Italy location for cycling and family holiday

bus_ter

Where can I go in Italy to do some decent cycling (I'm thinking mountain passes type of thing), but also bring a family. The plan is to do a couple days cycling away from the family, but also has to be suitable for a general holiday, i.e Resort, beaches, etc. The usual cycling spots ( far North Italy), seem to be too focussed for a general holiday.

RandG

Arabba.

Stunning place, fantastic roads/ passes and if you're very keen you can do the Stelvio from there, although maybe not there and back in the one day.

EDIT: ooops, just readyour whole post.

bus_ter

Thanks! I'm looking up that place now. I'll probably need to hire a bike locally too.

bus_ter

Ah yes just discovered it's a Ski Resort... :-)

ju5t1n

I took the family camping in Prato a few years ago. There’s a great campsite there, here’s a link http://www.camping-kiefernhain.it/en/camping.html

The Passo dello Stelvio is just up the road

Flexisurfer

What about the lakes? I'm off to Garda this August and fully intend to make the most of it and there's enough for my non cycling wife to do whilst I'm out. Gonna have a crack at the Stelvio whilst I'm there. Went to the Calabria region last summer and whilst compared to here it looked ripe for a good blast but I didn't see many cyclists. There are some lovely resorts on the SW coast and its cheaper than northern Italy.

Have fun it's a great country for lots of reasons.

Kingston2711

This site has a few good options
http://www.italybikehotels.it/en/

I'm off here in a couple of weeks, hoping to mix family time and pals wedding with some good routes. The hotel owners have been excellent to deal with, no language issues due their English rather than my Italian!

http://www.italybikehotels.it/en/hotel-details?idhotel=142

Beatmaker

Wha about Tuscany? Loads of great riding around and the Dolomites are not far at all. Plus loads to do as a family, trips to Florence and Sienna, loads of nice beaches etc... We stay in a village called Sorana when we go which has great riding from the doorstep. Loads of pros based there for a good reason. There is a great bike shop down the road in Lucca which is highly recommended too.

Schobiedoo

Would totally recommend Belvedere bike hotel in Rimini. Some great cycling country in the hills around San Marino. I went there last year and had a blast. The climbs are not quite alpine, but shouldn't be underestimated. We rode most of Stage 8 of this year's Giro on one of our rides, we even had one of the this year's Giro GC contenders ride with us on one day (I don't even think he broke sweat while I was desperately trying to hang onto his wheel). Hotel is also great for family as it's one block from the beach and the hotel offer things for non-cycling family (e.g. day trip to San Marino, cooking classes, etc).

VTech

No good if you want beaches but I work a lot in Torino, Turin and it is beautiful, I've never cycled there but there are loads of cyclists and if you love rolling hills this is your place. Quiet country roads, vineyards, excellent food and peaceful.

Pross

The lakes - some of the most iconic climb are in the area and whilst it may not be a 'beach' holiday the lakes themselves are so large they have beaches and the water is perfect for a bit of summer bathing.

andyrr

Certaimly there are plaes in the Garda area that might suit : we've stayed at a number of places round the N, E and SW sides of the lake.
If you have a young family then one of the campsites might be worth considering - we stayed at one right beside Peschiera del Garda at the SW corner and whilst it wa a bit busier and noisier than we personally liked it did have a fair bit to keep kids amused - large pool with slides etc,kids clubs, restaurants and bars and it was right beside the lake with short walk into the town. Cycling-wise I felt that the roads close by were not the very best but I'm sure that by examining a map there are plenty of places to head off to for short or long rides.
Staying at the North end you then get access to more serious climbs in the Trento region - we stayed at Torbole one year and there are some nice climbs if you head away from the lake.

Bar Shaker

I am going to Riccione in a few weeks. Carbon Scott CR1s with 105, huge selection, guided rides or ride on your own... and pretty much on the beach.

http://www.hoteldory.it/en/riccione-bike-hotel.htm

phreak

You could try around Trento. You've got Levico Terme not far away if you want beaches, and there are plenty of great mountains to ride up.

gryfon23

Tour of Lombardy uses some famous climbs near the lakes. The ghisallo? I think. The lakes are really wonderful and quite varied from Como to Garda. Plenty of little beaches, great scenery and lots to do in the area.

Bar Shaker

I would love to go back to Garda but last time I went (2009) it was eye wateringly expensive and on Venice price levels for dining/drinking. Has it become more reasonable?