The Most Famous Granfondos in Italy

Italian granfondos are not just races.
They are collective rituals, personal challenges, journeys into the history of cycling.

Born between the 1970s and 1980s as grassroots events designed to bring amateur riders closer to the legendary climbs of the Giro d’Italia, granfondos have evolved into international cycling events attracting thousands of cyclists from all over the world.

From the Dolomites to the Adriatic Riviera, from Tuscany’s white gravel roads to the Alpine passes of Piedmont, each race tells the story of a territory, a culture and a unique way of living cycling.

The 2026 granfondo season in Italy promises to be extraordinary.

Here are some of the most famous Italian granfondos to mark on your calendar.

• MontBlanc Granfondo – Aosta Valley
• GF Internazionale Gavia & Mortirolo
• LaStelvioSantini – Stelvio Pass (Bormio)
• Livigno Alé – Livigno
• Sportful Dolomiti Race – Dolomites
• Maratona dles Dolomites – Dolomites
• La Fausto Coppi – Piedmont
• Colnago Cycling Festival – Lake Garda
• Granfondo Cinque Terre – Liguria
• Gran Fondo Milano Sanremo – Liguria
• Nove Colli – Adriatic Coast
• Granfondo Squali – Adriatic Coast
• Granfondo Via del Sale Fantini Club – Adriatic Coast
• Gialla Cycling – Italian Bike Festival – Adriatic Coast
• 5Mila Marche – Adriatic Coast
• Strade Bianche – Tuscany
• Granfondo del Montefeltro – Umbria
• Granfondo Giro dell’Etna – Sicily
• How to prepare for a granfondo in 2026
• Where to stay to prepare (and recover) at your best

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MontBlanc Granfondo – Aosta Valley

MontBlanc Granfondo is the challenge to the King of the Alps. Riding in the shadow of Mont Blanc – 4,808.72 metres high – means immersing yourself in one of the most spectacular settings in European cycling. The Aosta Valley offers majestic peaks, perfectly carved mountain roads and a truly international atmosphere.

The route is demanding and emotional, with long steady climbs requiring consistent pacing and strong energy management. Altitude and total elevation gain make MontBlanc Granfondo 2026 a highly selective race designed for true mountain lovers.

📅 July 2026
📍 Aosta Valley – Courmayeur

Ideal for:

• Pure climbers
• Lovers of great Alpine ascents
• Experienced high-altitude cyclists

Official event website: www.followyourpassion.it

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GF Internazionale Gavia & Mortirolo

The name immediately evokes Giro d’Italia mythology. Gavia and Mortirolo are two iconic climbs in cycling history, synonymous with epic mountain stages and legendary performances.

The course is highly selective: steep gradients, long stretches at altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions define the challenge. Mortirolo commands respect for its brutal severity, while Gavia fascinates with its length, altitude and spectacular Alpine scenery.

📅 July 5, 2026
📍 Lombardy – Ponte di Legno (BS)

Ideal for:

• Pure climbers
• Giro history lovers
• Endurance riders

Official event website: www.granfondogaviaemortirolo.it

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LaStelvioSantini – Stelvio Pass (Bormio)

The name says it all: Stelvio as the final goal. The 48 hairpins of the Bormio side represent one of the most legendary climbs in world cycling – a combination of history, altitude and pure suffering.

Routes unfold through the spectacular roads of Alta Valtellina and may include additional Alpine passes depending on the chosen distance. This race is not only a challenge against others but above all against yourself: altitude above 2,700 metres, the length of the final climb and steady gradients require perfect pacing and a precise nutrition strategy.

The kilometres before Stelvio build – or consume – your reserves. Those who misjudge their effort pay the price in the final bends. Yet when the road twists towards the sky and the panorama opens onto Alpine peaks, fatigue turns into emotion.

LaStelvioSantini 2026 is the perfect granfondo for riders who love high mountains and epic challenges.

📅 June 7, 2026
📍 Lombardy – Bormio (SO)

Ideal for:

• Pure climbers
• High-altitude lovers
• Riders seeking an epic challenge

Official event website: www.lastelviosantini.com

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Livigno Alé – Livigno

Livigno Alé speaks the language of altitude. Livigno, long a training camp destination for professionals and ambitious amateurs, offers the ideal Alpine environment for riding above 1,800 metres.

