Many a cyclist knows Friuli Venezia Giulia thanks to the Giro myths: the brutally steep Monte Zoncolan and the time trial to Monte Lussari. The region is not only known for those iconic climbs; on the Karst plateau above Trieste you will also find brilliant gravel options (including the Giordano Cottur trail towards Val Rosandra) that you might as well weave into a road route. Granfondos such as the Carnia Classic Zoncolan underline the region's sporting DNA.
But: although FVG is often associated with Giro drama and karst gravel, the region has much more to offer. At over 7,800 km² cycle from Alps to Adriatic coast in a short time: from high passes and forests in the north to lagoons and long sandy beaches around Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro. That combination makes FVG exceptionally versatile for both race and gravel.
For example, did you know the Carnic and Julian Alps already? The latter perhaps from neighbouring Slovenia, but also in Italy? Here, peaks like Monte Coglians (2,780 m) and Jôf di Montasio (2,752 m) above the valleys. Around Sella Nevea and the Altopiano del Montasio lie fantastic road climbs; the finale to Montasio even ticks ramps of ~20% - exactly the kind of climbing you come to FVG for.
On the coast, it gets more Mediterranean. Between Trieste and the Slovenian border, you drive along cliff edges and over old railway tracks; the Giordano Cottur cycle path (in honour of former rider Giordano Cottur) is a beautiful, car-free route from the city to the rugged Val Rosandra. Afterwards, a dip in the sea or a terrace in Trieste is never far away.
And don't forget the culinary aspect! The region is home to Prosciutto di San Daniele and white top wines from Collio; ideal for a delicious snack after a long drive (just watch the amount of wine). Order a plate frico and taste why this region tastes as good as it does cycling.
If there is one reason to go cycling here it is the link to the Giro d'Italia: The names of the Zoncolan, Montasio, Lussari and Crostis will sound familiar to many (and often give the shivers).
But those climbs are not the only reason to cycle here. The variation in terrain, between the Alps and the more rolling/flatter routes along the coast, plus the alternation between gravel and road will offer you plenty too. The Alpe Adria route also runs here and that is a popular long-distance cycle path.
Another reason? good Infrastructure: bicycle-friendly public transport facilities (buses with bicycle carts, summer-boat connections) and well-paved and screened cycle paths.
At Friuli Venezia Giulia you will find a landscape full of contrasts, ideal for any cyclist. In the far north lie the Carnic and Julian Alps: rugged, quiet and spectacular. Here the real climbing awaits with Monte Zoncolan and Monte Crostis, plus combinations such as Sella Nevea - Altopiano del Montasio. Think narrow roads, hairpins and long stretches above the 10%-perfect for those seeking adventure on the road bike; who gravel wants, rolls right into the high-alpine panorama routes and forest roads.
Slightly further south lie the wine hills of Colli Orientali and Collio. This is postcard-Friuli: rolling hillsides, vineyards and charming towns like Cividale del Friuli and Cormons. The quiet, winding roads are ideal for tours with plenty of views and a stop for a glass of local wine. Gravellers will find numerous white roads and connecting paths between the vineyards.
The heart of the region feels softer: across the Isonzo Plain and towards the lagoons at Grado and Marano you ride longer, more relaxed stretches. Fine routes over old railway tracks and dykes make this a perfect zone for recovery days, blow-outs and trips at a steady pace-on asphalt or light gravel.
On the coast, the landscape becomes more rugged again on the Karst Plateau above Trieste. This area is ideal for adventure riders: in addition to quiet roads for cyclists, there is a network of gravel routes and paths, as by the Val Rosandra, over cliff edges and through Mediterranean forests. Secluded and pure-precisely right if you want to get away from the crowds and still cycle briskly.
In the south-east towers Monte Matajur above the valleys-a climb you have to try if you like altimeters. The way up is demanding, but the shady passages and views towards the Julian Alps and Soča Valley make up for everything. A fiery alternative challenge is Monte Lussari at Tarvisio: extremely steep and iconic since the Giro.
Friuli Venezia Giulia has it all: from rugged Alpine passes and wine hills to karst cliffs, lagoons and challenging climbs. Whether you wielrent, gravelt or rather mountain biket, here you will always find a site that suits your ride and your schedule.
Spring is ideal for long drives in the vineyards and along the coast. In the plain and by the sea (Udine, Grado/Triest) afternoon temperatures are roughly between 15-23°C; in the Alps (Tarvisio/Sella Nevea) is cooler. Allow for a wet peak in June (especially in the pre-Alps): thunderstorms are normal, but often short. High-altitude roads (Crostis, Montasio plateau) may have snow remnants or closures until late spring.
Tips (race & gravel): focus in March-April on Collio/Colli Orientali and the Karst Plateau; slide your Alpine goals (Zoncolan, Sella Nevea) to May when the snow is gone. Start early to avoid showers.
To the coast fetch afternoons often 28-32°C; inland ~23-25°C on average, while the mountains clearly stay cooler and are ideal for climbers. July is usually drier than June, but from late August showers and thunderstorm chances increase again. Tourist crowds concentrate near the sea; in Carnia and the Julian Alps, driving remains good.
