Mountain Biking in Tuscany, Italy – Best Spots & Local Tips

Mountain biking in Tuscany spans across several distinct landscapes, each offering unique terrain and trail styles. The Chianti Hills, located between Florence and Siena, are among the most iconic areas. Here, bikers ride on white gravel roads (strade bianche), vineyard trails, and oak forest singletrack. The mix of flowy paths and moderate climbs makes this area perfect for cross-country and e-MTB riders. Routes near Gaiole in Chianti, Radda, and Castellina link wine estates, castles, and panoramic ridgelines, and can be combined with food and wine experiences for a truly Tuscan ride.\n\nTo the south, the Val d’Orcia offers wider open landscapes and softer terrain, with picturesque dirt roads rolling past cypress trees, wheat fields, and Renaissance towns like Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Montalcino. These trails are less technical but incredibly scenic, making them ideal for leisure riders or photography-focused excursions. The terrain is largely non-technical, but there are several long climbs and descents, particularly in the direction of Monte Amiata, the region’s highest peak. This extinct volcano is also home to dense woods and technical enduro trails developed by local biking communities.\n\nIn northern Tuscany, the Apennine Mountains and the Garfagnana region offer more demanding terrain, including steep forest climbs, rocky descents, and hidden mule tracks. Orecchiella Park, Monte Prado, and the Apuan Alps near Castelnuovo di Garfagnana present rugged trails for experienced riders. These routes often involve long, sustained climbs and technical downhill segments, and the remoteness of the area makes it a favorite for those seeking solitude and mountain adventure.\n\nFor those looking for bike parks or more structured MTB zones, Monte Amiata Bike Resort has a lift-assisted park during summer months, offering enduro and downhill runs through dense chestnut woods and flow trails. The Casentino Forests, east of Florence, feature an expansive natural park with mapped MTB trails through deep valleys, old monasteries, and forested peaks.\n\nOn the coast, the Maremma region offers unique seaside riding near Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala, where pine forests meet rocky Mediterranean singletrack. The Punta Ala Trail Center is a well-known spot for enduro riders, offering everything from guided tours to shuttle service and rental. Trails like The Guardian, Rock Oh, and Trail of the Deer attract international riders and host events like the Enduro World Series.\n\nTuscany’s climate allows for year-round mountain biking, though summer heat in inland areas can be intense, making spring and autumn the best seasons. Trail conditions are generally dry and fast, and the region has embraced MTB tourism with growing infrastructure including rentals, guided tours, GPS-mapped routes, and bike-friendly agriturismi. Whether you’re navigating technical descents in the mountains or rolling through vineyards with a glass of Chianti waiting at the end, mountain biking in Tuscany offers something exceptional for every kind of rider.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Tuscany for mountain biking:\n\n– Crion.org to book MTB and e-MTB guides in Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Garfagnana\n– Trail centers and bike resorts in Monte Amiata and Punta Ala with certified local instructors\n– Independent guides offering tours from Florence, Siena, and Lucca with shuttle support\n– Agriturismi with on-site bike rentals and partnerships with local mountain biking guides\n– Outdoor associations and MTB clubs providing route planning, rentals, and guided day trips

Best Places to Rent & Buy MTB Equipment in Tuscany:– MTB shops and rental centers in Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Grosseto offering e-MTB and full-suspension bikes– Trailhead rental points near Monte Amiata and Punta Ala Trail Center with protective gear and tools– Outdoor retailers in Arezzo, Pisa, and Livorno stocking MTB gear, tires, hydration packs, and accessories– Guided tour providers offering bike delivery and mobile repair services– Online rental services with gear drop-off at agriturismi, hotels, or trail access points