Easy routes through nature, cities of art and along the coast, perfect for experiencing Tuscany on two wheels
Cycling is one of the most authentic and engaging ways to explore the area, especially with children. Secondary roads, protected bike paths and gentle landscapes turn every bike ride into an accessible, fun experience.
Through vineyards, pine forests, villages and towns, every itinerary also offers stops along the way: to play, observe and explore. Here are some of the best cycling experiences in Tuscany, perfect for families, with safe routes also suitable for young children.
Contents
1.
In nature and nature reserves: Maremma, Orbetello and Diaccia Botrona
2.
From the river to the sea: Pisa and the Versilia Coast
3.
From cities of art to iconic itineraries: Lucca and Florence
4.
In the greenery near Florence: Mugello
In nature and nature reserves: Maremma, Orbetello and Diaccia Botrona
Panoramic view of the Maremma Park - Credit: Giulia Cislaghi
Nature parks are among the best places for family bike rides. In the Maremma Park, trails winding through the pine forest and along the coast allow you to choose distances and difficulty levels, taking you to coastal towers, beaches and shaded areas that are perfect for a break. The Orbetello Lagoon offers flat trails along the water and on land, ideal even for young children, and a chance to observe flamingos and other species. Not far away, the Diaccia Botrona - one of Italy’s most important wetlands - offers easy and captivating unpaved trails: here, cycling becomes a way to enter into direct contact with nature and wildlife.
From the river to the sea: Pisa and the Versilia Coast
Ciclopista del Trammino bike path
For those who love cycling towards the sea, Tuscany offers easy, scenic itineraries. The Ciclopista del Trammino bike path is about 28 km long and connects Pisa to Marina di Pisa through the pine forest: a straight, flat route, perfect even for young children. The Apuan Riviera is crossed by a coastal bike path that connects Marina di Carrara to Cinquale, but the bike ride continues on towards Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, along a completely flat route, passing beach resorts, ice cream parlors and beaches.
From cities of art to iconic itineraries: Lucca and Florence
Cascine Park Trail - Credit: Stefano Cannas
Tuscan cities are also perfect for exploring by bike. Lucca’s city walls offer an elevated loop route of about 4 km, completely flat and safe, featuring trees, play areas and views of the historic center. This is also the point where the Puccini Cycle-Pedestrian Path starts. This is a picturesque route that leads to Lake Massaciuccoli, across the countryside and along canals with landscapes that inspired the composer and shaped his life. In Florence, you can cycle along the Arno River or ride through the greenery of the Cascine Park, a large space ideal for families, with bike paths, picnic areas and recreational facilities.
In the greenery near Florence: Mugello
Cycling along the eco-trail - Credit: Federico Debetto
Just a few kilometers from Florence, the Mugello area offers a perfect natural setting for families. The bike path along the Sieve River winds through the Municipalities of Borgo San Lorenzo (Ponte di Sieve) and Vicchio (Ponte a Vicchio) and offers an almost entirely flat route of about 9 km.
From flat greenways and coastal bike paths to nature parks and cities of art, Tuscany is a perfect destination for family cycling trips: a leisurely and authentic way to experience the area together.
