Tuscany Coastline Cycling from Pisa to Elba

Arrival in Pisa

Pisa delights with its historic old town and the famous Piazza dei Miracoli. Discover winding lanes, lively squares and the banks of the Arno. A special highlight is visiting the Leaning Tower, offering impressive views across the city below.

Trip to the sea approx. 30km + train journey

From the Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the Leaning Tower there are lovely trails winding through the national park 'Macchia Lucchese’ directly to the sea. Along the sandy beach you will reach the charming sea side town and spa Viareggio. On the way there and in the resort the refreshing waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea will tempt you to dive in. Short train ride back to Pisa.

Pisa – Castiglioncello approx. 40km + train journey

In the morning, you take a short train ride to Livorno. This historic harbour has a lot to offer including the well-known quarter 'Venezia Nuova’ with its many canals. Once you have cycled past the Belle Epoque villas along the river promenade, the bike tour continues deep into the hinterland. An extended ascent leads through the national park ’Monti Livornesi’, passing through traditional Tuscan villages along the way until descending towards the sea with magnificent sea views with trails along the beach and palm trees truly ooze Mediterranean atmosphere.

Castiglioncello – Marina di Castagneto approx. 50km

Today’s section is all about the Etruscan coastline. Via the famous white sandy beaches of Vada you will pass through some of the most striking pine forests in all of Italy. After that a cool cycle path in the shade leads you through the nature park 'Tomboli’ and then on to Bibbona. From there your journey takes you to the well known wine region of Bolgheri. It is here where the top Tuscan grapes are pressed! After passing the longest Italian avenue lined with cypresses, once again the sea is not far away. Marina di Castagneto is a classic Italian sea side town with its many beach cafes and promenades.

Marina di Castagneto – Piombino approx. 60km

The day starts with an ascent towards the medieval town called Castagneto Carducci. A well deserved break over a cappuccino and stunning views follows. After that, the ride continues upwards on a curvy mountain road through romantic cork oak forests. A few breaks in little traditional villages with the characteristic stone built houses will stay in your memory forever. Next, a comfortable descent through olive groves takes you to the well-known beach 'Golfo di Baratti’ with Etruscan excavation sites and all. Only a few kilometres left until Piombino, an impressive seaside town where you can relax on the Piazza directly by the sea.

Day trip to the island of Elba approx. 15/35km + ferry ride

A ferry ride will take you to Portoferraio (duration approx. 1hr). Stunning scenery and first glimpses of the island accompany the boat trip. A short cycle path along the panoramic route will lead you to several secluded bays and coves. The longer tour takes you through the hilly hinterland with its characteristic island vegetation of the ’Macchia Mediterranea’. On the return journey to Piombino a picturesque and glorious sunset at sea will be the perfect ending to this day.

Departure or extension