The best cycling routes around Borzonasca
4.4
(123)
1,203
riders
50
rides
Touring cycling routes around Borzonasca are set within the Sturla stream valley, embraced by the Ligurian Apennine Mountains. This region offers a diverse landscape, transitioning from Mediterranean scenery at lower altitudes to alpine environments with pastures and lakes at higher elevations. The area is characterized by its location within the Aveto Natural Regional Park, providing access to varied terrain suitable for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Borzonasca
- The most popular touring cycling route is Rifugio Monte Penna –…
Last updated: October 30, 2026
4.5
(6)
46
riders
49.3km
03:52
1,340m
1,340m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(2)
54
riders
41.3km
04:14
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.7
(3)
37
riders
16.8km
01:47
450m
450m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
27
riders
51.1km
05:09
1,680m
1,680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(2)
33
riders
46.0km
02:59
640m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Borzonasca
Alta Via Stage Race – Only the brave
Hike from Milan to the sea – Path of the Celts and Ligurians
MTB between sky, land and sea – Italy’s Alta Via dei Monti Liguri
Hiking around Borzonasca
Road Cycling Routes around Borzonasca
MTB Trails around Borzonasca
Running Trails around Borzonasca
Gravel biking around Borzonasca
Other adventures around Borzonasca
Tips from the Community
Good spot for a stop. Easy to reach
0
0
It is easily well marked along the forest road.
1
0
Beautiful hiking structure located at 1,400 meters, surrounded by beech trees and positioned on the border with the municipalities of Bedonia and Tornolo for the province of Parma, and Santo Stefano d'Aveto for the metropolitan city of Genoa. Too bad it is never open despite the structure being recent and in good condition.
0
0
Beautiful pass of the Ligurian Apennines located at 1,468 meters. Strategic point that offers various alternatives to start a walk or a long hike.
0
0
Pass of the Ligurian Apennines located at an altitude of 1,452 m, it is reachable by car and is a crossroads where various hiking trails branch off.
0
0
Born from the recovery of old barracks, it is a beautiful refuge where you can both eat and stay overnight. The location is stunning and makes it a must-stop when visiting these areas.
1
0
Pria Burgheisa (Pietra Borghese) is a massive outcrop of mantle peridotites, among the best-known and most significant in the area. It lies on the southwestern edge of the Prato Mollo plateau, on the southern slopes of Mount Aiona, at an altitude of 1,465 m. It is a geosite of considerable petrographic, mineralogical, and regional geological interest, allowing us to study the evolution of a portion of the lithospheric mantle subsequently involved in the Apennine orogeny. The outcrop has a highly irregular shape: 30 m long, 10 m wide at its maximum, and 7–8 m high. The rocks are dark in color, ranging from blackish to brownish; the mass is affected by three main fracture systems, more or less orthogonal to each other, which fragment it into numerous square-shaped blocks. The surface of the blocks has a pitted appearance, as the pyroxene crystals, more resistant to erosion than olivine, remain prominent. At the outcrop, mantle foliation is evident, due to the presence of frequent pyroxenite bands. Source: Liguria Geosite Registry.
0
0
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.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Borzonasca?
The terrain around Borzonasca is highly varied, ranging from mostly paved roads suitable for all fitness levels to challenging routes with significant elevation gains. You'll encounter Mediterranean scenery at lower altitudes and almost alpine environments with pastures and lakes at higher elevations, particularly within the Aveto Natural Regional Park. Some routes may include unpaved segments.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Borzonasca?
While many routes in Borzonasca are considered difficult due to elevation changes, there are a few easier options available. For instance, there are 2 routes specifically categorized as easy, offering a gentler introduction to touring cycling in the area.
What natural features and landmarks can I see while cycling in Borzonasca?
Cycling in Borzonasca offers views of diverse natural features within the Sturla stream valley and the Apennine Mountains. You can explore areas near Mount Penna and Mount Aiona, and many routes pass through the lush Aveto Natural Regional Park. Notable landmarks and points of interest include the Bocco Pass, the Margherita Mountain Hut – Mount Pegge, and the Monte Penna Hut.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Borzonasca?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Borzonasca are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Rifugio Monte Penna – View of Lago delle Lame loop from Monte Penna and the Bocco Pass – Passo del Ghiffi loop from Monte Zatta di Levante.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Borzonasca?
The touring cycling routes in Borzonasca are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from Mediterranean to alpine, and the challenging yet rewarding rides through the Apennine Mountains and the Aveto Natural Regional Park.
Are there any routes that offer views of rivers or lakes?
Yes, some routes provide scenic views of water bodies. For instance, the Rifugio Monte Penna – View of Lago delle Lame loop from Monte Penna offers beautiful mountain views and glimpses of Lago delle Lame. Another option is the View of Santa Maria del Taro – Swimming in the Taro River loop from Tornolo, which leads through picturesque river valleys.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Borzonasca?
The region's diverse climate, transitioning from Mediterranean to alpine, means that spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling. Summers can be warm, especially at lower altitudes, while higher elevations might be more suitable. Winters can bring snow to the mountains, making some routes inaccessible.
Are there options for e-biking in the Borzonasca area?
While specific e-bike routes directly within Borzonasca are not detailed, the broader Liguria region offers e-bike tours. The varied terrain and significant elevation gains in Borzonasca make it an excellent area to explore with e-bike assistance, allowing more cyclists to enjoy the challenging mountain passes and scenic views.
Can I find historical sites along the cycling routes?
Borzonasca has a rich history, with origins dating back to medieval times. While not directly on every cycling route, you can explore historical sites such as the ancient Benedictine Abbey of Borzone (Abbazia di Borzone), known for its Romanesque architecture, and the intriguing 'Volto Megalitico di Borzone,' a massive human face carved into a rock, which are accessible from the area.
Are there any shorter, less strenuous touring cycling routes available?
For those looking for a shorter ride, the Passo del Chiodo – Monte Penna Forest loop from Santo Stefano d'Aveto is a good option. It covers about 16.8 km (10.4 miles) with a moderate elevation gain, making it less strenuous than some of the longer, more difficult loops in the area.
What are the most challenging touring cycling routes in Borzonasca?
Borzonasca is known for its challenging routes, with 36 out of 39 routes categorized as difficult. The Bocco Pass – Passo del Ghiffi loop from Monte Zatta di Levante, at 53.7 km with 1,449m of elevation gain, is a prime example of a demanding ride. Another challenging option is the Passo del Chiodo – Rifugio Monte Penna loop from Giaiette, which covers 41.3 km with over 1,200m of ascent.
Most popular routes around Borzonasca
Most popular attractions around Borzonasca
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
