Oropa Canavesana Cycle Path: 145 km between nature and villages
From Ivrea, two loops traverse forests, mountains, and small hamlets, leading to the famous Sanctuary of Oropa.
The Ciclovia di Oropa Canavesana is a loop route of about 145 km, with 2,261 meters of elevation gain. It starts in Ivrea and connects Canavese to the Oropa Sanctuary. It passes through Ivrea and the Valle Elvo, alternating between small towns, forests, and mountain landscapes.
It's not a bike path separated from traffic. It mainly uses roads also accessible to cars, mostly low-traffic, with some short dirt sections.
It has a unique figure-eight shape, with Ivrea in the center. It's made up of two large loops. The western loop leads to Cuorgnè and the Sacro Monte di Belmonte. The eastern loop crosses the Serra Morenica and reaches the Oropa Sanctuary.
The two loops can be done together or separately. This allows you to adjust the trip based on available time and your fitness level.
Ivrea plays an important role practically too. The route passes by its train station, convenient for those arriving by train.
First stage: from Ivrea to Cuorgnè (26.7 km, 261 m of ascent)
We cross northern Canavese with gentle ups and downs, mostly along the Ciclovia Pedemontana Alpina. From Ivrea, we reach Salerano Canavese, where a dirt path in the countryside leads to Fiorano. We continue on low-traffic roads through Loranzè, Colleretto Giacosa, and Quagliuzzo. We arrive at Castellamonte, famous for its high-quality artisanal ceramics, and continue on dirt paths along the canals to Spineto. The stage ends in Cuorgnè.
Second stage: from Cuorgnè to Ivrea (33.9 km, 726 m of ascent)
We start from Cuorgnè, in western Canavese, on a route with views of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater. We enter the Valle Sacra through the woods, reaching Borgiallo and Colleretto Castelnuovo. We climb to Cintano. From here, the climb becomes steeper until Castelnuovo Nigra. We continue to Vistrorio, where there are bars, grocery stores, and a pharmacy, and to Lugnacco. With gentle ups and downs, we climb back into the woods, crossing the Passo di Nonani. From Fiorano Canavese, a flat road with short dirt sections leads us to Salerano and Ivrea.
Third stage: from Ivrea to Oropa (36.4 km, 1,069 m of ascent)
From Ivrea, we cross the Dora Baltea and pass by Lake Sirio. Then we climb the Serra Morenica to Andrate. Here, you can find fountains and bars for a break. From here, we leave Canavese and enter Biellese along the Tracciolino. It's one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Piemonte. Finally, we reach the Santuario di Oropa, overlooking the Biellese Alps.
Fourth stage: from Oropa to Ivrea (49.6 km, 297 m ascent)
We return to Canavese via Biella and the Bessa Nature Reserve. Then we climb the Serra Morenica to Zimone. From Oropa, we descend towards Biella. We pass through the Piazzo, Biella's historic district. It's on a hill with views of the city and plains.
In its narrow streets, you can visit the Palazzi del Piazzo. They often host art exhibitions and have Italian gardens. Leaving Biella, we follow the Elvo River for a while. We cross the Bessa Nature Reserve, a unique landscape shaped by nature and human ingenuity. We continue towards Zimone and return to Ivrea, mostly on paved secondary roads.
Our experience
One thing we loved was the constant contact with nature. For long stretches, you pedal through woods, meadows, and mountains. The greenery accompanies much of the journey.
But there are also small towns. Along the way, you find small centers with few houses, often surrounded by greenery and far from larger towns. Passing through them, you rediscover something of the old mountain life, when these small communities were closely tied to their surroundings.
You can have lunch there. The Sanctuary area has bars and restaurants with local products. You can also visit the Sanctuary, popular with tourists and very beautiful. The contrast is striking: after many kilometers of relative solitude, you find yourself in a mystical place, surrounded by greenery, with many people around.
If you have more time, use the trip to explore Biella and its main sites. You can especially spend a few hours in the historic center of Biella.
