What to do, where to go and how to celebrate and reward yourself after a challenging and immersive Italian cycling tour?
This is a question often asked by our guests who are looking for a relaxing break post tour, without having to travel too far.
For all guests joining us on tour, we always advise that it’s best to put your cycling tour at the start of your holiday so that you still have the best form in your legs from all the training you’ve done pre-tour, and so that you also enjoy your rest and reward at the conclusion of your cycling adventure.
With Italy so absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to places to put your feet up, relax and take in all of its beauty, it can become a challenge to choose where to go. In this blog, we share with you 5 of our favourite and left of centre holiday destinations in Italy, to explore, relax and unwind.
Aeolian Islands, Sicily
This island group is the perfect destination to unwind after our Best of Sicily tour.
The group is comprised of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea. With regular ferries from Palermo or Milazzo, it’s an easy destination to get to and is a joy to explore when you’re there – either staying put for a week on one of the islands such as Lipari or Salina, or island-hopping and exploring 2-3 islands. Each island has its own personality and unique holiday offering, but they are all surrounded by the most crystal clear Mediterranean sea and share a peacefulness and tranquillity that is truly tangible.
Picture days with your book or journal, short trips to the local village for a typical Aeolian lunch followed by a delicious granita or gelato, and swims in the deep blue water of the many swimming spots surrounding the islands.
Gargano National Park, Puglia
The Gargano National Park region of Puglia lies to the north of Bari and is the perfect place to check out for a week or two post our Tour of Puglia.
Settle in to either the towns of Peschici or Vieste, or one of the many resorts that are hidden away in their own private bay for a few days, and enjoy the magic of this still off-the-beaten-path holiday destination in Italy. Enjoy rest days at one of the many beach clubs and our favourite pastime of long lunches by the sea, and explore small towns, the spectacular Tremiti islands or hikes up into the Foresta Umbra. Don’t miss a boat trip along the park’s spectacular coastline, lined with caves and inlets.
This is a region that seems to only attract Italian and European tourists, and it is a real delight with a beautiful mix of beach life, stunning landscapes and warm southern hospitality. We’ll be back this year for sure.
Riviera di Levante, Liguria
Camogli, Nervi and Tellaro are a few really great spots that provide you with access to the stunning and rugged Ligurian coast south of Genoa. Charming towns centred on old fishing villages with colourful houses and authentic restaurants, is what you can expect here.
But it’s not just the seaside that’s intoxicating, it’s also the beautiful regional food and a list of wines that you’ll have never heard of, but will fall in love with. From the sensational local focaccia di Recco to the trofie pasta with pesto and the amazing seafood dishes of the region, your stay in this part of Italy will continuously surprise and delight. This is a location where you’ll immerse effortlessly into Italian seaside life, walk along spectacular coastal paths, swim in crystal clear waters and indulge in the specialities of the region.
Liguria is a holiday destination in Italy that is a perfect fit after our Piedmont Tour or our Tour of Tuscany.
Ischia, Campania
Ischia is distinctively Italian. It’s a great place to both explore and relax, with lively small villages dotted around the island, locally grown food and wine, amazing water for swimming, and thermal spas and springs that were founded by the Greeks over 2000 years ago.
This is a quintessential Italian Island experience; think the Isle of Capri, but without the same volume of day trippers. There is a warmth and openness to the southern Italian island people that live here, which restores your faith with their generosity, and reminds you of the beauty of travel.
Come to Ischia for a true holiday; for beaches, boats, thermal spas, hikes in nature and a fresh produce food experience that is abundant and quite simply amazing. Easily accessible and reached by a 1-hour ferry trip from Napoli or Sorrento, Ischia is one of our favourite holiday destinations in Italy and is the perfect post tour getaway spot following our Sicily, Puglia or Tuscany cycling tours.
Lago di Garda, Veneto
Lago di Garda is simply stunning. Every direction you turn, there is a vista that leaves you speechless for its striking beauty and magnitude.
Whether you’re into exploring picturesque lakeside towns, hiking up the hills that surround the lake, engaging in adventure sports or playing on the water, this is a holiday destination that allows you to choose your own adventure and discover its diverse and still authentic charms.
From its northern to southern shores, it is culturally diverse and the storybook villages, castles and villas lining its shores make for a wonderful adventure, whether by ferry or car. Enjoying a sub-Mediterranean climate, the area is recognised for its cultivation of grapes, olives and citrus trees, and the production of some incredible wines and olive oil.
Come to Lago di Garda post our Stelvio & Dolomites cycling tour. Following a short train trip from Venice, you will enjoy arriving to the lake’s crystal clear waters for swimming and relaxation on those warm July days, and for walks, views, waterfalls and perhaps a cable car ride to the peak of Monte Baldo, with its mesmerising views. Highly recommended.
If you’d like to find out more about our Italian cycling tours, visit our cycling-holidays-italy page
