From the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites, Italy is a motorcyclist’s dream. Indeed, its twisty roads are fun for motorbikes, bringing a new surprise and amazing views every minute. Feeling the curves of the landscape and witnessing the country’s vast and varied terrain by bike is one of the best ways to get to know this incredible country. Moreover, shots of fiendishly strong espresso and deliciously carbohydrate-rich pasta and risotto provide the ideal fuel for the road.
For those eager to explore Italy on two wheels, here are some of the best motorbike trips in this captivating country, some short, some long, and all of them amazing.
The Amalfi Coast Ride
Route: Sorrento to Salerno
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Duration: 1 day
We had to start here. The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning coastal roads and breathtaking views, is a must-ride for any motorbike enthusiast.
Starting in the charming town of Sorrento, the route takes you along the SS163, a road that hugs the cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ride ends in the historic city of Salerno. The route is relatively short but packed with twists and turns, making it a thrilling ride for experienced motorcyclists. The start of October is the best time to take on this, any earlier and you’ll likely melt in your leathers.
IDEAL for: Scenic Ride Lovers and Coastal Enthusiasts. The Amalfi Coast Ride is perfect for those who enjoy dramatic coastal scenery and picturesque towns.
Key Dish to Try: Savour a plate of Spaghetti alle Vongole, a classic Italian dish featuring fresh clams, garlic, and white wine, capturing the flavours of the sea.
Best Wine of the Region: Campania wines, particularly the white Falanghina, are known for their crisp and refreshing qualities, making them a perfect match for the region’s seafood dishes. We’re only going to say this one, but any wine should be enjoyed only at the end of a day’s riding, when all that’s left afterwards is rest and relaxation.
Highlights Along The Way
Positano: A picturesque town with colourful houses cascading down the cliffs.
Amalfi: Visit the stunning Amalfi Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the historic centre.
Ravello: A hilltop town known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views.
Salerno: Explore the medieval old town and the beautiful seafront promenade.
The Tuscany Hills Ride
Route: Florence to Siena
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Duration: 1-2 days
The rolling hills of Tuscany, with their vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages, offer a quintessential Italian motorbike experience.
Begin your journey in the Renaissance city of Florence and follow the SR222, also known as the Chiantigiana, through the heart of the Chianti wine region. The route takes you to the medieval city of Siena, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. This ride is relatively easy and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
IDEAL for: Wine Lovers and History Buffs. The Tuscany Hills Ride is ideal for those who appreciate fine wine, historic towns, and beautiful landscapes.
Key Dish to Try: Refuel on Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a traditional Tuscan T-bone steak, typically grilled and served with a drizzle of olive oil.
Best Wine of the Region: Chianti Classico, a robust red wine made from Sangiovese grapes, is a must-try. Pair it with similarly robust local dishes for a true taste of Tuscany.
Highlights Along The Way
Greve in Chianti: Visit the main square and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local enotecas.
Castellina in Chianti: Explore the medieval town and its ancient Etruscan tombs.
Monteriggioni: A perfectly preserved walled town with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Siena: Visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral and the famous Piazza del Campo.
The Dolomites Loop
Route: Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Duration: 2-3 days
For those seeking a more challenging and adventurous motorbike trip, the Dolomites in northern Italy offer some of the most spectacular mountain roads in Europe.
Starting in the city of Bolzano, the route takes you through the heart of the Dolomites, with its dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and winding roads. The ride ends in the glamorous ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The route is well-marked but can be challenging due to the steep climbs and sharp bends, so it’s best suited for experienced riders.
IDEAL for: Adventure Seekers and Mountain Enthusiasts. The Dolomites Loop is perfect for those who enjoy challenging rides and the opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Key Dish to Try: Try Canederli, traditional bread dumplings often served in a rich broth or with a hearty meat sauce, perfect for refuelling after a day on the road.
Best Wine of the Region: Alto Adige wines, particularly the white Gewürztraminer, are known for their aromatic qualities and pair well with the local cuisine.
Highlights Along The Way
Val Gardena: A stunning valley known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
Passo Pordoi: A high mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Explore the chic town centre and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
The Lakes of Lombardy Ride
Route: Milan to Lake Como
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Duration: 1 day
The lakes of Lombardy, with their serene waters and picturesque towns, offer a relaxing and scenic motorbike ride.
Begin your journey in the bustling city of Milan and head north towards Lake Como, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. The route takes you through charming villages and along the shores of the lake, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. This ride is relatively easy and can be completed in a day, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration of the region.
If you’re keen to go further, continue from Como to the San Marco Pass, which offers a more challenging ride with breathtaking alpine scenery, perfect for experienced cyclists looking to test their skills and enjoy the majestic landscapes of the Italian Alps.
