Date: May 8–10, 2026
Location: Marina di Carrara (Carrara), Tuscany, Italy
Distance: ~210 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,800 m
Event Type: Self-Supported Bikepacking Adventure
Event Description
The 100 Castles Route is a self-supported bikepacking adventure through the scenic heart of Tuscany and Liguria, designed for curious riders who see cycling not as a competition but as a path to discovery. Starting and finishing in Marina di Carrara, this 210-kilometre loop connects coastal views, hidden villages, rolling hills, ancient forests, and the quiet charm of Italy’s historic heartlands.
This is not a race — it is a journey lived at your own pace, without rankings or pressure. The route blends paved roads with easy gravel sections, guiding riders along winding backroads and hilltop paths where the landscape changes with every pedal stroke. With roughly 2,800 metres of total climbing, it offers a balanced challenge that rewards endurance and curiosity alike.
From Mediterranean shores to the foothills of the Apennines, the route threads through varied terrain: natural parks, quiet valleys, medieval hamlets, and fields framed by chestnut and beech forests. Along the way, riders pass castles, Romanesque churches, and centuries-old settlements that evoke the layers of history etched into the land. The contrast between sea and mountain enhances the experience, uniting bright coastal light with the deep greens and soft contours of inland Tuscany.
The 100 Castles Route is crafted for bike travellers who value rhythm over speed, connection over competition, and the freedom to explore. It is ideal for well-trained riders with bikepacking experience who want to embrace a classic Italian landscape and savour every kilometre as a moment of discovery.
Every stage of the route invites riders to plan their own adventure — rest where you choose, explore detours that catch your eye, and ride with others or on your own. There are no official feed stations; instead, the path travels through communities where local food, historic architecture, and everyday Italian life add texture to the ride.
100 Castles Route — coast to countryside, castles to cliffs. Ride at your own pace and discover Italy on two wheels.