Alpe-Adria cycle path south

The silence of the mountains, the gentle shores of the crystal-clear lakes, pure nature - located in the heart of Carinthia, Villach reflects all this diversity.

You leave Villach along the river Gail and in a little while you leave Austria and welcome Italy. In the triangle of Italy, Austria and Slovenia sprawls the canal valley, the Italian city of Tarvisio builds the centre of it. Austrians, Slovenians and Italians are living here next to each other since centuries, so all three big European families of languages – Germans, Romans and Slavs – are meeting up here.

In Italy the cycle path is also perfectly developed and hence allows you to leisurely cycle downhill through the Val Canale-valley and from your bike marvel at the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. Your Day Finish is one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

At the Southern exit of the Val Canale-valley is the location of one of the most beautiful historic villages of the Friulian-Julian-Veneto. The focus of the village of Gemona del Friuli is the majestic cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and will blow you away. En route to Udine you come across the first vineyards and vines along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town feel and experience the ”dolce vita” over a coffee enjoyed on the ”Piazza” or during a stroll through the alleyways whilst marvelling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco! You cycle through vast reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‚second Rome‘, we recommend you definitely plan a break before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also the historic harbour and the narrow alleyways with lovely restaurants all ooze Italian flair.

Through the lagoon you cycle towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back at the sea you are accompanied by breathtakingly stunning coastal scenery and the world-famous Miramare palace is yet another highlight of today’s cycling tour. The time-honoured harbour town Trieste is a worthy finale to your holiday.