Tips (race & gravel): plan your queen's ride on Zoncolan/Crostis or Montasio early in the day. For an iconic extra: check out the summer opening around Monte Lussari (lift/area) for logistics and crowding.
September is often perfect cycling weather (~20-26°C in the plain), with long, quiet days. October-November become cooler and distinctly wetter-autumn is the wettest period of FVG, with in many valleys October as a rainfall peak; higher up, early snow can fall as early as November. Scenically, this is the time for vineyards and Karst. (arpa.fvg.it)
Tips (race & gravel): select Collio/Colli Orientali and Carso/Val Rosandra For roulage and gravel; have a rain jacket ready and check pass conditions if you want to go higher.
The coast is relatively mild (6-12°C daytime), suitable for basic rides and interval blocks. In the Alps prevails full winter regime with regular snowfall (pronounced in January-February around Sella Nevea); high passes are then not a cycling option. Choose lower routes or gravel on hard, dry ground.
Tips (race & gravel): winter = coast & Collio (asphalt), or short Karst-rounds on dry days. In the mountains: alternative training (XC ski, hike) and route planning for spring.
Spring: base in Cividale or Trieste; Alpine targets only from May.
Summer: aim at Carnia/Tarvisio for coolness; start early due to thunderstorms.
Autumn: Collio/Carso prime time; rain jacket standard.
Winter: coast & plain for duration; save mountains for spring.
Choose a base with bicycle services and secure storage:
Friuli Venezia Giulia has several rental organisations where you could rent a road or gravel bike.
Tarvisio (Val Canale): local rentals (including Rent Bike Tarvisio). rentbiketarvisio.com
Sad: rental and delivery services, also for race & gravel. funactive.rent
Length: 9.9-10.1 km
Altimeters: ~1.200 m
Average: ~11.8-11.9%
Starting point: Ovaro (Liariis)
Why: THE monster mountain of the Giro; narrow road, tunnels and long stretches >15%.
Length: 14.5 km
Altimeters: 1.430 m
Average: 9,8%
Starting point: Comeglians/Tualis
Why: mountain of 10%-average, beautiful panoramic road; upper section partly rough/gravel. .
Length: 9.16 km
Altimeters: ~800 m
Average: 8,78%
Starting point: Cepletischis/Savogna
Why: Border mountain with views of Soča & Julian Alps.
Sella Nevea (from Chiusaforte)
Length: 10.1 km
Altimeters: 606 m
Average: 5,9%
Starting point: Chiusaforte
Why: quiet pass, ideal to combine with Altopiano del Montasio-climb (steep final kilometres to 20%).
Length of climbing section: approx. 7 km
Altimeters: ~900 m
Average: ~12-13% (very steep)
Starting point: Valbruna (via Val Saisera)
Why: Giro icon; narrow service road to the shrine. Note: limited opening hours and only accessible uphill in season.
Alternative (less extreme): Sella Chianzutan (Tolmezzo side 11.8km, ~5.4%) as a nice "flow" climb in Carnia. MyCols
Best destination (gravel & road)
Trieste & the Karst Plateau (Carso) are top for gravel: car-free cliff roads, forest trails and the Giordano Cottur cycle path towards the Val Rosandra. Perfectly combined with short road climbs over the sea.
Collio / Brda & Colli Orientali (Cividale-Gorizia) offer postcard hills with vines, white country lanes and quiet asphalt roads-ideal for long gravel and road trips with stops at wineries.
Carnia (Ovaro/Tolmezzo) is your base of operations for the real climbing on the road: Monte Zoncolan (P007/P008) and Monte Crostis are just around the corner here. Tarvisio/Chiusaforte is ideal for Sella Nevea and the Altopiano del Montasio (steep finale).
Traffic information
FVG is pleasantly quiet outside the coastal zone. In the mountains and wine hills you drive a lot over narrow, winding secondary roads; asphalt quality may vary from valley to valley, but the well-known sports and Giro routes are generally well maintained. By the sea and around cities, it is busier. Caution: short tunnels (including on the Zoncolan approach) and occasional gravel/rough sections on high-alpine roads (Crostis/Panoramica delle Vette); check the region's current route pages and bring a light. For transfers, there are bicycle-friendly buses with trailers and summer boat lines.
Bike rental
Renting is possible at several places in the region. In Tarvisio sits a specialist rental company with racing and gravel options; in Trieste you can book (also for gravel/road) in advance with clear booking conditions. In high season: book early.
Culinary (after the ride)
Friuli tastes powerful and local: Prosciutto di San Daniele (PDO) for salt-sweet recovery, frico (potato cheesecake) from Carnia and Montasio cheese (DOP) in all ages. Pour a glass there Collio-white next to and your day is complete.
Choosing quickly?
Gravel: Trieste/Carso or Collio/Brda.
Climbing away: Ovaro/Tolmezzo (Zoncolan/Crostis) and Tarvisio/Chiusaforte (Sella Nevea/Montasio).
