People who love cycling consider conquering the Italian Alps and Dolomites by bike to be the biggest challenge yet. For decades, these famous routes have pushed professional riders, and each year thousands of amateurs participate.
According to the latest figures, there was a big increase in cycle tourism in Italy in 2024, leading to more than 89 million visits and producing nearly €9.8 billion of economic benefits.
If you enjoy climbing or love road cycling, you’ll enjoy the stunning views as well as following in the footsteps of world-renowned cyclists.
The area between the Italian Alps and Dolomites features rugged and tall peaks in one area, compared to the much more unravelling limestone formations in the other.
The best time to tackle these cycling tours dolomites typically between June and September when mountain passes are clear of snow and temperatures are manageable. Nevertheless, the weather is wonderful in early June and September, and you’ll find fewer people on the roads too.
It is very important to be properly prepared for high-altitude climbs. Do some packing for sudden temperature drops, stay hydrated by carrying enough water and make sure your bike has the best possible gears. Many cyclists going up challenging slopes pick a compact crankset and at least a 32-tooth cassette on the rear wheel.
If you plan well and take the right equipment, you’ll be set for an unforgettable time on Italy's famous roads.
While the towering passes of the Alps and Dolomites often steal the spotlight, the rolling terrain of Veneto & The Prosecco Hills offers a completely different—but no less captivating—cycling experience. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this region is famous for its undulating vineyards, charming medieval villages, and world-class sparkling wine.
The climbs here are shorter and punchier than the Alpine giants, making them perfect for riders who enjoy dynamic terrain and scenic variety. Roads wind through verdant hills dotted with wineries and trattorias, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, sip, and savor.
One of the most popular rides in the area is the loop from Valdobbiadene to Conegliano, passing through Cartizze—home to some of the most prized Prosecco grapes in the world. While not as steep as the Dolomites, the gradients can still hit double digits in places, especially on the climb to the village of Rolle. The region is also ideal for pairing your rides with post-cycling indulgence—wine tastings, Michelin-starred cuisine, and spa retreats are all within easy reach.
Often described as one of the most brutal climbs in professional cycling, the Mortirolo has earned its fearsome reputation honestly through punishing gradients and minimal respite.
From Mazzo di Valtellina, the climb is 12.4 km long with an average gradient of 10.5%, but includes extended sections above 18%. It's these relentlessly steep pitches that have broken many professional riders over the years.
The climb became legendary after Marco Pantani's extraordinary ascent during the 1994 Giro d'Italia. Today, a memorial to "Il Pirata" stands along the route, making this a pilgrimage for many cycling fans.
Success on the Mortirolo requires careful pacing. The steepest sections come early, making it tempting to push too hard initially. Veterans recommend starting conservatively and finding a sustainable rhythm rather than responding to every gradient change.
The Dolomites offer a different kind of beauty from the Alps, with their distinctive pale limestone formations creating an otherworldly backdrop for cycling adventures.
From Selva di Cadore, the Passo Giau climbs 9.9 km at a relentless 9.3% average gradient. What makes it particularly challenging is its consistency, there are virtually no flat sections for recovery.
The Giau is often considered the most beautiful pass in the Dolomites, with 360-degree views of jagged peaks from the summit. The final approach reveals an amphitheater of mountains that creates unforgettable photo opportunities.
The small rifugio at the summit serves excellent mountain fare, including homemade apple strudel that's worth every calorie you've burned on the ascent. Local riders suggest tackling this climb early in the day when light conditions make the limestone peaks glow.
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, sits at the crossroads of Alpine majesty and Mediterranean serenity, making it an exceptional destination for cyclists seeking variety in terrain, scenery, and post-ride relaxation. Surrounded by cliffs in the north and rolling hills in the south, the region offers a cycling playground for every level of rider.
The northern shoreline near Riva del Garda is a paradise for climbers. Routes like Passo di Santa Barbara and Monte Velo provide a serious challenge, with steep gradients and thrilling descents. These climbs offer incredible views over the lake, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Dolomites to the north and the Po Valley to the south.
For those who prefer a gentler ride, the southern basin around Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda offers flatter routes through olive groves, vineyards, and lakeside villages. These roads are ideal for scenic cruising and café hopping. The region's microclimate makes it suitable for cycling almost year-round, and the post-ride rewards are unparalleled: artisan gelato, fresh lake fish, and a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
Few regions capture the heart of Italian cycling like Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. With a combination of cultural richness, world-famous food, and cycling heritage, this part of Italy offers some of the most rewarding rides in the country.
In Emilia-Romagna, routes often begin in cities like Bologna or Rimini and take riders into the Apennine foothills, where roads snake through thick forests, rustic stone villages, and castle-crowned ridgelines. Climbs like Monte Carpegna, famously used by Marco Pantani in training, are not only challenging but steeped in cycling history.
Tuscany, meanwhile, is known for its picture-perfect landscapes: golden fields, rolling vineyards, and cypress-lined avenues. Rides around Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Lucca deliver classic Tuscan charm with challenging terrain.
With so many towns offering cyclist-friendly amenities, it's easy to plan a point-to-point route supported by local hospitality and gourmet cuisine. Whether you’re chasing Giro d’Italia glory in the Apennines or sipping Chianti after a ride through sun-drenched hills, this region offers a perfect blend of challenge and comfort.
Tucked between the Alps and the Ligurian coast, Piedmont is a lesser-known but spectacular region for serious cyclists and cultural explorers alike. Known for its world-class wines, truffle-rich cuisine, and Baroque cities like Turin, Piedmont offers a quieter but equally majestic riding experience.
The terrain here is diverse. To the west, near the French border, you’ll find towering climbs like Colle delle Finestre, a gravel-strewn giant that’s become a regular feature in the Giro d’Italia thanks to its 18 hairpins and sweeping views. Near Susa and Bardonecchia, the climbs border on Alpine, rivaling the better-known passes of the Dolomites.
Further east, the Langhe and Monferrato wine regions offer rolling vineyard roads that are perfect for long, scenic rides. These landscapes are softer but still challenging, with constant elevation changes and spectacular views of medieval villages, hazelnut groves, and distant snowcapped peaks.
Conquering these six bucket list climbs isn't just about physical achievement, it's about experiencing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and profound satisfaction that comes from pushing your limits in some of cycling's most hallowed terrain. The italy cycling tours that include these climbs offer more than just great riding; they provide a deep connection to the sport's heritage and the stunning natural beauty of northern Italy.
Whether you're planning a dedicated bike holiday focused entirely on these famous ascents or looking to incorporate a few of them into a broader Italian adventure, these climbs will test your legs, fill your camera, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The question isn't whether you should tackle these legendary roads, but which one will be first on your list.
Standing on its own at number 1 of the best cycling climbs in the Dolomites is Passo Giau. It's a relentless 10km climb at close to 10% and is in our opinion the toughest climb in the Dolomites, reaching a summit of 2224 meters.
Passo Stelvio. The Passo Stelvio is simply legendary and is immortalised in the black and white grainy photos of Coppi and the peloton summiting the mountain in the 50s.
