker looking for full throttle flow, the scenic Cala Violina route and super technical trails such as the Rock-Oh which is the longest, toughest and most challenging trail Punta Ala has to offer.
5. Monte Amiata
In this mountain massif between the Maremma, Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana you cycle through those iconic Tuscan landscapes with rolling golden hills and winding rows of cypresses.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to routes, most of which start in Abbadia San Salvatore. The classic in the area is the Anello dell'Amiata, a 35 km long, challenging tour with altitudes of 950 to 1.250 meters through ancient beech forests and beautiful chestnut groves.
You cross the territory of all Amiata municipalities and during the ride there is a chance that you will encounter wild boars, hares, foxes and deer. And of course there is nothing better than relaxing your tired muscles in the thermal waters of Bagno San Filippo after the tour.
Find good routes
Not all routes in Tocane are well signposted. An old-fashioned map with hiking trails can therefore come in handy along the way. You can get them at most local tourist offices.
And if you don't mind cycling on your GPS, you can find a huge amount of beautiful Tuscan routes via all trails And especially Wikiloc. For most routes, the distances and degree of difficulty are stated, so that you know what to expect.
Best time for cycling
If you are used to jumping on your bike in the Dutch winter, every season is good for cycling in Tuscany. But nice temperatures and as little chance of rain as possible are of course nice on holiday.
From the beginning of April to mid-June and from the beginning of September to mid-October it is therefore ideal for cycling. During the summer months it is often very hot during the day and it is wise to start early in the morning.
Create a CamelBak is not a superfluous luxury. Just as you don't have enough spare tires and repair tools if you don't ride tubeless: the chance of a flat tire is high!
Tips for mountain biking? Let us know!
Tuscany is also a treasure trove for beautiful adventures by bike and we had a hard time making a choice. Because actually Elba also fit into this list with the cross-country tracks suitable for everyone. Or the routes with all kinds of mtb levels around Montaione. And the trails in the vicinity of Figline Valdarno. And how about the one in the Garfagnana…
Have you been mountain biking in Tuscany yourself and do you know a beautiful place with MTB routes that should not be missing from this overview? Let us know!
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