Abruzzo

Part of Italy

Cycling in the Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region is located near the capital Rome, but on the eastern coast of Italy. This region is known as the greenest region in Europe! And did you know that it is also one of the most diverse and impressive cycling regions in Italy? Here you can find a perfect mix of pristine nature, challenging climbs, and coastal routes.

What makes the Abruzzo so special is the pure, untouched nature. You can find three national parks and a nature reserve here, including the famous Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. The peaks of the Gran Sasso massif rise above 2900 meters here, with Campo Imperatore as the highlight. This immense plateau, also known as “the little Tibet of Italy,” is a place you absolutely have to visit. And as a cyclist, of course, you do that best on a bike!

The quiet, well-maintained roads and the absence of mass tourism make the Abruzzi an ideal region for cyclists. You can make incredible rides through the various mountain ranges that this region is rich in, but you can also take more relaxed rides along the coast, where the landscape is much flatter.

The Abruzzi region is perfect for cyclists who don’t like regions with a lot of mass tourism. In this region, you have the beautiful places all to yourself; it really still feels undiscovered. Especially if you come here before or after the summer. Generally speaking, the road conditions are good in this region. So you can take many routes. And don’t forget to tackle a well-known climb, like the one to the top of Monte Blockhaus. This climb, located in the Majella Mountains, is a well-known (and beautiful!) climb from the Giro d’Italia.

In the heart of Abruzzo, the imposing peaks of the Gran Sasso mountain range rise, with the Corno Grande as the highlight, the highest mountain in the Apennines at 2,912 meters. Here, cyclists and gravel riders find challenging routes such as the road to Campo Imperatore, an breathtaking area known as “Little Tibet” because of the vast, unspoiled landscape. Mountain bikers also find their delight here with technical trails in the surrounding national park.

Further south lies the Majella massif, where the legendary climb to Monte Blockhaus challenges road cyclists. This climb, famous from the Giro d’Italia, is tough but beautiful. The surrounding valleys are also great for gravel riding. Don’t forget to include one of the authentic villages in your route for a coffee stop.

In the northwest of the region you will find the Sirente-Velino mountain range, an area that is less well known but ideal for gravel riders and cyclists who seek quiet roads. The rolling hills and charming medieval villages like Celano (to name just one) invite you to long rides through a timeless landscape.

The coastline of Abruzzo is completely different. Here you will find quiet and flatter roads along the Adriatic Sea. Gravel bikers will enjoy the routes that wind through olive groves and vineyards, while cyclists will find the perfect mix of rolling hills and challenging climbs here.

Spring (March to May): Spring is an excellent time to cycle in the Abruzzo, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Nature comes to life with blooming flowers, green valleys and fresh mountain air. This is the ideal period for long rides, especially in the lower parts of the mountains and along the coast, with relatively few tourists.

Summer (June to August): Summer in the Abruzzo can be hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures that can easily reach above 30°C, especially in the valleys and along the coast. In the mountains it often remains cooler, but it is advisable to cycle early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat. Summer is the busiest time of the year, so be prepared for more tourists in popular areas.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers pleasant temperatures of 15°C to 25°C, ideal for long bike rides. Nature transforms into beautiful autumn colors, providing spectacular views, especially in mountainous regions like Gran Sasso and Majella. This period is quiet after the tourist season ends, allowing you to enjoy the region in peace and quiet.

Winter (December to February): The winter in the Abruzzo is mild in the lower regions, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. In the mountains, it can get colder, with the possibility of snow and rain. This is a quiet period for cycling, ideal for those who enjoy silence and a cool ride. The coast and the lower-lying valleys remain well-suited for cycling, but in the mountains you need to be prepared for winter conditions.

You shouldn't miss these climbs in the Abruzzi

Cima Blockhaus

Length: 31 kilometers
Altitude meters: 2004 meters
Average rate of increase: 6,4%.
Starting point: Scafa
Description: This is one of the iconic climbs of the Giro d’Italia. From the town of Roccamorice (at 12km), the real work begins, with percentages above 10% not uncommon. The view from the top is magnificent; a well-deserved reward.

Climb to Gran Sasso / Campo Imperatore

Length: 40 kilometers
Altitude meters: 1660 meters
Average rate of increase: 4,1%.
Starting point: Bazzono
Description: Although you can’t literally (by bike) reach the top of Gran Sasso d’Italia, this climb takes you to a beautiful viewpoint over Campo Imperatore – where you also cycle during the climb. After about 26 kilometers, you descend for a few kilometers, after which you begin the tough final climb. An absolute must-do!

Climber map: the most important climbs

On this map you can see the most important ascents in the area. Click on a point for the altitude and the climb figures. The yellow points have a GPX route attached.

Your Cycling base

The Abruzzi region is mountainous and vast. These are good starting points:

• Pescara or the coast: for the Blockhaus and the Passo Lanciano in the Majella, and the sea for a day of rest.
• L’Aquila: for the Gran Sasso and the plateau of Campo Imperatore.
• Sulmona: in the middle of the Majella and the Abruzzo National Park.
• Roccaraso: high in the mountains, quiet and cool in the summer.

Travel tips

• Best destination: The Gran Sasso and Majella mountains offer some of the most beautiful and challenging cycling routes in the region. The mountains and nature parks are ideal for both cyclists and mountain bikers. For those who love the coast, the area around Pescara is perfect, with a mix of coastline and surrounding hills for varied rides. The Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise is another must-see destination, known for its impressive natural beauty and peaceful cycling routes through mountain villages and valleys.
• Traffic information: The Abruzzi region is relatively quiet in terms of traffic, especially outside the summer months. In the mountains, the roads are often narrow and quiet, ideal for cyclists. In larger cities like L’Aquila and Pescara, traffic can be busier, but it is usually easy to navigate.
• Culinary: The Abruzzo region is known for its delicious local dishes and wines. Be sure to try the arrosticini (lamb skewers), a regional specialty that is perfect after a long drive. Additionally, the saffron from Navelli is famous, and it is a must-try in various dishes. Finish your meal with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a rich red wine that pairs well with the hearty Italian dishes from the region.

When are you leaving?

How do you get there?

• Flying: Fly to Ancona - Abruzzo Pescara. Bring your own bike; then book a place for your bike box in time.
• By train: Convenient stations: Pescara.
• By car: From Utrecht you are in about 18 hours AbruzzoPlan an overnight stop along the way, or drive in two days.