{"id":24423,"date":"2025-11-13T13:31:49","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T12:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=24423"},"modified":"2025-11-13T14:03:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T13:03:39","slug":"is-toscane-echt-de-beste-gravel-bestemming-spoiler-ja","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/is-toscane-echt-de-beste-gravel-bestemming-spoiler-ja","title":{"rendered":"Is Tuscany really the best gravel destination (spoiler: yes!)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

White roads surrounded by tall cypress trees. Crackling sound of gravel tyres flattening the white pebbles. A blue sky, a summer sun. The prospect of a fantastic lunch, with a glass of local grape juice, if that's your preference. La vita \u00e8 bella a Toscana. Can you get any closer to gravel heaven? Tuscany is the gravel destination in Italy, at least we think so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A different pace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Corazzano is a hamlet. Some call it a village, but with less than a hundred houses, it is a hamlet. As in any Italian hamlet, you will find everything you need: two restaurants, two (!) coffee bars, a small shop, a bakery (the best in the area, Tipo 2<\/a>, ed.)and a sports field. Near the sports field is a tree, with a bench underneath. The stopping place for the older locals, especially men. They gather here to discuss life. To see if the local FC has another new recruit, but also to see who is passing through Corazzano in cars and on bikes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is strategically located between the fortified towns of San Miniato and Montaione. Both perched on a hill, overlooking the surrounding area as far as you can see. Corazzano, then, is a place to quickly forget, it is the ideal spot for a tour of the area. So this is where we settled, at Agriturismo<\/em> Buon Riposo<\/em>. A place to relax properly. It is right on a gravel road. The rental bike from Gippo Bike, 40 min away, was delivered to the house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Via Francigena<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This stretch of Tuscany, west of the Chianti region and east of the \u2018Terre di Pisa\u2019 is all about the Via Francigena. This ancient pilgrimage route, which runs from Canterbury (!) right across Europe, has the most beautiful route between Florence and Rome<\/a>. It is a route for both walkers as cyclists<\/a>. The cycling version is very much geared towards touring cyclists, especially on the beaten, paved paths. The walking route offers plenty of opportunity for gravelling in small groups. That's what makes this route so great and attractive if you're around here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The route is well signposted, with signs for both walkers and cyclists. Do you follow the bicycle signs? Then you'll end up more north-east, at Castelfiorentino. Here you follow the Strada Provinciale<\/em> which is well raked apart from a single pit. Got the gravel bike with you? Then follow the trail, over the hill edges, sometimes through the forest and with a lovely rolling landscape before you. The pictures? Those are priceless. As is the tranquillity you experience here. Do you go on a summer day, as we did? Then you will encounter few other cyclists or \u2018pellegrinos\u2019. Just a bit too hot, just a bit too southern. They all walk to Compostela. No. Here you will find the peace and beauty for which you can skip the Strade Bianche. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stretch between San Miniato and Gambassi Terme I played all the way through. Both northbound and southbound. Tell me: this is what you want, isn't it? Want to cycle the whole route? Then start in Florence and finish at the Vatican. Or if you do really wild, so start in Canterbury, although the cycling section on the Via Francigena site starts in Jougne, France (just near the Swiss border). A nice bikepacking trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Via Francigena near Corazzano over the Poggio Tagliato <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Vineyards,
The vineyards near Via Meliana Gambassi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Triangolo Verde - Terre di Pisa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Corazzano's strategic position pays off on several levels. Via tarmac roads and a long, white gravel road, I arrive via Legoli at the Triangolo Verde<\/a>. This is best described as an artists\u2019 dream. Some large, white sculptures, in a quarry. To get access to this, you need to sign up. Plan this in advance, as the site has some bugs and if you're at the gate, you're not going to make it in time. You can book your entry (for free) via this link.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the triangle literally to the left, you quickly turn into the territory of \u2018Terre di Pisa<\/a>\u2018 on. Explorer Andrea has been a guest here before. If one image says it all, let's do two to complete it. Here you will find winding roads, cypresses, raked gravel and signposted routes. The routes are wonderful to ride both on a hot summer day, and a beautiful spring or autumn day in Tuscany. You will come across them often, so you have a wide range of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of wide choice or rather beautiful colour: one of the villages, or hamlets you will want to take a look at, is Ghizzano. The colourful houses, an art project by David Tremlett<\/strong> in 2019, make for a unique atmosphere. Pretty little else happens here, but if you want a coffee, you can. At Panificio Campani Elisabetta<\/a> for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Montaione and beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just south of Montaione, at Castelfalfi, Thomas Bogaard pitched his proverbial tent. Castelfafi is a lot closer to the beautiful roads of the \u2018Strade Bianche<\/a>\u2018. Siena is the starting point for this and Thomas rode several rounds with his girlfriend Roos around the strade and around Montaione. You can find all the routes in a komoot collection at the bottom of this article. In any case, you will find a nice photo collection here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text continues after photos!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our tips for cycling, eating, drinking and sleeping in provincia di Firenze and provincia di Pisa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our destination Corazzano is on the border of the provinces of Florence and Pisa. With that, we give you tips for both provinces, although they are centred around Corazzano and Montaione. But that should be enough to get you further on your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike rental<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can find lots of different bike rental locations in the region. Of course, you can bring your own bike. Depending on your destination, a gravel bike or a road bike is fine. On the road bike, you miss the strade bianche, but get plenty of climbs in return. With the gravel bike you have just a different focus but thus get lots of beautiful views and quiet spots. Here are two tips for bike hire:<\/p>\n\n\n\n