The 2026 Giro d’Italia will start in Bulgaria, but it’s the first Italian stage that truly lights up the show. From Calabria to the Dolomites, passing through the Apennines, Versilia, Langhe and Friuli, this edition promises three weeks of attacks, legendary climbs and breathtaking landscapes for anyone who loves cycling holidays in Italy.
The 109ᵗʰ edition will start on 8 May and finish in Rome, on the Fori Imperiali, on Sunday 31 May.
Some key numbers of the 2026 route:
• 3.459 kilometres
• 50.000 metres of elevation gain
• 8 flat stages
• 7 medium-mountain stages
• 5 high-mountain stages
• 7 summit finishes
• 1 time trial of 40.2 km
Three intense weeks, ideal not only for cycling fans but also for those who want to discover some of the most iconic roads of the Corsa Rosa with a real bike holiday in Italy.
This is where Italy Bike Hotels comes into play: a network bringing together the best bike hotels in Italy, certified, fully equipped and located in many of the areas crossed by the Giro. A way to live the race not just as a spectator, but as an active cyclist ready to ride on the very same roads.
FIRST WEEK
Italy welcomes the race back with a Southern stage, Catanzaro → Cosenza, seemingly suited to sprinters but hiding a potential game changer: the Cozzo Tunno climb, long and steady, placed just a few kilometres before the finish.
The next day, Praia a Mare → Potenza immediately turns up the heat: a long, demanding stage where Montagna Grande di Viggiano (almost 7 km above 10%) can blow the peloton apart.
Paestum → Naples brings a more controlled scenario: the Valico di Chiunzi adds movement early on, but everything suggests a spectacular sprint along Naples’ seafront.
Then comes the first major turning point: Formia → Blockhaus, 246 km ending on one of the Giro’s most iconic giants. Its 13.6 km at 8.4% will be the first real test for those chasing the Maglia Rosa.
The week closes with a double Apennine challenge: Chieti → Fermo, a rollercoaster of steep Marche walls, and Cervia → Corno alle Scale, climbing from the sea to 1,471 m with final kilometres often above 10%.
An intense and spectacular opening in regions ideal for cycling holidays: Calabria, Basilicata, Campania, Abruzzo, Marche and Romagna host numerous Italy Bike Hotels.
SECOND WEEK
The week restarts on the Tuscan coast with the Viareggio → Massa time trial, 40 completely flat kilometres that will allow specialists to shine. Versilia and the Apuan Alps offer a stunning backdrop for a seaside cycling escape.
The Giro then finds rhythm with three medium-mountain stages: Porcari → Chiavari, unpredictable thanks to the Gualtarola and San Bartolomeo climbs; Imperia → Novi Ligure, a sprinters’ stage yet far from guaranteed; Alessandria → Verbania, shaken up by the ramps of Bieno and Ungiasca before finishing on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Then comes the real mountain: Aosta → Pila, with 4,400 m of elevation gain and a succession of iconic climbs, Saint-Barthélémy, Lin Noir, Verrogne, before the brutal 17 km up to Pila.
The week ends with Voghera → Milan, an expected sprint in the heart of the Lombard capital.
Liguria, Tuscany, Piedmont, Aosta Valley and Lombardy are symbolic regions for Italian cycle tourism, perfect when staying in Italy Bike Hotels.
THIRD WEEK
The decisive week begins. After a Swiss detour with Bellinzona → Carì, the race returns to Italy with the long Cassano d’Adda → Andalo, perfect for long-range attacks, and Fai della Paganella → Pieve di Soligo, crossing the Prosecco Hills and possibly decided by the legendary Muro di Ca’ del Poggio.
Then comes the great Dolomite masterpiece: Feltre → Alleghe (Piani di Pezzè).
A fearsome menu: Passo Duran, Coi, Forcella Staulanza, Passo Giau (Cima Coppi), Passo Falzarego and the final climb to Pian di Pezzè, one of the toughest stages in recent years.
The last mountain test is Gemona del Friuli → Piancavallo, with the final climb tackled twice: 14.5 km at 7.8%, the first kilometres constantly over 10%.
Finally, the grand celebration: Rome → Rome, a 9-lap circuit in the heart of the Capital.
Trentino, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lazio also offer numerous Italy Bike Hotels, perfect bases to transform your passion into a real bike holiday on the roads of the Corsa Rosa.
Complete list of Italian stages of the 2026 Giro d’Italia
Catanzaro → Cosenza – 144 km
Praia a Mare → Potenza – 204 km
Paestum → Napoli – 161 km
Formia → Blockhaus – 246 km
Chieti → Fermo – 159 km
Cervia → Corno alle Scale – 184 km
Viareggio → Massa (cronometro) – 40,2 km
Porcari → Chiavari – 178 km
Imperia → Novi Ligure – 177 km
Alessandria → Verbania – 186 km
Aosta → Pila – 133 km
Voghera → Milano – 136 km
Cassano d’Adda → Andalo – 200 km
Fai della Paganella → Pieve di Soligo – 167 km
Feltre → Alleghe (Piani di Pezzè) – 151 km
Gemona del Friuli → Piancavallo – 199 km
Roma → Roma – 131 km
For more information: www.giroditalia.it
Experience your Giro d’Italia with Italy Bike Hotels
The best way to follow the Giro?
Ride it. Live the landscapes. Stay in a hotel that speaks the language of cyclists.
Italy Bike Hotels offer:
• secure bike rooms, workshops and technical assistance
• expert guides familiar with the Giro’s territories
• GPX routes, customised tours and services for non-cyclists
• energy-focused menus, SPAs and post-ride services
Whether you dream of climbing an epic ascent, watching a stage live or simply exploring the regions of the Corsa Rosa, there is always an Italy Bike Hotel ready to welcome you.
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