Cycling through the villages: the most authentic Italy revealed by the Giro d'Italia 2025

“The miracle of cycling makes the city a land of adventure or at least of travel again,” wrote the anthropologist and philosopher Marc Augé. And in fact, since 1909 , the Giro d’Italia has helped to publicize and promote many jewels scattered throughout Italy, including small villages . With each edition, the route changes, promoting ever-different destinations, from North to South , and inspiring potential visitors to discover them in a sustainable way using a means of transport such as the bicycle.

Which regions will be crossed during the 2025 edition of the Giro d'Italia? And which are the most beautiful and characteristic villages that will be the stages ? Here is a selection signed by SiViaggia !

Villages to discover in Puglia

Puglia is one of those Italian regions that invites you to slow down and, not surprisingly, it is one of the ideal destinations to discover on a bicycle. The offer of cycle tourism routes is very wide and, on the occasion of the Giro d'Italia , we can find inspiration by peeking into the small villages that will be a stop in this edition.

Ostuni – May 13th

With its whitewashed houses, magnificent Gothic cathedral and cobbled streets, the small town of Ostuni enchants with its evocative beauty, in a unique blend of past and present. Situated in the province of Brindisi, and perched on the olive-covered hills of the lower Murgia, it is also known as “The White City” for its brilliant white buildings. Ostuni’s historical and cultural journey, dating back to very ancient times, is evident in its cathedral, medieval streets and panoramic views, which range from the countryside to the Adriatic Sea.

Ceglie Messapica – May 14th

It is often overlooked in favor of other nearby destinations such as Ostuni or Alberobello and, trust us, it is a real shame. Particularly appreciated for its gastronomic panorama, Ceglie Messapica boasts a small center with a castle, the square and the ancient buildings. In the surroundings you will find a whole series of trulli and masserie where you can give yourself a unique, typically Apulian stay experience.

The villages of Basilicata

Although small in size, Basilicata boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, which is also and above all contained within its most beautiful villages .

Muro Lucano – May 15th

Known as the “presepe village” for its urban structure, as it was built on a spur of limestone rock, Muro Lucano offers visitors a center with noble palaces, small squares and steep alleys. In addition, the architectural heritage of the village is embellished with portals and arches. If you stop here, do not forget to try one of the local specialties prepared with truffles.

Metaponto – May 15th

The village of Metaponto combines sea, culture and gastronomy. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, it was one of the most important colonies of Magna Graecia. Even today, in fact, it is possible to visit the ruins of the ancient city that testify to its importance in past eras. In particular, one of the main places of interest is the Archaeological Park of Metaponto , where you can admire the famous Palatine Tables , the remains of a Doric temple dedicated to Hera, dating back to the 6th century BC.

Villages of Campania

Even in Campania, the Giro d'Italia 2025 passes through several characteristic villages, from Sant'Andrea di Conza , one of the most particular places to visit in Irpinia , to the murals of Lioni .

Saint Andrew of Conza - May 15th

A stone village located in an area of ​​great landscape and environmental beauty , Sant'Andrea di Conza boasts a historic center full of narrow streets and well-kept medieval portals where you can stop at the Episcopio , dating back to the 13th century, born as a bishop's building and currently the municipal seat, the Church of San Michele , with its beautiful wooden choir, and the Mother Church of San Domenico , dating back to the 18th century.

Lions – May 15

Those who love street art must visit the village of Lioni: here there are about 30 mural works painted on buildings throughout the town and signed by local and international artists. Thanks to the contemporary art biennial Bag out Garofalo , an urban redevelopment project has been carried out that today tells the local history in an original and creative way, returning messages of ancient friendships, traditions, fairy tales and local legends to the walls of the buildings.

Villages to visit in Abruzzo

The villages of Abruzzo are the protagonists of the seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025. The race, which starts from Castel di Sangro, touches places waiting to be discovered such as Pacentro and Massa d'Albe .

Pacentro – May 16th

Located at the foot of Mount Morrone , a short distance from Sulmona, the village of Pacentro is considered one of the most beautiful in Abruzzo thanks to its center and the stories that distinguish it. Explore its streets, full of picturesque views and stately buildings , and the castle, dating back to the 10th century, in the past part of the defensive system of the Peligna Valley. Particularly interesting is the Colle Nusca cave , which houses ancient rock paintings.

Massa d'Albe – May 16th

Rich in attractions, especially naturalistic and historical-archaeological, the village of Massa d'Albe is one of the municipalities that are part of the "Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park". Here, the Romans founded Alba Funcens whose remains can still be admired today at the archaeological site. In particular, you can visit the remains of the ancient Roman city, travel a stretch of the ancient Via Tiburtina Valeria, pass by the spa and enter the wonderful Roman amphitheater that dominates the archaeological site and in the summer is used as a location for cultural events and shows.

The villages of the Marche

Not only the splendid hills, but also and above all the villages of the Marche will be the protagonists of the eighth stage of the Giro d'Italia. Among the most beautiful to visit we particularly recommend that of Sarnano .

Sarnano – May 17th

Situated on a hill, with the Sibillini Mountains in the background, the Marche village of Sarnano has preserved its medieval historical centre intact and, thanks to its beauty, has been recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy . The oldest part of the city, in fact, still has the shape of a “castrum” , a fortified village that winds in concentric circles from the Piazza Alta and descends through alleys and huts to the base of the hill.

