In recent years, Southern Italy has been undergoing a transformative journey to establish itself as a premier cycling destination, seamlessly connecting the regions of Campania, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. This initiative, known as “Ciclovie del Sud,” is not merely a compilation of cycling routes but a dynamic project aimed at creating an integrated network of bike paths that offer both local and international travelers a cohesive and enriching experience.
The Vision: Bike Link Sud
At the heart of this endeavor is the “Bike Link Sud” vision, spearheaded by a dedicated group of professionals and activists who view Southern Italy as a unified entity. Their goal is to harness the region’s diverse landscapes—from natural parks and mountains to coastal areas—into a year-round cycling haven. Palmarosa Fuccella, a communication designer and expert in outdoor destinations, articulates the project’s essence:
“The idea is to create a ‘South by bike’ destination, independently uniting the most committed individuals to cycling tourism in the South. A network of resilient human resources that animate stable projects supported by public entities. The success of a destination depends on the ability to transform the cycling experience into a recognizable and competitive territorial proposal: the South has extraordinary potential thanks to landscapes ranging from natural parks to mountains, and the sea.”
A Community Initiative
Operating on a voluntary and non-profit basis, “Ciclovie del Sud” serves as an accelerator for existing strategic agreements. A notable example is the collaboration among the National Parks of Lucanian Apennines, Cilento, and Pollino. This partnership, strongly advocated by Fuccella, aims to create shared programming and communication among neighboring territories, enhancing the overall cycling experience.
The project has been brought to life by a team of experts, communicators, and visionaries who contribute their skills to the region: Ilaria Fiorillo, Palmarosa Fuccella, Giovanni Guarneri, Roberto Guido, Manuela Laiacona, Bruno Niola, Simona Pergola, Pinar Pinzuti, Simona Ridolfi, Luca Simeone, and Sebastiano Venneri.
Recent Developments
As of April 2026, significant progress has been made in expanding and enhancing the cycling infrastructure in Southern Italy. The Acquedotto Pugliese, for instance, has initiated works to extend its existing 24-kilometer route to 190 kilometers by the end of 2026. This ambitious project, funded by the Puglia Region and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), aims to promote eco-sustainable tourism and provide a unique perspective on the region’s history and landscapes. (lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it)
Additionally, the Italian government has allocated 600 million euros for the development of tourist cycling routes and 150 million euros for urban bike paths. These funds are intended to create 1,235 kilometers of new cycling routes by June 2026, with a significant portion dedicated to the Southern regions, underscoring the national commitment to sustainable mobility and tourism. (paysage.it)
Looking Ahead
The “Ciclovie del Sud” initiative is poised to redefine Southern Italy’s tourism landscape, offering cyclists a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. With continued investment and community engagement, the region is set to become a leading destination for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.