IDEAL for: Relaxation Seekers and Nature Lovers. The Lakes of Lombardy Ride is ideal for those who enjoy gentle rides with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Key Dish to Try: Enjoy a plate of Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy risotto flavoured with saffron, a speciality of the region.
Best Wine of the Region: Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from the Lombardy region, is perfect for celebrating a day of riding.
Highlights Along The Way
Bellagio: A picturesque town known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” with beautiful gardens and stunning views.
Varenna: A charming village with narrow streets and a beautiful lakeside promenade.
Villa del Balbianello: A historic villa with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the lake.
Como: Explore the historic town centre and enjoy a boat trip on the lake.
A Couple More Epic Italian Motorbike Adventures For Good Measure
Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for extended motorbike journeys. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this captivating country, here are a couple of longer rides that promise unforgettable experiences over several days.
The Grand Italian Tour
Route: Milan to Rome
Distance: Approximately 600 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Embark on a grand tour that takes you from the fashion capital of Milan to the historic heart of Rome. This route offers a perfect blend of urban exploration, scenic countryside, and cultural immersion. We’ve only included around three hours of driving a day, so you could comefortably complete this one in half the time if you were happy to spend more hours on the road.
Day 1: Milan to Parma
Start your journey in Milan, exploring its iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Sforza Castle. Head south towards Parma, a city renowned for its culinary delights. Savour the famous Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Day 2: Parma to Bologna
Continue your ride to Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city and indulge in traditional dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù (Bolognese sauce).
Day 3: Bologna to Florence
Ride through the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Spend a day or two exploring its art, architecture, and history. Don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
Day 4: Florence to Siena
Head into the heart of Tuscany, riding through the Chianti wine region to the medieval city of Siena. Explore the stunning Piazza del Campo and the magnificent Siena Cathedral.
Day 5: Siena to Orvieto
Continue south to Orvieto, a charming hilltop town in Umbria. Visit the impressive Orvieto Cathedral and enjoy the local Orvieto Classico wine.
Day 6: Orvieto to Rome
Conclude your journey in the Eternal City of Rome. Spend a couple of days exploring its ancient ruins, vibrant neighbourhoods, and world-class museums. Highlights include the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain.
IDEAL for: Culture Enthusiasts and Food Lovers. The Grand Italian Tour is perfect for those who want to experience Italy’s rich history, art, and cuisine.
Key Dish to Try: In Rome, try the classic Roman dish Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet delicious pasta made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Best Wine of the Route: In Tuscany, enjoy a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine known for its depth and complexity.
The Southern Italy Odyssey
Route: Naples to Palermo
Distance: Approximately 800 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Explore the rugged beauty and rich history of Southern Italy on a journey from Naples to Palermo. This route takes you through some of the most stunning and lesser-known parts of Italy.
Day 1: Naples to Sorrento
Begin your adventure in Naples, a city known for its vibrant street life and delicious pizza. Ride along the coast to Sorrento, a charming town with stunning views of the Bay of Naples and plenty of great boat trips from the town’s two marinas.
Day 2: Sorrento to Matera
Head inland to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient cave dwellings. Spend a day exploring the Sassi di Matera and the rock-hewn churches.
Day 3: Matera to Alberobello
Ride through the picturesque countryside of Puglia to Alberobello, known for its unique trulli houses. Wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the local cuisine.
Day 4: Alberobello to Lecce
Continue south to Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South” due to its stunning Baroque architecture. Explore the historic centre and visit the Roman amphitheatre.
Day 5: Lecce to Reggio Calabria
Ride along the Ionian coast to Reggio Calabria, the gateway to Sicily. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes.
Day 6: Reggio Calabria to Taormina
Cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily and ride to Taormina, a beautiful town perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Etna.
Day 7: Taormina to Palermo
Conclude your journey in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Spend a couple of days exploring its rich history, bustling markets, and diverse architecture.
IDEAL for: History Buffs and Adventure Seekers. The Southern Italy Odyssey is perfect for those who want to explore the less-travelled paths and discover the unique charm of Southern Italy.
Key Dish to Try: In Palermo, try Arancini, delicious rice balls stuffed with various fillings and fried to perfection.
Best Wine of the Route: In Sicily, enjoy a glass of Nero d’Avola, a robust red wine known for its bold flavours that reflect the island’s unique terroir.
These extended motorbike adventures offer a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine of Italy. Whether you’re riding through the heart of Tuscany or exploring the rugged beauty of Southern Italy, these journeys promise unforgettable memories and thrilling experiences.
The Bottom Line
Motorbike trips in Italy offer a unique way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a coastal ride, a vineyard tour, a mountain adventure, or a lakeside escape, Italy has got you covered.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to explore Italy on two wheels, consider Hertz Ride. With a wide range of motorcycles available, Hertz Ride can help you find the perfect bike for your adventure so that you can cruise through Italy in style.