4.2
(4515)
85,825
riders
2,053
rides
Road cycling in Milan offers a diverse range of terrain, from flat canal paths to challenging pre-Alpine ascents. The region is characterized by historic waterways like the Navigli canals, expansive agricultural parks, and rolling hills leading towards vineyards. Cyclists can explore routes that traverse the Lombardy countryside, featuring green spaces, historic towns, and distant mountain views. This varied landscape provides options for different skill levels, from leisurely rides along rivers to more demanding climbs in the surrounding areas.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.5
(115)
1,913
riders
84.3km
03:25
130m
130m
Cycle a moderate 52.4-mile ring tour between Milan and Pavia, following the historic Navigli canals on mostly flat, well-paved paths.
4.5
(138)
1,418
riders
65.7km
02:38
150m
150m
Embark on the Martesana Cycle Route for a refreshing racebike journey that quickly transports you from Milan's urban edge into the tranquil Lombardy countryside. This moderate route spans 40.8 miles (65.7 km), with a gentle elevation gain of 481 feet (147 metres), making it a comfortable ride for most cyclists. As you pedal, you will pass by cultivated fields, charming towns like Cernusco sul Naviglio, and green parks perfect for a quick stop, typically completing the full distance in about 2 hours and 37 minutes.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is predominantly flat and well-marked, with most of the path paved. This makes it accessible for a wide range of cyclists. Be aware that the Martesana Cycle Route can become quite busy on weekends, as it is a shared path for both cyclists and pedestrians, so you should maintain a moderate speed and be mindful of others. Towns along the way offer convenient spots to take a break and enjoy some local cuisine.
What truly sets this route apart are the historical elements you will encounter along the canal, such as the impressive Bellinzago Lombardo Locks and the elegant aristocratic mansions, known as "ville di delizia." These landmarks provide unique visual interest and a glimpse into the region's rich past, offering more than just a scenic ride through the Italian landscape.

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4.7
(92)
1,070
riders
59.0km
02:28
90m
90m
Cycle the 36.6-mile (59.0 km) moderate Parco Agricolo Sud Milano ring tour from Porta Genova, enjoying rural landscapes and historic abbeys.
4.5
(101)
892
riders
38.3km
01:35
70m
70m
Enjoy an easy 23.8-mile road cycling tour through Milan's rice fields, featuring flat terrain, historic locks, and tranquil country roads.
4.6
(34)
866
riders
59.6km
02:22
110m
110m
Cycle the historic Naviglio Grande Cycle Path, a 37-mile (59.6 km) moderate route through picturesque Italian countryside.
3.8
(46)
407
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.7
(6)
303
riders
133km
06:30
1,740m
1,740m
This difficult 82.5-mile road cycling loop combines the gentle Val Brembana Cycle Path with challenging climbs and dramatic scenery in Val T
4.0
(22)
169
riders
50.2km
02:01
80m
80m
Cycle a moderate 31.2-mile loop from Milan to the historic Morimondo Abbey, enjoying tranquil landscapes in Parco Agricolo Sud Milano.
4.3
(4)
177
riders
83.0km
03:16
180m
180m
Cycle 51.6 miles (83.0 km) on this moderate loop through Naviglio canals and Parco Ticino, featuring mixed terrain and historical sites.
4.2
(21)
99
riders
52.9km
02:03
100m
100m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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perfect asphalt BUT... 1. both in the underpass of Casarile and on arrival in Pavia, the final arrangements for the wooden bridge and the arrival at the stadium are delayed... how much longer??!! 2. "bike-friendly" signage is completely missing for the safety of bikers and cars/pedestrians, both on the crossings of the cycle path with roads used by traffic and for finding the cycle path from the Alzaia Pavese 3. once you are on the main road SS35 at Binasco to get back on the cycle path, YOU RISK YOUR LIFE!! accesses not signposted for either cars or cyclists and almost impossible to use in both directions ... DANGER to be fixed before an accident happens!
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very beautiful and easy even for families! it has some stretches of white road and is completely flat! only note, it is completely in the sun so it is advisable to do it early in the morning!
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located in the heart of San Giovanni Bianco
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The Ex Filatures de Schappe is an ancient industrial complex located in Rozzano, along the banks of the Naviglio Pavese. This site is an important example of industrial archaeology in the area south of Milan. The plant was founded in 1898 by the Société Anonyme de Filatures de Schappe of Lyon for the combing and carding of silk fibers (silk waste called "schappe"). It is located at the third lock of the Naviglio Pavese in Rozzano, where the water jump was used to produce electrical energy for the factory.
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The Muzza canal (61 km long in total) is a branch of the Adda River and has recently celebrated its 800th anniversary, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Its name, with slight variations over the centuries, still recalls the Roman family Mutia who moved here in 90 BC, starting the first land reclamation works. Smaller watercourses branch off from the wide canal, winding through the countryside for a total length of about 1000 kilometers, mainly intended for agricultural irrigation. The surrounding landscape of countryside and farmhouses is evocative, with a succession of tree-lined rows and open fields. It is also very interesting from a naturalistic point of view as it attracts many aquatic birds that can be observed along the route.
