Woods, paths on the sea and medieval villages, adventure on two wheels
In Basso Molise cycle tourism means quality of sport and pleasure of the holiday. Green plains, rolling hills, cultivated fields, waterways, landscapes of rare beauty, suggestive medieval villages, castles and fortifications, will be the background of your itineraries.
With its extreme variety of environments and landscapes, Basso Molise offers itself not only to cycling enthusiasts but also to off-road lovers who can ride on mountain bikes on dirt roads, steep climbs and breathtaking descents. It will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and in the past by following the routes of transhumance and retracing the ancient "tratturi". The small region offers different itineraries on two wheels that will lead you through the culture and traditions of Molise offering you the opportunity to savor the typical flavors of local gastronomy.
The Mistral hotel has thought of tailor-made services for lovers of two wheels:
- Cycling guides on request
- Secure storage for your bike
- Laundry service for technical clothing
- Packet lunch in the morning
- Relaxing massages on request
Discover Basso Molise on two wheels
Itinerary I. From Termoli to Vasto Marina, breathing in the smell of pine and eucalyptus trees
Starting from Termoli and continuing north, a fascinating scenario of the Adriatic coast will open up before you. Go along the north promenade, adjacent to the beach of Sant'Antonio, after 12.5 kilometers you will arrive at the crossroads for Petacciato Marina. On your right the colors and scents of the pine forest that flanks the Statale 16 will keep you company until your arrival at the Marina di Montenero. Here you can stop at the marina and then get back on your bike and ride to Vasto Marina, a vital tourist center full of attractions and entertainment. The route so far is simple and completely flat covering a total of about 30 kilometers and is ideal for those who love to enjoy a sweet bicycle ride. If facing the return road will seem too tiring you will find Vasto-San Salvo station 5 km from Vasto Marina, on Statale 16, where a regional train will bring you back together with your bicycle to Termoli. Find out about train times before leaving.
Itinerary II. From Termoli to Petacciato, along the Sinarca valley
It is an excursion with unforgettable sensations that will take you from Termoli to Petacciato crossing the Sinarca valley. The rather simple tour covers a route of about 30 kilometers and consists mainly of flat sections. Starting from Termoli, walk along the north promenade and continue to the Saracena turret at the height of the Sinarca stream. At the roundabout turn left and cycle for 800 meters, at the crossroads take the signs for Guglionesi and Montecilfone. The path unwinds in the valley floor where you can admire the plains and fields cultivated with wheat and sunflower. When you reach the junction for San Giacomo degli Schiavoni-Petacciato, turn right for Petacciato, SP112. At this point a gentle climb starts that will keep you busy for about 5 kilometers. Once at the roundabout, follow the signs for Petacciato Marina and from there continue towards the sea, the enchanting scenery of the Adriatic seen from above with its bright colors will repay you for the effort spent to get here. Continue until Petacciato Marina the gentle descent towards the SS 16 will be a pleasant discovery of landscapes and panoramas that will surprise you at every turn. Once at the traffic lights, turn right towards Foggia, along the stretch of the Adriatic that will bring you back to Termoli you will be constantly accompanied by the view and the scent of the sea.
Itinerary III. A tour of the "arbereshe" countries of origin
Set off to discover the ancient villages of "Arbereshe" origin. Not far from the coast there is a constellation of villages founded by Albanian populations around 1500. Albanians of that time were fleeing their homeland following the pressure and invasions of the Ottoman Empire. To reach the villages of the interior you can choose a short itinerary of 80 kilometers with a vertical drop of 650 meters, or a longer route, which covers a total of 120 kilometers and which includes a vertical drop of 1200 meters.
The short 80-kilometer route with a vertical drop of 650 meters
Starting from Termoli in a southerly direction you will immediately reach Campomarino and immediately after Portocannone. You will continue the road to San Martino in Pensilis and Ururi, when you find yourself at the crossroads for Larino and Termoli continue for Larino and once you arrive in the village you will have covered about half of your tour, that is about 39 kilometers. From here you reach the Campobasso-Termoli crossroads on the Bifernina state road, turn right and continue until the crossroads for Montecilfone-Guglionesi where you will take the direction for Guglionesi. From there it will be easy to go down a pleasant descent and reach the village of San Giacomo degli Schiavoni, 183 meters above sea level, then pedaling up to Termoli will seem like a walk.
120 km long route with a difference in altitude of 1200 meters
The longer route requires more effort and training. The initial stages of the itinerary are basically the same as the shorter one: from Termoli you go to Campomarino, then Portocannone, San Martino in Pensilis, Ururi, crossroads for Larino-Termoli and you arrive in Larino. The long route retraces the indications of the short one up to the Bifernina, touches the Campobasso-Termoli crossroads and the Montecilfone-Guglionesi crossroads. At this point, however, the long itinerary deviates towards Montecilfone, passes through Palata and arrives at Tavenna, which represents its highest point with its 475 meters above sea level. Leaving Tavenna behind you descend towards Montenero di Bisaccia, 270 meters above sea level and arrive at the San Salvo-Petacciato crossroads, continue on to Petacciato slipway, go up to Petacciato, continue up to the Sinarca roundabout and return so in Termoli.
