The best gravel rides around Follo

Gravel biking around Follo offers a dynamic environment with diverse terrain. You'll find scenic coastal roads, elevated paths, and routes with significant elevation gain, often providing panoramic views of the Ligurian coastline and its distinctive villages. The area is known for its challenging climbs and rewarding vistas.

The gravel routes around Follo are generally characterized by challenging climbs and significant elevation changes, making most of them suitable for experienced riders. While all routes are rated 'difficult', there are some shorter options that might be more manageable for those looking for a less strenuous ride, such as the View of Cala di Montenero – Volastra loop from Riomaggiore, which is 23.8 km long.

For those seeking a significant challenge, Follo offers several demanding routes. The Cinque Terre Scenic Road – View of Cala di Montenero loop from Biassa spans 86.8 km with over 2400 meters of elevation gain. Another extensive option is the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri – Passo Alpicella (710 m) loop from Arcola, covering nearly 90 km with substantial climbing.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Follo region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular View of Riomaggiore – View of Cala di Montenero loop from La Spezia Centrale and the Cinque Terre Scenic Road – La Croce Junction loop from Cadimare.

The trails frequently offer breathtaking views of the Ligurian coast and the iconic villages of Cinque Terre. You can expect panoramic vistas from elevated positions. Highlights such as the View of Vernazza from the Vernazza–Corniglia Trail and various views of Manarola are accessible from routes in the area.

Beyond the stunning natural scenery, the Follo area is rich in history. You can explore several fortresses and castles, including the Firmafede Fortress, Sarzanello Fortress, and San Giorgio Castle. The charming Vezzano Ligure Old Town is also a notable historical site.

The Ligurian climate generally allows for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, making them ideal. Summer can be warm, especially on exposed coastal sections, while winter rides are possible but may require checking local conditions for rain or cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

While there isn't an exact 50km route, the View of Riomaggiore – View of Cala di Montenero loop from La Spezia Centrale is a challenging 40.6 km ride, and the Cinque Terre Scenic Road – La Croce Junction loop from Cadimare is 32.1 km. These offer substantial distances and elevation for a rewarding day out.

The gravel biking routes around Follo are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the challenging nature of the climbs, and the diverse terrain that makes for an engaging ride.

Follo and the surrounding Ligurian coast are well-served by regional train lines, particularly along the Cinque Terre. Many towns like La Spezia and Riomaggiore, which serve as starting points for some routes, have train stations. It's advisable to check specific train operator policies regarding bicycle transport, especially during peak seasons.

Given that many routes traverse or pass near coastal villages and towns like Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Manarola, you'll find numerous opportunities for cafe stops, restaurants, and shops to refuel and refresh. These charming settlements are perfect for a break with a view.

There are currently 19 gravel bike trails documented in the Follo region on komoot, offering a variety of options for exploring the diverse landscapes. The majority of these are rated as difficult, providing ample challenge for experienced riders.