5.0
(1)
55
riders
7
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Missanello traverse a mountainous and solitary region in Italy's Basilicata. The area is characterized by varied terrain, transitioning from rolling hills to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Cyclists will encounter distinctive natural features such as the barren Lucanian Badlands and expansive forests within Gallipoli Cognato Park. This landscape offers a compelling backdrop for touring cyclists seeking quiet, rural roads.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
5
riders
26.3km
01:57
470m
470m
Embark on the Aliano and the Calanchi Loop, a difficult touring cycling route that takes you through the unique, almost lunar landscapes of the Calanchi Lucani. This challenging 16.3-mile (26.3…
3
riders
40.3km
03:24
1,160m
1,160m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
13.0km
01:28
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
51.2km
03:28
870m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
29.0km
01:58
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Missanello
Magnificent view of the Aliano gullies
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To reach San Brancato this bridge is still closed, which forces a detour along the rather busy SS 598
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Aliano celebrates Carlo Levi with several murals on the main street of the town. Discover our Basilicata by bike on www.viaggiatorelento.com
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"I walked as if pursued, through those unknown places, animated by the night air, by the silence, by the movement, with my soul full of lightness. The moon filled the sky and seemed to pour itself onto the earth. On a land as remote as the moon, white in that silent light, without a plant or a blade of grass, tormented by the usual waters, dug, lined, pierced. The clays fell towards the Agri, in cones, caves, ravines, beaches, bizarrely variegated by light and shadow, and we sought, without speaking, our way in that labyrinth, worked by centuries and earthquakes. Over that spectral landscape I seemed to fly, weightless, like a bird. After more than two hours of that race, the long barking of a dog rose towards us, in the silence. We came out of the clays, and found ourselves on a sloping meadow, and at the bottom, among undulating terrain, the whiteness of the masseria" Taken from the wonderful work "Christ Stopped at Eboli" by Carlo Levi Discover our Basilicata by bike on www.viaggiatorelento.com
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Beautiful stretch of road that connects Vituri to Alianello Nuovo. There is a viewpoint from which you can admire the gullies of Aliano.
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the facts of past times so as not to forget... a story of brigandage and a bersagliere watches over this panorama... This is Basilicata too 🥰
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Various everyday objects left there, almost in a hurry, occupy the heart. Arranged but practical and functional construction styles ask for movement for the mind. In the end the silence, created by the wind and the birds, make one think of desolation and the abandonment of one's loved ones. A unique place that MUST be visited... but in silence, without breaking the peace created upstream of the gullies. This is also Basilicata 🥰
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There are 5 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Missanello featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, perfect for exploring the region's quiet landscapes.
The Missanello region, nestled in Basilicata, features varied and often dramatic topography. Cyclists can expect a mix of rolling hills and the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, providing both challenging ascents and rewarding descents. The routes are designed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, several routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Aliano and the Calanchi Loop is a challenging 26.3 km circular route, and the Crapariella loop from Armento offers a longer, difficult 37.0 km ride.
The routes offer access to stunning natural features and charming villages. You can explore the unique, almost lunar landscape of the Lucanian Badlands (Calanchi) near Aliano, which is featured on the Aliano and the Calanchi Loop. Other notable highlights include the historic settlement of Aliano itself, and the Road Through the Calanchi of Aliano, offering spectacular views.
Absolutely. The region is known for its picturesque landscapes. A notable viewpoint is the Viewpoint over the Bersagliere Ravine, which offers expansive vistas of the dramatic terrain. Many routes naturally traverse elevated areas, providing numerous scenic spots.
The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. For instance, the Fountain loop from San Brancato is a moderate 7.8 km ride, while the Crapariella loop from Armento is a challenging 37.0 km route with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. This variety ensures options for different fitness levels.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's quiet, solitary nature and the authentic Italian experience it offers away from mass tourism. The dramatic landscapes and challenging routes are frequently highlighted as key attractions.
Yes, Missanello is considered a 'hidden gem' for those who appreciate slow travel and immersive outdoor adventures. Its less-traveled nature and authentic Italian experience, combined with picturesque landscapes and quiet roads, make it ideal for touring cyclists seeking a serene and genuine exploration of Basilicata.
While this guide focuses on routes directly around Missanello, the wider Basilicata region is home to demanding cycling itineraries. For example, the 'Lucanian Parks Ring' is a formidable 750-kilometer loop with 14,000 meters of elevation gain, traversing several national parks. You can find more information about this extensive route on cycletourismshow.com.
Beyond Missanello itself, you can pass through charming hilltop villages that retain their historical character. Notable settlements include Aliano, known for its unique badlands landscape, and Stigliano, offering glimpses into traditional Italian life away from more tourist-heavy areas.


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