The course features long steady climbs and breathtaking scenery, demanding a consistent rhythm and the ability to endure thin air. It is not explosive, but a true test of endurance and pacing at altitude.

📅 June 27, 2026
📍 Lombardy – Livigno (SO)

Ideal for:

• Endurance climbers
• Riders training at altitude
• Cyclists who love true mountain environments

Official event website: www.granfondolivigno.eu

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Sportful Dolomiti Race – Dolomites

Considered by many the toughest granfondo in Italy. The long route exceeds 4,000 metres of elevation gain, crossing some of the most demanding climbs of the Belluno Dolomites in a relentless sequence of ascents and technical descents.

It offers no real respite. Selection happens naturally, kilometre after kilometre. Solid preparation, a precise nutrition strategy and strong mental resilience are essential.

Sportful Dolomiti Race 2026 is an extreme challenge designed for experienced cyclists ready to test themselves on one of the most selective Alpine granfondos.

📅 June 21, 2026
📍 Veneto – Feltre (BL)

Ideal for:

• Experienced climbers
• Well-trained athletes
• Riders seeking an extreme challenge

Official event website: www.sportfuldolomitirace.it

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Maratona dles Dolomites – Dolomites

The international Italian granfondo par excellence. Every year thousands of cyclists gather in La Villa to tackle a spectacular route across the Dolomite passes.

Campolongo, Giau, Falzarego and Pordoi shape a balanced yet highly selective course set within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Flawless organisation and a truly international atmosphere make it one of the most iconic events in the 2026 granfondo calendar.

📅 July 5, 2026
📍 Trentino-Alto Adige – La Villa (BZ)

Ideal for:

• Lovers of major events
• Complete climbers
• Riders dreaming of the Dolomites

Official event website: www.maratona.it

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La Fausto Coppi – Piedmont

One of the toughest granfondos in Italy. The Colle Fauniera, symbol of the race, is long, severe and unforgiving.

The entire route is Alpine, technical and demanding. It is not only about elevation gain, but about facing successive climbs that require clarity, pacing and energy management all the way to the final kilometres.

📅 June 28, 2026
📍 Piedmont – Cuneo

Ideal for:

• Lovers of legendary climbs
• Experienced cyclists
• Riders seeking an “old school” race

Official event website: www.faustocoppi.net

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Colnago Cycling Festival – Lake Garda

More than just a granfondo: a true cycling festival on Lake Garda. The route unfolds along flowing roads and rolling sections in the Garda hinterland, alternating speed with short demanding climbs.

It is perfect for testing early-season form thanks to its varied but not extreme elevation profile. The international atmosphere and flawless logistics make it one of the most appreciated season openers in Italy.

📅 April 12, 2026
📍 Lombardy – Desenzano del Garda (BS)

Ideal for:

• Endurance-focused rouleurs
• Riders aiming for a strong average speed
• Cyclists combining race and lake weekend

Official event website: www.colnagocyclingfestival.com

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Granfondo Cinque Terre – Liguria

The Granfondo Cinque Terre is one of the most scenic races on the Italian calendar and a must for riders who love cycling between sea and hills. The Ligurian route runs along the coast and inland in the province of La Spezia, offering spectacular views over the Ligurian Sea and winding roads immersed in Mediterranean vegetation.

Technically, the race is a continuous sequence of climbs and descents. Gradients are never extreme but gradually wear down the legs. There are no long flat sections to recover: the rhythm is irregular and broken, requiring excellent pacing. Descents are often technical and demand confident bike handling.

Granfondo Cinque Terre 2026 is perfect for those seeking a road race that combines sporting challenge with breathtaking scenery. Focus must remain high from start to finish, but every corner offers views that make this event unique in the Italian granfondo calendar.

📅 April 26, 2026
📍 Liguria – La Spezia

Ideal for:

• Explosive climbers
• Lovers of technical routes
• Riders seeking a unique scenic experience

Official event website: www.cinqueterregranfondo.it

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Gran Fondo Milano Sanremo – Liguria

The Gran Fondo Milano Sanremo is the amateur version of one of the most iconic Cycling Monuments in the world. Riding the roads of the legendary “Classicissima di Primavera” means experiencing over 290 kilometres of cycling history, from Northern Italy to the Ligurian Riviera and the finish line by the sea.

