Exploring the Lands of Pisa in an innovative and sustainable way is at the heart of the Terre di Pisa Bike Trail, a one-of-a-kind cycling tourism initiative. Scheduled for October 9, 2024, this event has been carefully designed by industry experts. It not only offers an exciting route but also aims to become a permanent itinerary, accessible to all who wish to discover this beautiful region at their own pace on two wheels.
The Terre di Pisa Bike Trail is the result of a collaboration between the North-West Tuscany Chamber of Commerce and the Terre di Pisa area, as part of the Operational Plan funded by the Tuscany Region. This partnership demonstrates a tangible commitment to promoting cycling tourism as a tool for sustainable development and enhancing local heritage.
Stages of the Terre di Pisa Bike Trail
The trail, starting from the San Rossore Migliarino Massaciuccoli Park and ending in the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, is ideally divided into eight stages.
Technical Details of the Terre di Pisa Bike Trail
Length: 527 km, about 43% off-road
Elevation gain: 9,900 meters
Maximum altitude: 800 meters
Suitable bikes: Gravel, Gravel MB, or Gravel e-bike
Stage 1: Pisa – Casciana Terme Lari
Starting from the San Rossore Migliarino Massaciuccoli Park, the trail heads towards Cascina, passing by the Virgo Gravitational Center, and continues through Fauglia and Crespina. The route follows the Wine Road of the Pisan Hills, leading to Casciana Terme Lari. This municipality, a recipient of the Italian Touring Club’s Orange Flag, is known for its thermal water, Acqua Mathelda, which flows naturally at a constant temperature of 35.7°C.
Highlights along the route:
- The Abbey of Morrona, a medieval monastery now a farmhouse and winery.
- Romanesque-Pisan churches like Santa Maria Assunta in Cascina, Saints Hippolytus and Cassian in San Casciano a Settimo, and the Abbey of San Savino in Montione.
- The Vicars’ Castle in Lari, with its circular layout and double walls, once used as a prison.
- The Carlo Pepi Museum in Crespina, home to over 15,000 pieces of contemporary art.
Stage 2: Casciana Terme Lari – Montecatini Val di Cecina
This stage crosses the Maritime Hills, passing lavender fields and the Santa Luce Lake Nature Reserve, reaching Lajatico and ending in Montecatini Val di Cecina.
Key attractions:
- Birdwatching at Santa Luce Lake or visiting the lavender fields in Pieve di Santa Luce (June–July).
- The Ghiaccione waterfalls near Chianni.
- Lajatico’s Teatro del Silenzio, an amphitheater brought to life annually by Andrea Bocelli.
- The Rocca di Pietracassia, a Lombard fortress from 1028 AD.
- Montecatini Val di Cecina’s Mining Museum, showcasing Europe’s largest 19th-century copper mine.
Stage 3: Montecatini Val di Cecina – Pomarance
Descending from Montecatini Val di Cecina, the trail winds through the Monterufoli-Caselli Nature Reserve, concluding in Pomarance, another Orange Flag village.
Notable sites
- The Monterufoli-Caselli Reserve, ideal for trekking and biking.
- The Devil’s Valley, including Larderello and Sasso Pisano, known for geothermal phenomena.
- The ancient Roman Baths at Bagnone, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
The Pomarance Loop
This loop takes us to the southernmost point of the Trail and the Province of Pisa. It passes through the Valley of the Devil, reaching Larderello and Sasso Pisano before returning to Pomarance. Along the way, visitors can explore the Parco delle Fumarole, where geothermal phenomena such as fumaroles, steam vents, and mud pools can be observed, as well as the Roman Baths of Bagnone. This significant thermal complex, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is the only surviving example of Etruscan baths to this day.
Stage 4: Pomarance – Volterra
This stage offers panoramic views as it traverses medieval villages like San Dalmazio and Montecastelli Pisano before reaching Volterra.
Key highlights
The Rocca Sillana fortress.
The Balze Volterrane erosive formations, Volterra’s Roman Theater, and Etruscan Museum.
Stage 5: Volterra – Peccioli
From Volterra, the trail moves through the scenic countryside, reaching Peccioli, a town known for its art installations and panoramic terrace.
Stage 6: Peccioli – San Miniato
Cyclists pass through Palaia and Toiano, eventually reaching San Miniato, famous for its white truffles and historical landmarks like the Rocca of Frederick II.
Stage 7: San Miniato – Pisa
The final stage includes stops in Pontedera, the Piaggio city, and the medieval village of Vicopisano before concluding in Pisa’s iconic Piazza dei Miracoli.
Learn More: Terre di Pisa Bike Trail
