Motorcycle routes in Italy
Italy is one of Europe’s great motorcycling destinations — from the hairpins of the Dolomites and the Stelvio Pass to the coastal sweepers of the Amalfi and Ligurian rivieras. The map below shows our routes; further down you’ll find practical notes for planning a trip.
Routes on the map
Routes in Italy
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Moto Guzzi has announced a route through Northern Italy that looks like a “Greatest Hits” for every motorcyclist. Since in our editorial office we live by the rule that life is too short for boring motorways, I’ve prepared an optimal strike plan for you.
Top 5 Off-Road Routes to Ride in the Alps (with Tips for Adventure Motorcyclists)
The Alps offer some of Europe’s most spectacular high-altitude gravel roads. Here are five legendary off-road routes worth adding to your adventure riding bucket list—plus key planning tips.
Planning a trip to Italy
Best season
The riding season runs roughly from May to October. High Alpine passes (Stelvio, Gavia) usually open from late May/June once the snow clears and can close again in October. July and August bring the best mountain weather but also the heaviest tourist and motorhome traffic — June and September are the sweet spot.
Roads & terrain
Expect everything: tight, technical mountain hairpins in the north, fast flowing roads through Tuscany and Umbria, and scenic but busy coastal corniches in the south. Road surfaces are generally good on main routes; minor southern roads can be rougher.
Formalities & tolls
Italy is in the EU and Schengen, so for riders from the EU border crossings are formality-free. Motorways (autostrade) are mostly tolled with a ticket-and-pay system rather than a vignette. A hi-vis vest and the usual EU documents are recommended. Confirm current rules before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a motorcycle trip in Italy?
Late May to early October for the Alps; the high passes are most reliably open from June to September. For the south and the coast the shoulder seasons (May, September) avoid the worst heat and crowds.
Are Italian motorways tolled for motorcycles?
Yes — most autostrade use a ticket-based toll (you collect a ticket on entry and pay on exit), not a vignette. Many scenic routes are toll-free state roads (strade statali).
Is the Stelvio Pass open to motorcycles?
Yes, the Stelvio is open to motorcycles during the season (typically late May/June to October, weather permitting). It is closed in winter.
