With such varied countryside and stunning urban environments, motorcycle touring in Italy is something every biker should consider. Many of the best motorcycle routes in Italy avoid long stretches of motorway or heavy traffic. Still, you should be prepared for anything. Whether you’re planning a Dolomites motorcycle tour in the north, a motorcycle trip through Tuscany, or a ride in the south, Italy has plenty to offer.

Each region has its own appeal, just as the best motorcycle routes in France do. So, where can you find the best motorcycle touring in Italy? In our experience at XLMoto, few rides can match the quality of those in our top five selection. Read on to see what makes them stand out among the very best motorcycle routes in Italy.

Stelvio Pass Motorcycle Route

This popular motorcycle touring route runs from Bormio in Lombardy to Prato allo Stelvio in South Tyrol. Although not an official Dolomites motorcycle tour, it comes close to this mountain region. At only 30 miles long, it makes an ideal jumping-off point for exploring northeastern Italy. Once you’ve completed it, there’s still time to press on into the Dolomites. The Stelvio Pass is famed not for its length but for the wonderful views you get from its high points.

The Stelvio Pass Motorcycle Route in a Nutshell

If you enjoy negotiating hairpin turns, then this is the route for you. It is what makes motorcycle touring in Italy's mountainous regions so exciting. There are 48 hairpins on the northern side of the pass alone. At the high point, you will be riding over one of the highest elevations of any road in Europe.

Highlights of the Stelvio Pass Motorcycle Route

Alongside the technical switchbacks, this route also features long, fast straights, giving the ride plenty of variation. There are also plenty of roadside cafés and viewpoints to stop at along the way. In many respects, the road feels almost purpose-built for motorcycle touring.

Potential Challenges of the Stelvio Pass Motorcycle Route

In winter, the higher part of the pass is often closed. Aim to ride between late spring and autumn, when access is usually fine. During high summer, the route can become crowded with tourists, especially cyclists climbing from both sides. Take extra care on descents, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, which often catch riders out.

Amalfi Coast Motorcycle Route

A picturesque route like no other, this is one of the best European motorbiking tours, not just a highlight of Italy. It runs from Sorrento towards Amalfi and Ravello, following a long stretch of the twisting SS163 as it hugs the rugged southern coastline.

The Amalfi Coast Motorcycle Route in a Nutshell

If riding through a UNESCO World Heritage area famed for dramatic scenery is your idea of what makes motorcycle touring in Italy special, the Amalfi Coast is for you. Sweeping bends and clifftop vistas make it a route to savour. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, with many coastal hotels offering rooms right by the sea.

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast Motorcycle Route

Towns like Positano and Amalfi are destinations worth exploring, not just passing through. They offer superb local food, along with cultural stops that range from museums and galleries to other notable attractions.

Potential Challenges of the Amalfi Coast Motorcycle Route

At only 30 miles long, this isn’t the most challenging Italian motorcycle route. The key is to take your time or extend the ride by starting in Naples or continuing on to Salerno. In some of the smaller coastal towns, parking can be difficult on weekends and during the summer months, so plan your stops carefully.

Tuscany Countryside Motorcycle Route

Planning a Tuscany motorcycle trip is easy when there’s a pre-arranged route ready to follow. This one runs just under 50 miles, so it can be completed in a single day. The road winds through Chianti wine country, making it tempting to stop for a tasting. If you plan to do so, arrange overnight accommodation and take your time to see why the Tuscan countryside is so highly rated by holidaymakers.

The Tuscany Countryside Motorcycle Route in a Nutshell

Tuscany offers exceptional motorcycle touring in Italy. The route takes you past vineyards and olive groves, as well as historic hilltop villages that seem unchanged for centuries. The well-maintained SR222 runs between Florence and Siena and forms the backbone of the ride. Along the way, there are numerous places to pull over and enjoy the views.

Highlights of the Tuscany Countryside Motorcycle Route

Florence and Siena are both cultural centres in Italy, each offering something unique in their own way. Both have deep roots in Italy's Renaissance, and their histories stretch back even further. Between these two iconic destinations, the route covers the area known as the Chiantigiana, where local cuisine is highly distinctive. What many riders point out is the rolling nature of the hills and the gentle curves of the road, meaning it's a good route for newcomers to motorcycle touring.

Potential Challenges of the Tuscany Countryside Motorcycle Route

This route is harder to navigate than many of the best motorcycle routes Italy offers, and it is certainly less well signposted than the top motorcycle routes in Germany. Checking the map before setting out, or using a satnav, will help avoid problems. Watch out for agricultural vehicles on the road, especially in August and September during harvest.

Dolomites Mountain Motorcycle Route

Although not one of the classic Alpine motorcycle touring routes, the Dolomites are an Alpine subrange that still provides excellent riding opportunities. This particular Dolomites motorcycle tour has something for every kind of tourer, with spectacular views along the way.

The Dolomites Mountain Motorcycle Route in a Nutshell

Around 70 miles in length, this route runs between Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Head out on the Great Dolomites Road and travel through the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its natural beauty.

Highlights of the Dolomites Mountain Motorcycle Route

Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella are mountain passes that stand out as highlights along the route. The valleys are just as appealing, especially in spring when the landscape is at its best. There are plenty of towns to stop in along the way. Local cheeses are highly regional, so it is worth trying them from one valley to the next to compare the flavours.

Potential Challenges of the Dolomites Mountain Motorcycle Route

Sudden cold snaps, even in the height of summer, are frequent in this part of the north of the country. As with any motorcycle touring in Italy, you simply need to be prepared for all weathers, especially when passing over the higher points on the route. Note that some passes are closed when snow falls, so avoid this route if you're planning a winter tour.

Sardinia Coastal Motorcycle Route

At XLMoto, we believe our final example of the best motorcycle touring in Italy should highlight Sardinia. The island is popular with tourists, but its main resorts leave much of the rest untouched. Inland, you can still find almost deserted roads. The coastal route, however, is especially suited to motorcyclists and makes a great starting point if you are new to this part of the country.

The Sardinia Coastal Motorcycle Route in a Nutshell

Although there are other coastal stretches to ride, the road from Alghero to Bosa on the west coast is the most spectacular. The route is around 30 miles long, but it can be easily extended if that feels too short. The road twists and turns, climbing and descending through dramatic scenery. Along the way, it offers sweeping views over the western Mediterranean. It’s ideal for riders who want a modest challenge combined with plenty of scenery to enjoy.

Highlights of the Sardinia Coastal Motorcycle Route

Sardinia's roads are generally much less busy than the mainland. If you want a more relaxed way to enjoy motorcycle touring in Italy, then this will be a big draw for you. In addition to laid-back roads, there are many unspoilt, undeveloped beaches to explore. Seabirds love the western side of Sardinia, a good thing to know if you are into wildlife spotting. Even better, the coast road is in good condition, making for a comfortable ride.

Potential Challenges of the Sardinia Coastal Motorcycle Route

The summer heat can be intense for some riders. Aim to cover most of the trip in the morning or late afternoon, and avoid riding in the middle of the day. This is good advice for many motorcycle routes around Spain as well. In Sardinia, it’s also wise to fill up whenever you can. Some parts of the island have very few petrol stations, and you don’t want to risk running out of fuel.