When people think of cycling in Italy, big names come to mind: Stelvio, Gavia, Giau… Legends are legends, and for good reason. But on a cycling holiday in Italy, you might find yourself surprised and captivated by quiet secondary roads, away from the spotlight, where cows often outnumber cars.
These are the climbs you didn’t know you were coming for; but the ones you’ll remember most. Because they remind us why we really ride: not to tick boxes, but to discover places, and ourselves, one quiet turn at a time.
Our favourite hidden roads (in no particular order)
Monte – The quiet climb above Bormio
Tucked above the village of Cepina, Monte is a hidden gem in Alta Valtellina. With barely any traffic and a perfect mix of woods, views, and switchbacks, it’s a great place to spin the legs or get extra miles on our Epic Climbs of the Alps bike tour.
Strada Miri – A car-free break in the Dolomites
Connecting San Martino in Badia to Passo delle Erbe, Strada Miri is a steep and narrow gem with stunning views over the Sass Putia. We often include it in our Epic Climbs of the Dolomites tour — perfect for riders who love a little twist.
Passo Agueglio – A balcony over Lake Como
This quiet pass climbs from Varenna and rewards you with sweeping views over the lake and the Grigna range. Riding it at sunrise on the last day of our Stelvio to Lake Como Bike Tour is simply the perfect farewell to the lake.
Foza – The Hidden Stair to the Asiago Plateau
Hidden at the foot of the Asiago Plateau, the climb to Foza is a masterpiece of quiet switchbacks, sweeping views, and silence. Without a doubt, the perfect finale to our Prosecco to Grappa Bike Tour.
This trip exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I booked it just to climb the Stelvio and ended up with two amazing guides experiencing all that Bormio and the Lombardia region had to offer. Jason C. – US – Stelvio to Lake Como
Passo San Leonardo – A symphony of switchbacks
Tucked deep in the Majella National Park, this wild and beautiful climb captures the spirit of Abruzzo. It’s one of those roads where you can ride for an hour without seeing a car. Included in our Wild Abruzzo Road Bike Tour.
Passo del Cirone – A secret gateway to Tuscany
Linking the Apennines to the coast, this remote climb sits between Lunigiana (the northern tip of Tuscany) and Emilia-Romagna. Think chestnut woods, cheese farms, and that first whiff of sea breeze as you get closer to the sea on our Parma to Cinque Terre Bike Tour.
Ready to go beyond the famous climbs?
These hidden roads may not make magazine covers, but they offer something rarer: silence, beauty, and the feeling of discovering a place few cyclists ever reach.
Come ride the Vago Way and explore Italy the local way; one quiet road at a time.
