We have recommended five itineraries you can drive to in your car for your holidays this year, but road trip enthusiasts also love travelling by motorbike, particularly in summer. So here are five destinations for motorcyclists for a quick getaway, a weekend or a tour lasting a few days.
DOLOMITES
The Dolomites mountain range is one of the favourite destinations for Italians motorcyclists and not only for the amazing rocky landscapes and the roads which a guarantee a varied, exciting riding experience. The most characteristic mountain passes of the range can be explored in a tour lasting three or four days: Sella, Campolongo, San Pellegrino, Cereda, Duran, Forcella, Canazei, Lavaredo and if you are still not satisfied you can push onto Grossglokner or Stelvio.
THE FIVE LAKES OF LOMBARDY
Lombardy is home to some of the most charming lakes in Italy with a variety of different shapes and sizes; Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Como, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda can be easily circled on tarmacked roads through picturesque hamlets and lush vegetation. The usual starting point of the tour is on the Lombardy shores of Lake Maggiore before heading to Lake Como passing by Lake Varese. Bearing along the road along the two lower branches of Lake Como you will reach Lake Iseo, which can be circled entirely, before choosing whether to head up to Lake Garda or take the lower road.
FROM FROSINONE TO THE APPENNINI HILLS
The central Appennini hills are unquestionably one of the most charming destinations to be discovered on a motorbike in summer in central Italy as full as the area is of the ups, downs and quick bends that motorcyclists enjoy.
From Frosinone take Regional Road 214 through the ancient hamlet of Sora to the Forca d'Acero pass (1530 metres above sea level) on a beautifully bendy road surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes.
From the pass you can reach Gioia dei Marsi where you can either stop at the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park or head to the ancient abandoned hamlet of Sperone Vecchio.
FROM SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA TO PUNTA PROSCIUTTO
Puglia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy: there are many places worth discovering in the Salento area during your summer holidays.
One itinerary leads from Santa Maria di Leuca to Punta Prosciutto along the coast crossing Marina di Pescosa, Punta Pizzo, famous Porto Selvaggio, the strip of white sand of Torre Lapillo ending in the maquis shrubland of Punta Prosciutto.
FROM BAGNARA CALABRA TO BOVALINO
Calabria is not only famous for its beaches: the region has century old pine forests, sheer drops and romantic waterfalls in store for motorcyclists on the Aspromonte mountain massif. Heading from Bagnara Calabra on the SS112 road towards Sant'Eufemia, you can reach the hamlet of Gamberie (1400 metres above sea level) along the roads of the most secluded parts of the Aspromonte. Ride through the dark woods to reach Fiumara Amendolea, from where you can take the coastal road to Bovalino.
These are the five destinations to be reached by motorbike during your summer holidays: like the suggested itineraries for your car, remember to check your tyres very carefully, in addition to the weather to avoid being surprised by summer storms that could hinder your trip and make it even dangerous.
