Friuli Venezia Giulia on Two Wheels

For those who are familiar with the Giro d’Italia annual cycling race, this region is forever associated with the challenging and hair-raising ascent up Mount Zoncolan. But fear not. This region has an abundance of cycling routes, most of which are far less extreme and can be tackled by anyone with a general level of fitness and some basic equipment. So why not take to two wheels and enjoy a slow eco-friendly tour of this varied region, exploring the plains, the mountains, rivers and lakes along the way. And of course, making lots of stops to enjoy the local cuisine.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started, for both the brave and the more faint-hearted. The longer routes can easily be broken up into smaller stages rather than completed in their entirety:

Itinerary Alpe Adria – From Coccau on the Austrian Border to Grado (175km).
This route takes you from north to south, along the Drava River, a tributary of the Danube. It is not too strenuous, and if you start from Coccau, there are far more downhill stretches than uphill ones. The route crosses a wide range of landscapes, mainly following a gravel cycle trail or roadway. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine along the way which changes along with the landscape, finally ending at the coast.

Itinerary Adriatic Sea – Trieste across the Karst plains to Lignano Sabbiadoro (172km)
Part of the European Eurovelo ‘8’ route, the Adriatic Itinerary passes through the Triestino Karst Region, across the Fruili plains and the lagoons of Grado and Marano. Karst is a kind of limestone which came from the seabeds to form the base of the plateaus, and is around 30 million years old. Again this route is not too strenuous and can be completed in several stages, and on the whole, is traffic free. For nature lovers, the national parks of Foci dell’Isonzo and Stella are key stopping points, whilst those who love history should visit the impressive Roman ruins at Aquileia.

Itinerary Pianura Friulana– Across the plains from Stupizza to Stevenà di Caneva (139km)
Starting from the Italian/Slovenian border in the Natisone Valleys and heading east to west, towards the Veneto plain at the foot of the Consiglio Mountain. Notable stops on route include Cividale, a historic town with Roman and Lombardian origins, Codroipo and the famous Villa Manin, and, Sacile, known as the ‘Garden of Serenity’. Note that parts of this route take you through town centres where you may encounter traffic.

The next few suggestions are for shorter circular routes:

Corno of Rosazzo to Castelmonte, a ride among the vineyards and the forests
This route starts from the Madonna d’Aiuto Sanctuary at Corno di Rosazzo near Udine, following ancient pilgrim routes across the Fruili plains. It ends at the Castelmonte Sanctuary with its panoramic views across the surrounding vineyards and forests.

First World War Monuments on the Carso Goriziano
Starting from Redipuglia, Italy’s largest war shrine, this route takes in memorials, monuments and museums as well as touching the front lines, home to some of the bloodiest battles during the First World War. Don’t miss the Museum of Monte San Michele with its war artefacts and spectacular views over the Fruili Plains.

The Malghe of Montasion
The high plains of Montasio, at the foot of the Massiccio del Canin, is a popular spot with climbers. This green paradise is dotted with ‘malghe’, where you can buy locally produced dairy produce.

So for those who wish to push themselves to the limit, Monte Zoncolon is waiting for you to recreate the challenges of the Giro d’Italia. But for the rest of us, its time to relax, sit back in your saddle, and enjoy exploring the majestic region of Fruili-Venezia-Giulia at a leisurely pace.