The course closely follows the professional route, featuring a deceptively demanding elevation profile: long flowing sections that encourage a steady pace, followed by the decisive final climbs of Cipressa and Poggio — short, punchy and tactically crucial. This is not just about power, but about energy management after hours in the saddle. It is a true test of endurance, race strategy and tactical awareness.

Gran Fondo Milano Sanremo 2026 is perfect for riders who love long-distance challenges and dream of experiencing one of the most legendary races in the international calendar. The finish on the Ligurian Riviera, with the sea as backdrop, turns fatigue into pure emotion.

📅 June 2026 (date TBC)
📍 Liguria – Sanremo (IM)

Ideal for:

• Long-distance lovers
• Endurance-focused rouleurs
• Riders who want to tackle a true Cycling Monument route

Official event website: www.milano-sanremo.org

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Nove Colli – Adriatic Coast

Nove Colli is not just a granfondo: it is the history of Italian granfondos.

Founded in 1971 in Cesenatico, it is considered the oldest granfondo in Italy and in the world. Taking part means entering a tradition that has shaped generations of amateur cyclists and remains a true rite of passage.

The 200 km long route, with over 3,800 metres of elevation gain, is a complete endurance test. The nine climbs – including Barbotto, Ciola, Perticara and Gorolo – vary in character: some steady and rideable, others steep and selective. It is not only about strength but strategy: nutrition, pacing and energy management are decisive to reach the finish in control.

The dawn start, with thousands of cyclists rolling together towards the Romagna hills, creates a unique atmosphere. The finish on the Cesenatico seafront transforms fatigue into pure emotion. Nove Colli 2026 is much more than a race: it is a collective experience blending passion, territory and cycling culture.

📅 May 24, 2026
📍 Emilia-Romagna – Cesenatico (FC)

Ideal for:

• Long-distance lovers
• Riders wanting to experience a “legendary” race
• Groups combining race and seaside weekend

Official event website: www.novecolli.it

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Granfondo Squali – Adriatic Coast

Granfondo Squali is one of the most attended events in Central-Northern Italy and a key date in the 2026 Adriatic granfondo calendar. Starting between Cattolica and Gabicce, the race links the Romagna coast with the Marche hills on a varied, dynamic and challenging course.

The first section is faster and smoother, ideal for setting tempo and working within a group. Then the route heads inland, where short, sharp climbs and continuous rolling terrain typical of the Emilia-Romagna and Marche border come into play. There are no endless Alpine ascents, but punchy efforts requiring explosiveness and energy management.

Granfondo Squali 2026 is a complete race: suitable for strong all-rounders and explosive climbers alike. Organisation is highly regarded, with attention to detail and a festive atmosphere. The mix of sea, hills and Romagna spirit creates an experience that goes beyond competition.

📅 May 17, 2026
📍 Emilia-Romagna / Marche – Cattolica (RN)

Ideal for:

• All-round cyclists
• Riders who enjoy dynamic, well-attended events
• Groups combining race and seaside weekend

Official event website: www.granfondosquali.it

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Granfondo Via del Sale Fantini Club – Adriatic Coast

One of the most popular and well-attended granfondos on the Adriatic Riviera. Via del Sale starts from the Cervia seafront and heads towards the Romagna hinterland, alternating fast flat sections with short but intense climbs in the first Apennine hills.

The first part of the route is smooth and fast, ideal for riders who are confident in the bunch. In the second half, punchy climbs and rolling terrain demand solid effort management and the ability to accelerate repeatedly. It is not extreme in terms of elevation gain, but it is dynamic, technical and never predictable.

The atmosphere is one of its strongest assets: experienced organisation, massive participation and a seaside finish that delivers the unique energy of Romagna granfondos. The perfect event to combine performance and a sporty weekend on the Riviera.

📅 March 29, 2026
📍 Emilia-Romagna – Cervia (RA)

Ideal for:

• Strong rouleurs
• Cyclists who enjoy dynamic races
• Riders looking for a well-attended but not extreme granfondo

Official event website: www.granfondoviadelsale.com

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Gialla Cycling – Italian Bike Festival – Adriatic Coast

Gialla Cycling takes place within the Italian Bike Festival, one of Europe’s leading bike events. Starting in Misano Adriatico, it combines a vibrant festival atmosphere with a route along the Romagna coast and the inland hills.

