From the heart of the Val di Cecina to the Tyrrhenian coast, passing through nature reserves, secluded hills, and medieval villages, GeoGravel Tuscany – Le Strade Grigie is returning to Pomarance on May 31st and June 1st. Read on to find out what makes this event unique.

Pomarance: The Geothermal Heart of the Event

Everything begins and ends in Pomarance, a Tuscan village which has now become famous for its geothermal activity and unique lunar landscapes. Known as the capital of geothermal energy, it is a place where science and nature coexist in perfect harmony. A must-see is the Geothermal Museum in Larderello, where visitors can learn how the Earth’s heat is transformed into energy. Nature and trekking enthusiasts can explore the Monterufoli-Caselli Nature Reserve or follow the trails leading to the Biancane, spectacular geological formations resembling lunar scenery.

The village itself boasts a charming historic centre with stone alleys, lively squares, and artisan shops where you can purchase local produce and experience the authenticity of a town that remains closely connected to its land. All four routes — short, medium, long, and ultra — start from Pomarance, where the celebration takes place with beer, music, special guests, and barbecues. Pomarance is the base, the meeting point, and the home of the GeoGravel spirit.

 

Monterufoli-Caselli Nature Reserve: Welcome to the Enchanted Realm.

Entering the reserve feels like crossing an invisible boundary into another world. Silence prevails, the grey roads narrow, and nature takes over. Here, gravel riding reaches its pinnacle: in these secluded areas, your only companion is the sound of your own breathing — a quality that makes this one of the most captivating places at the event.

 

Bibbona: Between the Sea and the Hills. 

After the forest, comes the light. Bibbona is a village overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. The air becomes salty, and the landscape opens up to reveal vineyards, cypress trees, and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. This is classic postcard Tuscany, ready to be explored, where riders feel as if they are pedaling through a painting. The historic centre, with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and Romanesque church of Sant’Ilario, is an untouched gem and the perfect place to rest between rides. Just a few kilometres away, Bibbona Forest Park offers trails through pine woods and direct access to the Etruscan Coast.

 

Lajatico and Valdera: Lands of Poetry.

Cycling through the Valdera is like entering a timeless dimension. The roads wind through farms, country residences, secluded parish churches, and colourful fields. Those who choose the Long or Ultra route will have the chance to reach Lajatico, the hometown of Andrea Bocelli — a village of rare beauty nestled among the gentle curves of the Valdera, where golden hills and cultivated fields stretch as far as the eye can see. It's a place far from noise, where art, silence, and harmony come together.

 

Canneto: the village in the Mediterranean scrub.

On the way back to Pomarance, the route passes through Canneto, a tiny village nestled in the lush, aromatic vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub. With its ancient stones, exposed stone houses, and medieval arches, it seems as if time stands still here. The historic centre is compact and intimate, dominated by the Church of San Lorenzo — a small architectural gem — and panoramic views stretching over forests, hills, and olive groves.

The surrounding area boasts water mills, old farmhouses, and natural springs that still echo the past. Canneto is also an ideal stop for slow tourism lovers, with small agritourism establishments, artisan workshops, and the chance to sample locally produced extra virgin olive oil and honey.

 

GeoGravel Tuscany – Le strade Grigie, invites you to a weekend getaway on May 31st – June 1st for a full immersion in an incredibly diverse landscape, ready to offer a thousand shades to off-road explorers.