Few places in the world can boast a dual landscape like Versilia. In just 10 kilometers as the crow flies, you go from the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the white marble of the Apuan Alps. For a cyclist, this means one thing: paradise.
It means being able to decide in the morning whether to go for a relaxing ride with a sea view or to challenge yourself on climbs that test even the professionals.
Viareggio is not just the heart of social life; it’s the perfect strategic “Basecamp” for every type of cyclist. Whether you are a family looking for a safe bike path or an athlete in training, you will find your route here. And at Suite Carducci, you will find your luxury refuge to rest and recover.
Here are 3 itineraries, suitable for every level, starting from your suite.
1. For the Beginner (and the Views): The Versilia Coastal Bike Path
This is the “postcard” route, the relaxing experience that connects all of Versilia’s hubs in complete safety.
Route Description: This is the Versilia Cycle Path. A perfect strip of asphalt that runs along the seafront and beaches, separated from the road and completely flat. Starting from Viareggio, you cross the Passeggiata, pass Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, and reach the heart of Forte dei Marmi (and even Marina di Massa, if you wish).
Why Beginners Love It: It’s impossible to get lost. It’s safe for families, perfect for an E-bike, and ideal for those who want to combine light sport with sightseeing. This is the ride for “gelato in Forte dei Marmi” or an “aperitivo in Lido di Camaiore.”
Tech Specs:
- Distance: 20-25 km (Round trip, Viareggio-Forte dei Marmi)
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters.
- Bike Type: Any (city bike, e-bike, road bike for a recovery ride).
2. For the Explorer (Gravel & History): The Puccini Cycleway to Lucca
This is the itinerary for those who love to combine nature with culture. A route that leaves the sea behind to dive into the Tuscan countryside, following in the footsteps of the Maestro, Giacomo Puccini.
Route Description: From the Viareggio Darsena (docklands), you’ll find the Puccini Cycleway. It runs alongside Lake Massaciuccoli (where you can visit the composer’s villa-museum in Torre del Lago) and immerses you in greenery. The route then follows the banks of the Serchio river on a pleasant, packed gravel path (perfect for gravel bikes, trekking bikes, or MTBs) until it reaches the gates of one of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities.
Why Explorers Love It: The arrival in Lucca and the chance to ride on top of its iconic Renaissance walls is a reward worth the (moderate) effort. It’s an immersion in nature and history.
Tech Specs:
- Distance: 55-60 km (Round trip, Viareggio-Lucca)
- Elevation Gain: Almost none (but the gravel surface makes it more challenging than the coastal path).
- Bike Type: Gravel, Trekking, E-bike, Mountain Bike.
3. For the Expert (and the Legs): The iconic Climbs of Monte Pitoro
Now, things get serious. The athlete who chooses Versilia does so because they know that a 15-minute flat warm-up is followed by the Apuan Alps. This is the training ground for professionals.
Route Description: This is a classic loop to “get the legs working.” From Viareggio, you warm up towards Camaiore, the true gateway to the Versilian hills. From there, the “walls” and climbs begin. You can aim for Pedona and Monteggiori (villages with severe gradients) or tackle the iconic climb of Monte Pitoro.
Why Experts Love It: Monte Pitoro is a test. A real climb, with switchbacks and gradients reaching double digits (10-12%). The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view stretching from La Spezia to Livorno. The technical descent to Massarosa closes out a challenging and incredibly satisfying loop.
Tech Specs:
- Distance: 40-50 km (Loop: Viareggio – Camaiore – Monte Pitoro – Massarosa – Viareggio)
- Elevation Gain: 700-1000m (depending on variations).
- Bike Type: Road Bike.
The Perfect “Pit Stop”: Why Choose Suite Carducci for Your Cycling Stay
A cyclist, whether amateur or expert, has three fundamental needs: logistics, comfort, and autonomy. Suite Carducci satisfies all three.
- Strategic Logistics: Staying in the heart of Viareggio, you are literally at the starting point. You can hop on the coastal bike path or head inland without needing to move your car.
- Total Autonomy: Cyclists start early. You have no breakfast schedules to respect. You are free to leave at dawn for your training ride and return whenever you want, with the total privacy of your own suite.
- Comfort After the Ride: After 100 km and 1000m of climbing, the last thing you want is a cramped hotel room. Our suites offer space to relax your muscles, a design atmosphere to regenerate your mind, and a luxury environment to reward your effort.