Our family is visiting Rome the second week of June. We are considering renting bikes and going along the Appia Way for an afternoon. Any thoughts on the value of this with two late teen boys (17 & 19) and where we should rent? Thanks
Posted by
Eagle, CO
288 posts
We walked along the appian way. Kids enjoyed the catacombs and there is interesting history out there. Was easy to get to from central rome by bus. Not sure it would be great to bike. Its cobblestones.
Posted by
Boston
1701 posts
This fairly recent post may flatten your enthusiasm: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/biking-on-the-appian-way-be-forewarned
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
513 posts
I did this with my son (13 at the time) and some friends once. It's not too bad--not all of the surface is paved with cobblestones. In areas that were rough, we rode up onto the side a bit--which others had obviously done as well. It's a beautiful and relaxing area and something different to do.
Posted by
3 posts
I've taken 3 trips to Italy (2018, 2019, 2021) and to Rome each time. It wasn't until this most recent trip that I rented an e-bike for ~$30 and biked the Appian Way for a few hours. It was by far my favorite experience to date in Rome, and arguably my favorite experience in Italy. I was there in June as well.
The Appian Way is gorgeous. There are big cobble stones on certain stretches, but right as those crop up, there are little dirt paths in the grass that swerve around those stretches. The little hills make it feel like mountain biking, but the e-bikes make it effortless.
I biked the whole thing (I think it was about 30km roundtrip) and it only took maybe 2-3 hours and I didn't hardly break a sweat in June (80-something degrees) thanks to the e-bike.
I passed herds of goats, shepherds herding sheep, a local driving a cute antique Fiat that looked like something straight out of a movie, people going to a wedding, fields of wildflowers... It was all breathtaking and beautiful. I honestly can't recommend it enough. But maybe I just love the outdoors and this kind of stuff more than you do.
Google "Centro Servizi Appia Antica - EcoBike - Bike Rental" at Via Appia Antica, 58-60, Roma RM, Italy and you will likely see my review and photos from my experience.
This shop was great... they give you a map, clear instructions, they have good hours, teach you how to use the e-bike and how to lock it up if you want to stop in any of the catacombs on your trip (I didn't bother stopping), speak good English... I have zero complaints.
My fiancee and I are having our honeymoon there in February and I'm really likely to do this again with her so long as the weather is decent.
Hope this helps!