The village to see in Umbria

To discover the most authentic soul of Umbria, you have to pass through its villages. In particular, among the stages of the Giro d'Italia, we mention Umbertide .

Umbertide – May 18th

Located in the territory of the Upper Tiber Valley, in a valley dominated by Monte Acuto, the village of Umbertide preserves a characteristic historical center surrounded by ancient medieval walls . An absolute must-see, as it is considered one of its most important monuments, is the fifteenth-century fortress , today used as a Contemporary Art Exhibition Center.

Villages to discover in Tuscany

Also in the ninth stage, the 2025 Giro d'Italia also arrives in Tuscany , crossing the splendid landscapes and villages of the Val di Chiana .

Sinalunga – May 18th

Nestled on a small hill, the Tuscan village of Sinalunga is divided into two: a medieval part and a Renaissance part. The first dates back to the Early Middle Ages, characterized by the classic ovoid shape, while the second takes us to the second half of the 16th century. Lose yourself in its streets and don't forget to admire some buildings in particular such as the Palazzo Pretorio , the Church of Santa Croce and the Collegiata di San Martino .

Buonconvento – May 18th

30 kilometers from Siena, the final destination of this stage, we find Buonconvento , where rolling hills surround a village characterized by red brick buildings , towers and defensive walls that overlook the narrow streets winding along the historic center. Among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy , it will allow you to discover a still little-known corner of Tuscany, among historical views and delicious gastronomic specialties, especially the cured meats and truffles of the Crete Senesi.

The villages of Emilia-Romagna

In Emilia-Romagna there are several villages to visit and some of these will be stages of the eleventh and twelfth day of the Giro d'Italia. Among these, we particularly recommend Brescello , the town of Don Camillo and Peppone.

Brescello – May 22nd

Did you know that the Don Camillo films were filmed right in this village? Among the most famous locations used are Via Giglioli , where under the portico you will find the bell that appears in the film “Don Camillo Monsignore…ma non troppo”, Piazza Matteotti , the setting for various scenes and the beating heart of the town’s city life, and the Church of Santa Maria Nascente , where inside you will find the famous talking crucifix that Don Camillo often “confronted”.

Villages to visit in Lombardy

The 2025 Giro d'Italia also passes through the Lombardy region where, among the most beautiful villages where it will stop, we mention the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sabbioneta .

Sabbioneta – May 22nd

The small Athens located in the province of Mantua, built as an Ideal City by Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga Colonna, will be one of the stages of the Giro d'Italia. Sabbioneta , part of the association Borghi più Belli d'Italia , awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club and included, together with Mantua, by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2008, will amaze you with its monuments such as the Palazzo Ducale, the Galleria degli Antichi and Porta Vittoria.

Villages to discover in Veneto

Veneto will also showcase some of its most beautiful jewels: from Rovigo, the “city of roses”, to the small villages, one above all Soave , crowned in 2022 as the most beautiful village in Italy.

Soave – May 23rd

Soave, a small village located in the province of Verona, stands out for its medieval layout and the architectural jewels preserved within its walls. Visit the Scaligero Castle , which majestically watches over the town, the Palace of Justice in Piazza dell'Antenna, the Cathedral and Parco Zanella . The surroundings are also unmissable, especially for those who are passionate about wine. The surrounding area, in fact, has been recognized as a world heritage site thanks to its winemaking tradition .

The villages of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the Giro d'Italia passes through a truly special village, especially when observed from above: Palmanova .

Palmanova – May 24th

Why is the village of Palmanova so special? The reason is to be found in its particular shape: a nine-pointed star . Built towards the end of the 1500s by the Venetians, it is a fortress city and a place so extraordinary that it leaves anyone breathless. Worth seeing are the three monumental gates , including Porta Udine, built between 1604 and 1605, the Civic Historical Museum and Piazza Grande , the beating heart of the town.

The villages to see in Trentino

Trentino is certainly famous for its natural areas, to be experienced in every season, but also for its villages. Among these, the Giro d'Italia will stop in Caldes, recognized among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy in 2023.

Caldes – May 28th

The architecture of Caldes encapsulates the essence of Trentino, which unites the meeting of Venetian, German and Lombard cultures. Located in the lower part of Val di Sole , the village of Caldes is surrounded by numerous apple orchards and fruit groves and, nearby, there is also Castel Caldes , the castle which, in its current form, is the result of various architectural transformations that began in the 13th century at the behest of Rambaldo and Arnoldo Cagnò and continued until the 16th century.

Villages in Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley is also a protagonist of this edition of the Giro d'Italia and, among the villages where the athletes will stop, there is also Pont-Saint-Martin , famous for its historic Carnival.

Pont-Saint-Martin – May 30th

The village of Pont-Saint-Martin, once a stop on the ancient Roman road to Gaul and the Francigena pilgrimage route, boasts a small and well-kept historic center where you can spend a few hours exploring its streets. Here, the main attraction is its Roman Bridge , one of the best preserved in all of northern Italy.

Villages to see in Piedmont

Finally, the last region crossed by the Giro d'Italia 2025 is Piedmont where, among the most beautiful villages where it will stop, we recommend Borgofranco d'Ivrea .

Borgofranco d'Ivrea – May 30th

A small agricultural village in Canavese, Borgofranco d'Ivrea is known above all for its “balmetti” , “natural refrigerators” carved into the rock used for preserving wine and food. To find them, just follow the Roman road of Gallie which, at this very point, also represented the Via Francigena.