Autumn is one of the most evocative seasons for cycling enthusiasts, with nature’s palette on full display. The temperatures drop, the leaves turn warm shades of red, orange, and gold, and the landscapes transform into a natural work of art.
What better way to explore them than by cycling through rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages? Whether it’s a long weekend for the November 1st holiday, or simply a fall getaway, here are some destinations to discover by bike.
Autumn Cycling: Destinations for a Weekend
1. Langhe: A Tour Among Vineyards and Truffles
In Piedmont, the Langhe offers one of the most picturesque landscapes for a fall bike tour. The hills covered in vineyards turn golden and reddish, and the air is filled with the aroma of must and truffles, the stars of the local cuisine.
An ideal route could start from Barolo, famous for its wine, and wind through the historic villages of La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, and Serralunga. Here, you can stop for wine tastings at renowned wineries or browse the truffle stalls in Alba.
Autumn offers breathtaking views, perfect for those who love combining the pleasure of cycling with culinary delights.
And if you’re eager to explore more, consider extending the route to include the neighboring wine regions of Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero.
2. Provence: Autumn Colors and Scents
In France, Provence is a magical region in every season, but autumn makes it especially captivating. If lavender fields dominate the landscape in summer, in autumn, the vineyards turn shades of yellow and red, creating a perfect canvas for a bike trip.
A recommended route takes you through the Luberon, between medieval villages like Gordes and Roussillon, with their stone houses and cobbled streets. Pedaling through the vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, you’ll not only discover local wines but also relax in the tranquility of the Provençal landscapes.
Autumn in Provence is also the season for honey and olive harvesting, ideal for those who love to combine sports and gastronomy.
3. Tuscany: Golden Hills and Timeless Villages
Tuscany is one of the most enchanting destinations for a bike tour, especially in autumn when the hills are painted in shades of gold, ochre, and red.
A scenic autumn route through the Tuscan hills takes you to discover Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyards, passing through the heart of the Montalbano wine region. Starting from the rows of Carmignano, the first area to receive a D.O.C.G. designation thanks to Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716, the route winds through rolling hills rich in history and winemaking tradition. It continues towards Vinci, the birthplace of the Renaissance genius, along the Chianti Montalbano road, surrounded by autumnal landscapes of vineyards and centuries-old olive groves.
The route, perfect for a ride immersed in nature, includes gentle climbs up to San Baronto, a favorite spot for Tuscan cyclists and a training ground for champions. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the hills, a true paradise for cycling and nature lovers. The journey continues on flat terrain, offering a chance to relax after the climbs and soak in the spectacular scenery.
4. Umbria: Untouched Nature
Umbria is a perfect region for those seeking a weekend cycling through nature, history, and spirituality. With its rolling hills, oak and chestnut woods, and medieval villages that look like postcards, it offers enchanting routes.
A moderately challenging itinerary covers the Torgiano area. It spans 55 km through Umbria’s autumnal landscapes, passing castles, vineyards, and olive groves. Starting from Pila, an ancient village with Etruscan origins, you’ll ride through hills and dirt roads towards Castel del Piano and the Santuario della Misericordia di Ponte della Pietra, a place of devotion and legend.
The route continues towards San Martino in Colle and San Martino in Campo, known for their Roman past, before reaching Torgiano, famous for its wine and olive oil, with museums dedicated to these local products. You’ll then head to Deruta, renowned for its artistic ceramics, where you can visit the Regional Ceramics Museum. The loop ends by passing through Casalina and Sant’Enea, among charming villages and scenic landscapes, before returning to Pila.
5.Veneto: Among Palladian Villas and the Quiet of the Venetian Countryside
Autumn in the Venetian countryside offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for cycling among Palladian villas and medieval villages. A must-see route is the one along the Riviera del Brenta, between Venice and Padua, where you can admire splendid noble residences overlooking the river.
Alternatively, you can cycle the Euganean Hills Loop and combine a bike weekend with relaxation at the thermal baths. The 63-kilometer circuit takes you along quiet secondary roads, just steps from the thermal baths and art cities. You’ll pass through medieval towns, picturesque villages, Venetian villas, and landscapes that blend history and nature, ancient traditions, and modernity. The route, being flat and varied, allows for easy cycling while immersed in the beauty of the surroundings.
The itinerary winds through the Euganean Hills Natural Park, an area with a unique geology where nature reveals all its richness.
Cycling for long weekends in Search of Mild Temperatures
In November offer yourself a long weekend with the opportunity for a rejuvenating vacation in places where the temperatures are still mild. Where to go?
Andalusia: Pedaling Through History and Olive Trees for the November Holiday
A long weekend abroad? Andalusia is a fantastic choice for a November 1st holiday on two wheels. The climate remains mild, with sunny days perfect for cycling through stunning Moorish cities.
An unforgettable route is the Via Verde de la Sierra, a former railway track turned into a bike path that winds through the Subbética Mountains and charming villages like Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. During the trip, you can stop in Córdoba or Granada, getting lost in the scents of spices and the Alhambra, a masterpiece of architecture and history.
Baroque Sicily: Architectural Marvels and Mediterranean Landscapes
For a long weekend in Sicily, the Noto Valley and its baroque towns offer a perfect combination of cycling and cultural discovery. Starting from Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can explore the island’s southeast between breathtaking natural landscapes and architectural treasures.
Cycling through the Archaeological Park of Syracuse or the rolling landscapes of the Ragusa countryside, you’ll encounter iconic places like Modica, famous for its chocolate, and Scicli, with its elegant baroque palaces. Sicilian autumn provides sunny days and ideal temperatures for exploring the island in peace, far from the summer crowds.