Fast flat sections alternate with short, punchy climbs, offering an accessible yet dynamic profile. Ideal for closing the summer season with performance, networking and true passion for the bike world.

📅 September 6, 2026
📍 Emilia-Romagna – Misano Adriatico (RN)

Ideal for:

• Riders combining race and event experience
• Cyclists who live the bike world 360°
• Those wanting a dynamic season finale

Official event website: www.giallacycling.com

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5Mila Marche – Adriatic Coast

An endurance event crossing the Marche hinterland between rolling hills, historic villages and Adriatic views. Less mainstream than the Alpine classics, but undeniably more authentic.

Continuous ups and downs demand resilience and concentration. A more intimate atmosphere allows riders to experience the race in a different way, immersed in the territory and far from mass events.

📅 September 20, 2026
📍 Marche – Porto Recanati (MC)

Ideal for:

• Long-distance riders
• Cyclists seeking less mainstream events
• Endurance-focused athletes

Official event website: www.5milamarche.com

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Strade Bianche – Tuscany

The Strade Bianche Granfondo officially opens the Italian road racing season, and it does so in one of the most fascinating settings in the world: the rolling hills of Tuscany. The iconic gravel sectors of the Sienese “strade bianche”, compact yet treacherous, break the rhythm and force constant pace changes, turning every kilometre into a technical and athletic challenge.

This is not a standard road granfondo. Bike handling skills, line choice, tyre pressure management and the ability to stay focused on dusty – or muddy, in case of rain – sectors all come into play. The continuous ups and downs of the Crete Senesi make the race nervous and highly selective, with short but intense ramps that test both punch and endurance.

The finale towards Piazza del Campo, with the final uphill stretch in the heart of Siena, is one of the most thrilling finishes in the Italian granfondo calendar. An iconic arrival that rewards every effort and makes Strade Bianche 2026 one of the most sought-after events for riders who want to combine performance, technique and scenery.

📅 March 7, 2026
📍 Tuscany – Siena

Ideal for:

• Technical and reactive riders
• Cyclists who love punchy, “nervous” courses
• Riders who want to start the season with an iconic event

Official event website: www.gfstradebianche.it

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Granfondo del Montefeltro – Umbria

An autumn granfondo crossing the territory between Umbria and Marche in a fascinating and less crowded setting.

A rolling course with constant gradients requiring a steady rhythm and intelligent pacing. Perfect for riders who love late-season competitions, cooler weather and a strong territorial identity rooted in the heart of central Italy.

📅 October 11, 2026
📍 Umbria – Gubbio (PG)

Ideal for:

• Lovers of hilly routes
• Riders preferring autumn races
• Complete cyclists

Official event website: www.granfondogubbio.it

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Granfondo Giro dell’Etna – Sicily

Granfondo Giro dell’Etna is one of the most fascinating events in Southern Italy. Riding around Europe’s highest active volcano is a unique cycling experience where sport, nature and territory merge.

The route develops along Mount Etna’s slopes, crossing lunar landscapes, lava flows, forests and Sicilian villages. Climbs are long and steady, often exposed to sun and wind, demanding precise pacing. Elevation gain is not as extreme as in major Alpine races, but the length of the ascents and occasionally irregular road surfaces make it highly selective.

Granfondo Giro dell’Etna 2026 is perfect for riders seeking a different challenge from Northern Italy’s classic granfondos. Here, the volcano dominates the landscape, offering spectacular views and the sensation of riding in a powerful, primordial setting.

📅 June 2026 (date TBC)
📍 Sicily – Etna area (CT)

Ideal for:

• Endurance climbers
• Lovers of scenic routes
• Cyclists wanting a Southern Italy granfondo

Official event website: www.gfgiroetna.it

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How to prepare for a granfondo in 2026

Taking part means more than registering. It means planning:

• Course reconnaissance
• Targeted training on similar elevation profiles
• Nutrition strategy
• Recovery in the days before the race

Choosing the right accommodation becomes part of your performance.

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Where to stay to prepare (and recover) at your best

A granfondo is not improvised.
Training, nutrition, recovery and logistics make the difference.

Staying in a specialised bike hotel means having:

• Early breakfast on race day
• Secure bike room
• Mechanical assistance
• Test routes in the days before
• Dedicated sports menus
• Technical laundry service

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