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The Naviglio della Martesana, definitively completed in 1496 under the guidance of Ludovico il Moro, flows from Trezzo sull’Adda to Milan for a total length of 38 km. The route runs alongside the ancient Roman road (the current SS 11 padana superiore) which crossed the Adda with two branches: at Vaprio and at Cassano. The irrigation of the lands located above the spring belt was for a long time the prevalent use of the canal, so much so that initially navigation was limited to two days a week; concurrently with the improvement of the agrarian structure thanks to irrigation, a notable flourishing of stately villas emerged in the Baroque era, aimed at enjoying the convenience of travel on water and controlling the lands of property.
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Naviglio della Martesana is perhaps the least known of the ancient artificial canals connecting Milan to the great Lombard rivers. It originates from the Adda in Concesa, a hamlet of Trezzo d’Adda, crosses the Martesana sub-region, northeast of the provincial capital, and once in the city, it plunges underground beneath Via Melchiorre Gioia, at the height of Cassina de’ Pomm. It measures approximately 38 km in length, with a width varying from 9 to 18 meters. However, once upon a time, the Naviglio della Martesana continued in the open air all the way to the center, where a lock system centered on the Conca dell’Incoronata connected it to the short Naviglio di S. Marco and the urban network of the Navigli. The lock was inaugurated in 1496, utilizing lock gates designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The canal had been opened in 1471, under Francesco Sforza. By connecting it to the other Navigli, Leonardo laid the foundations for realizing a dream of the Sforzas: to travel by water from the Ticino, and therefore from Lake Maggiore, all the way to the Adda.
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The route runs alongside the Naviglio della Martesana, perhaps the least known among the ancient artificial canals connecting Milan to the great Lombard rivers. It originates from the Adda river in Concesa, a hamlet of Trezzo d’Adda, crosses the Martesana sub-region, north-east of the provincial capital, and once in the city, it plunges underground beneath via Melchiorre Gioia, near Cassina de’ Pomm. It measures approximately 38 km in length, with a width varying from 9 to 18 meters. However, at one time, the Naviglio della Martesana continued in the open air right into the center, where a system of locks centered on the Conca dell’Incoronata connected it to the short Naviglio di S. Marco and the urban ring of the Navigli. The lock was inaugurated in 1496, utilizing lock gates designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The canal had been opened in 1471, under Francesco Sforza. By connecting it to the other Navigli,
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Milan offers a diverse range of road cycling routes. You can explore flat paths along historic canals like the Navigli, scenic journeys through expansive agricultural parks such as the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, and routes that lead into the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese region. For more challenging rides, the pre-Alpine lakes and mountainous areas like Madonna del Ghisallo are also accessible.
Yes, Milan has many easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. The historic canal paths, such as the Naviglio Grande Cycle Path, offer flat and scenic rides through the countryside. Routes within agricultural parks like the Navigli and Parco Sud Milano Loop are also excellent choices for a relaxed experience.
For cyclists seeking a challenge, the pre-Alpine regions near Milan offer more demanding terrain. Iconic climbs like Madonna del Ghisallo, known for its cycling sanctuary and museum, provide significant ascents and stunning views. Longer routes such as the Valle Brembana and Val Taleggio Cycle Loop also feature substantial elevation gains.
Many routes in Milan pass by beautiful natural features. You can cycle alongside the historic Navigli canals, through lush green spaces in the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, and near the Ticino River. The region also features urban forests like Bosco in Città and artificial lakes such as the Lake of Parco delle Cave, offering serene natural escapes within reach of the city.
Absolutely. Milan's cycling routes often weave through areas rich in history. You can encounter sites like the Cistercian Abbey of Morimondo, which is a highlight on routes such as the Naviglio Grande and Morimondo Abbey Loop. Other historical points include the Certosa di Pavia and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Crespi d'Adda, a historic workers' village.
The most pleasant times for road cycling in Milan are during spring and autumn. The Mediterranean climate during these seasons provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, making for ideal riding conditions. Summers can be hot, and winters can be chilly, so spring and autumn offer the best balance for outdoor activities.
Yes, many road cycling routes in Milan are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular examples include the Three Navigli Loop between Milan and Pavia and the Navigli and Parco Agricolo Sud Loop, which offer circular journeys through the region's diverse landscapes.
Yes, for stunning mountain views, you can head towards the pre-Alpine lakes region. Areas around Lake Como, located just 51 km from Milan, provide routes with spectacular vistas of the mountains and pristine waters. These routes often combine challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic scenery.
The road cycling routes in Milan are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 4000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from the tranquil canal paths to the challenging pre-Alpine ascents, and the opportunity to explore historic towns and natural parks.
Milan serves as an excellent starting point for longer road cycling adventures. Routes like the Magenta, Bereguardo, and Vigevano Loop offer significant distances, allowing you to explore more of the Lombardy countryside, including vineyards and charming villages, on extended rides.
Yes, many of Milan's canal routes and paths within agricultural parks are suitable for families. The flat and well-maintained surfaces along the Navigli canals, such as the Martesana Cycle Route, provide a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages. These routes often pass through green areas and picturesque towns, perfect for a family outing.


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