4.3
(597)
8,258
riders
33
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Ne traverse a landscape characterized by coastal stretches, rolling hills, and mountain passes. The region features varied terrain, including terraced vineyards and scenic viewpoints. Elevations can range from sea level to significant climbs over passes, offering diverse cycling experiences. The area provides routes that combine natural beauty with challenging ascents.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(5)
58
riders
39.6km
03:10
820m
820m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
40
riders
41.3km
04:13
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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5.0
(1)
15
riders
50.8km
04:24
1,250m
1,250m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
22
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
15
riders
24.1km
02:07
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Situated at 717 meters above sea level, Santa Maria del Taro is a hamlet in the municipality of Tornolo (province of Parma), nestled in the heart of the Northern Apennines, near the border between Emilia and Liguria. Since the early Middle Ages, its strategic position along the ancient ridge road connecting the sea to the Po Valley has made it a transit and trade center, as well as a military and commercial control point. The name itself recalls the religious devotion that has permeated the town for centuries: the church-sanctuary dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, rebuilt in neoclassical style between 1807 and 1834, stands on an older structure and has been the spiritual center of the upper Taro Valley for centuries. The building, with its broad façade and stone bell tower, preserves a deep devotional tradition that is still alive. A short walk from the center is the Ponte dei Priori, a medieval humpbacked stone structure that once served as the only permanent access to the valley and symbolically marked the passage between the lands of the Malaspina and Fieschi families, two powerful feudal families of the Apennines. Over the centuries, Santa Maria del Taro has maintained an identity suspended between Emilian and Ligurian culture, evident in the features of its rural architecture, local dialects, and popular customs.
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The Rifugio Casermette del Penna (1,400 m) is located within the Aveto Park, in a beautiful beech forest at the foot of Mount Penna, where the Forestry Corps barracks once stood. Renovated sustainably using local wood, photovoltaic panels, and a biomass boiler, the refuge offers 25 beds in both rooms and dormitories, as well as home-cooked meals prepared using local produce. Today, it is a popular destination for hikers, families, and groups, thanks in part to the large green lawn in front of the building: in summer, it's ideal for relaxing in the sun, picnicking, or letting children play freely. The location is perfect for exploring the trails of Mount Penna, the Lago Penna loop, the Pennino forests, or tackling more technical climbs to the rocky peaks. In winter, it's an ideal base for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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The Rifugio Faggio dei Tre Comuni (1,400 m), opened in 2011, is located in a beautiful clearing among the beech forests of the Ligurian-Emilian Apennines, at the symbolic meeting point of the municipalities of Bedonia, Tornolo, and Santo Stefano d'Aveto. Built of wood and concrete, it offered approximately 20 beds and was managed by the Parma branch of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). Unfortunately, with the agreement between the CAI and the Unione Montana (Mountain Union) having expired, the refuge is now closed and abandoned. A real shame: if the facility were reopened at least during the summer months, it could once again become an ideal base for hiking and biking excursions to Monte Trevine, Monte Penna, and the source of the Taro River. The beauty of the site remains intact, and the refuge's clearing is a perfect stop for a break in the silence of the forest.
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Near the hamlet of Sega, on the slopes of Mount Penna, lies the Taro River dam, built in the early 1900s to power the valley's hydroelectric power plants. Built in 1917–18 and renovated several times, the dam is still operational today, regulating the river's flow upstream from the Santa Maria del Taro and Strinabecco power plants. Nestled in a quiet, wild valley, the reservoir is a small jewel of industrial archaeology, perfectly integrated into the mountain environment. A site that tells an important story in the history of energy in the Apennines, it remains an active part of the Ligurian and upper Taro Valley hydroelectric network.
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The Taro River's sources are located on the slopes of Mount Penna, at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Ligurian Apennines, within the Taro and Ceno Valleys Park. Here, in a cool beech forest, several springs merge to form the river's first rivulets. The Taro River originates as an Apennine torrent and flows for over 120 km toward the Po River, crossing valleys, plains, and areas of great natural beauty. Its course is known for its high biodiversity and the presence of well-preserved river environments, protected by protected areas and nature reserves.
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The Ne region, which this guide focuses on, offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes designed to keep you away from heavy traffic. You'll find everything from moderate coastal loops to challenging mountain passes. There are 29 routes in total, with 1 easy, 7 moderate, and 21 difficult options.
Yes, many of the routes in the Ne region are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Nelson Mandela Park – Monte Costello loop from Sestri Levante is a challenging 16.9 km circular route, and the Villa Loto – Nelson Mandela Park loop from Sestri Levante offers a longer 33 km circular option.
Given the coastal and mountainous terrain suggested by the routes around Sestri Levante and Chiavari, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in the Ne region. Temperatures are milder, and the scenery is vibrant. Summer can be hot, especially at lower elevations, while winter might bring colder temperatures and potential snow in higher mountain pass areas.
While many routes in Ne are rated moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy route available, which could be suitable for families or beginners looking for a less strenuous ride. Always check the route details for elevation gain and distance to ensure it matches your family's ability.
The routes in Ne vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, more accessible rides like the Nelson Mandela Park – Monte Costello loop from Sestri Levante at just under 17 km. For those seeking a longer challenge, routes such as the View on the Trail – Terraced Vineyards loop from Chiavari extend over 50 km.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Ne, with an average score of 4.34 stars from over 500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the challenging climbs through scenic landscapes, and the opportunity to explore quiet, less-trafficked roads and paths.
Yes, the Ne region offers several points of interest. You might encounter various mountain passes such as Incisa Pass or Bocco Pass, offering panoramic views. Some routes also pass through areas with terraced vineyards, providing unique cultural and scenic experiences.
Many routes start from towns like Sestri Levante, Chiavari, or Tornolo. These towns typically offer public parking options, though availability and cost may vary. It's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen starting point before your ride.
With 29 routes available, including many rated as difficult, there are certainly opportunities to discover less-trafficked paths. Exploring routes that venture deeper into the hinterland, away from the immediate coast, might lead you to quieter roads and villages. The Passo del Chiodo – Incisa Pass loop from Tornolo, for instance, takes you through more remote mountain areas.
Starting points like Sestri Levante and Chiavari are coastal towns often well-connected by regional train services, which may allow bicycles (check specific train line policies). For routes starting in more inland locations like Tornolo, public bus services might be an option, but it's crucial to verify their bicycle transport policies and schedules in advance.
The Ne region features significant elevation changes, especially on the more difficult routes. For example, the View on the Trail – Terraced Vineyards loop from Chiavari involves over 1250 meters of ascent, and the Passo del Chiodo – Incisa Pass loop from Tornolo has a similar climb. Even moderate routes like the Montedomenico Pass – Bay of Silence loop from Sestri Levante include nearly 430 meters of climbing.


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