Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Leisurely Villach to Grado Bike Tour

This leisurely, family-friendly route begins from the mountain city of Villach, where you’ll quickly become immersed in the natural beauty of this wild and dramatic region and breeze along the Alpe Adria Cycle Path. Pass vast mountain chains and cross the Austrian-Italian border, through the Udine province and down towards the Gulf of Venice, ending your adventure beside the sea, in Grado.

Villach, set on the River Drau surrounded by the alpine countryside, is an explorer’s paradise with a bustling city at its heart. You may want to arrive a day early before your cycle ride begins, to allow time to settle into your holiday and wander around the shopping streets, museums and historic churches.

On mostly flat and gentle gradient pathways, your journey will take you through beautiful valleys and ancient villages, like the scenic Tarvisio, a town nestled beside stunning turquoise lake waters and tree-lined mountains.

As you enter Italy, the mountains melt away, as you pass through fascinating historical locations. Explore Udine’s impressive Gothic and Renaissance buildings, many with their astounding ceiling frescos still intact inside. Stay in Palmanova, an unusual star-shaped fortress town built hundreds of years ago. And head out along the arrow-straight Roman road towards Aquileia, famous for its fascinating exposed Roman ruins.

End your journey at the tip of the island peninsula of Grado, often called the Golden Island, due to being buffered by sandy lagoons and warm Adriatic waters. This colourful seaside town is rich in history, with many ancient buildings, mosaics and ruins dating back to the 5th century that you can explore.

This cycling holiday is truly one of discovery and one that you can enjoy at a leisurely pace. The route is mainly easy flat or downhill cycling on dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads. There is one undulating section as you enter Italy.