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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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 coastal town. The evening walks in the sunset and the daily swims made our bike tour so special.
