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From the leaning tower of Pisa to Elba

Martina's cycling tour along the Tuscan Coast
Picturesque view of Elba under a blue sky from a boat

We were really looking forward to our upcoming cycling tour to the Tuscan coast and to finally escape the cool weather in Austria. My husband is accompanying me on this cycling holiday to Italy. Our arrival was already very appealing: the beautiful South Tyrol with its impressive villages and snow-covered mountain peaks immediately put us in the holiday mood. The journey takes us past Lake Garda to Levanto, where we stop to visit the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre. By train we reach Monterrosso. The scenic road along the coast winds through lush vineyards and offers a first glimpse of the village of Vernazza. Here we soak up the atmosphere with wine and bruschetta before heading on to Corniglia.

Picturesque view of Elba under a blue sky from a boat

Start of our bike tour from Pisa

We have planned an extra night in Pisa to visit the impressive buildings in the Piazza dei Miracoli, including the Leaning Tower.

On our second morning in Pisa, we start our cycle tour in the direction of Viareggio: with temperatures around 20 degrees, we cycle through a beautiful natural park close to the sea. We catch sight of the Tyrrhenian Sea and decide to take a break at a nice beach bar, where we enjoy the sound of the waves while sipping a glass of Aperol and eating fried seafood. It's mid-May and Italy is still asleep, but a few brave souls are already venturing into the cool water. We catch the train back to Pisa, where we end the day with a delicious pizza.

Two bicycles leaning against a wooden fence on the sandy beach

Along the Tuscan Coast

Today we travel by train to Livorno, an ancient Roman port city. With its small canals and boats, it reminds us a little of Venice. We stroll along the beautiful promenade. We enjoy one last glimpse of the turquoise sea before we get back on the bike: Now we're heading uphill towards Gabbro - without much effort, thanks to our e-bikes. The route takes us through woodland, fields and flower meadows. We also pass small villages and inviting bars with typical Italian charm. Although we didn't stop here to eat, we heard other travellers raving about the excellent rabbit dish that is typical of this region.

Eurobike bicycle helmet on a brick wall at the port of Livorno

From Castiglioncello to Marina di Castagneto

Today we start at our Hotel Atlantico in Castiglioncello. We head towards the beautiful white sandy beach of Vada. Then we continue from Cecina to Marina di Bibbona. Here the route leads through shady pinewoods, olive groves and vineyards. Wine, of course, is a vital part of this trip and we drink it in the famous wine village of Bolgheri. This medieval wine village is certainly worth a visit. With its small, charming courtyards, it invites you to linger. Wine tasting is available everywhere. It is impossible to leave without a glass! Just before Marina di Castagneto we cycle through a beautiful 5km cypress grove. What a delight!

Alluvial wood on a quiet coast in the Tomboli nature reserve

After an eventful day, we take a refreshing dip in the sea and then relax on the roof terrace of our hotel, overlooking a canopy of pine trees.

Marina di Castagneto – Piombino

It's time to put the pedal to the metal today: The route takes us uphill to the medieval town of Castagneto Carducci. This area is very popular with cyclists and, as described in the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour-App, we are rewarded with a pleasant descent on winding mountain roads with fantastic views. We pass cork oaks and olive trees until we reach the Gulf of Baratti. Passing through the beautiful medieval mountain villages of Sasseta and Suvereto, we reach Piombino.

Greened stone path between two walls

Grand finale on the island of Elba

For our final day, we take an early ferry for Portoferraio, Elba's capital. Once the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, Portoferraio is now a quiet port town with a picturesque old town centre and small restaurants and bars.

Beautiful bays and the clear turquoise water invite us to end our wonderful journey with a swim in the sea.

Conclusion

Both culturally and scenically, the Tuscan coast has much to offer. The gentle hills of the region are the perfect place for cycling and walking. Our tour takes us through pine forests and cypress avenues, olive groves and vineyards. What we liked best? Spending almost every day in a different town on our coastal cycle tour. The evening walks in the sunset and the daily swims made our bike tour so special.

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