Il sustainable tourism is increasingly becoming a priority for many travellers to Italy, and the cycle paths and greenways offer an excellent opportunity to explore the country in an eco-friendly way. Thanks to the services of Trenitalia, it is possible to combine the train trip with cycle and pedestrian paths, creating an experience that promotes respect for the environment and the valorization of local communities.
What are cycle paths and greenways?
Cycle paths is the Trenitalia travel book which offers a guide to twenty cycle routes easily accessible with the Regional service. greenways, instead, are green itineraries that follow the routes of disused railway lines. Currently, over 480 kilometres of former railway lines managed by Rfi, part of the FS group, have been transformed into greenways, and over 1.200 kilometers of disused lines could be recovered for similar purposes. As highlighted by FsNews, the reconversion of these former railway lines aims to create an integrated and widespread transport network, designed not only to reduce the environmental impact of transport, but also to enhance the surrounding area.
Paths to explore
For example, the Greenway of Western Liguria, which extends for about 20 kilometers between Arenzano and Albisola, is a route that recovers sections of former railway and offers spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding hills. This route is part of the future Ciclovia Tirrenica, an ambitious project that will connect Ventimiglia to Rome through a network of 870 kilometers of cycle paths. Here, cyclists can enjoy a wide view of the sea, pedal after pedal, immersing themselves in a natural environment of extraordinary beauty.
Another route of great interest is the Via Verde lungo the Trabocchi Coast, which extends for 43 kilometers and follows the former Ortona-Vasto railway line. This greenway allows you to explore the coastal landscape of Abruzzo, full of trabocchi, the traditional fishermen's stilt houses, which offer not only a unique panorama, but also a dive into the local culture. The Via Verde is part of the Ciclovia Adriatica, which, once completed, will extend for 700 kilometers, from Venice to Gargano, making the journey by bike an ideal choice for those who want to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Adriatic.
In Sicilia, the greenway named after Rossana Majorca represents another example of how former railway lines can be transformed into useful and attractive routes. This cycle/pedestrian path, almost 8 kilometres long, winds along the disused Targia-Siracusa stretch. Inaugurated in 2009, the greenway offers a suggestive coastal landscape and features several artistic installations within the Sculpture Park, which further enrich the visitor experience.
