Stage

2

Tuesday 10
March 2026

206 km
Altitude gain 2300 mt

Starting in

D ::

Camaiore -

San Gimignano

Stage 2

Camaiore - San Gimignano

Lido di Camaiore -
Lido di Camaiore TUDOR ITT

Camaiore -
San Gimignano

Cortona -
Magliano de' Marsi

Tagliacozzo -
Martinsicuro

Marotta-Mondolfo -
Mombaroccio

San Severino Marche -
Camerino

Civitanova Marche -
San Benedetto del Tronto

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technical info

A complex stage, particularly in the second half. The race starts in Camaiore and, via Montemagno, reaches Pisa and then the Livorno area before leaving the coast near Cecina to head inland toward Pomarance. The climb from the Cerreto road features stretches in double-digit gradients. The route continues with the ascent to Castelnuovo Val di Cecina and a sequence of rolling terrain leading to a 5.3 km gravel sector on the outskirts of San Gimignano. The sterrato is predominantly uphill with some very steep ramps. The finish is in the town centre, with a short sharp kick at 15% at the entrance to San Gimignano.

Final kilometers
The last kilometer is partly on gravel and then on fairly steep uphill tarmac (up to 15%). After passing through the city walls (Porta San Matteo), the surface turns to cobbles, still uphill, all the way to the finish.

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Camaiore

Overview

Camaiore is a nonpareil territory: nestled in the heart of Versilia, it’s one of the few Italian territories that can boast of splendid hillsides, framed by the majesty of the Apuan Alps, and of the horizon that gets lost and plunges into the Tyrrhenian Sea, drawing a breathtaking postcard.

The history of Camaiore has its roots in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the archaeological sites of Grotta all’Onda and Candalla. In medieval times, Camaiore had a crucial importance as a hub on the Via Francigena for the many pilgrims who found refreshment in the Badia S.S. Peter and Paul, still today a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. The city was surrounded by a wall – their remains can now be admired in the renovated Piazza XXIX Maggio, the beating heart of the city – and preserves, in the Historic Centre, the centuries-old symmetrical division into districts.

The twenty-three hillside villages crown the chief town, Camaiore. Then the territory develops towards the sea, meeting the city of Capezzano Pianore, specialized in the agricultural production of horticultural and flower crops. Finally, Lido di Camaiore represents one of the most important coasts of Versilia, where summer tourism reaches very high levels in terms of offer and quality.

Food

Camaiore is also a land of flavours, perhaps the most authentic and identifying of all Versilia’s cities: throughout the territory, food-and-wine reigns, offering experiential activities that represent part of its most important distinctive features.

A salty pie to try is undoubtedly the Scarpaccia. A particular name, almost funny, referring to the fact that, once cooked, the final product takes the appearance of an old shoe sole. Reference, however, not suitable for the taste: very tasty dish, it is based on courgettes and courgette flowers, whose scents are clear, not covered by a simple mixture of onion, water, flour, salt, pepper and oil. It’s perfect as an appetizer or as a picnic snack and it remains delicious even when cold, earning the label of Queen of Camaiore’s street food.

Also the historic Torta di Pepe, or “Torta co’ pizzi”, is absolutely characteristic: a pastry made with water, flour, eggs and salt is placed on a round baking tin and then filled with a mixture made with rice, chard, parsley, pecorino cheese, eggs, salt and pepper. It is necessary that the dough protrudes from the baking tin by (at least) two fingers, so as to be able to create the so-called “pizzi”: small “pyramids” of dough folded on itself that surround the entire cake. After having completed it with a sprinkling of pecorino cheese and having cooked it in a very hot oven for about 3-4 hours, it will be a true explosion of flavor in the mouth.

But the real characteristic dish of Camaiore are certainly the Tordelli. It is of course the most typical meal of Versilia, which was consumed by farmers’ families in peasant houses only on special occasions. That preparation is rooted in the territory, handed down from generation to generation, which over time has undergone various variations while maintaining unchanged the veracity of the taste. A minced of beef and pork, together with bread softened in broth, parmesan and pecorino chees, nutmeg, parsley and the inevitable “peporino” (i.e. thyme), create a filling of the traditional “tordelli” of fresh pasta. They must be seasoned with a good meat sauce and finished with a sprinkling of cheese directly on the plate. An unforgettable flavor. The true flavor of Camaiore served at the table.

Points of interest

Camaiore is a territory that has a vast tourist-cultural offer. The potential for a tourist is immense: in a few minutes by car, he can pass through the wonders of the hills, organized for footpath activities – included in the Francigena and Camaiore Antiqua routes -, trekking and climbing – currently a very popular practice, of which the Camaiore is one of the major Italian stages -, to arrive, passing from the green countryside, to the crystalline water of the sea, embellished by hundreds of bathing establishments, organized for each activity, and by the many clubs where you can spend the summer days.

The spearhead of the Lido coast is the “Bellavista Vittoria” jetty, which, with its 300-metre promenade on the sea, is a must for the citizens and the thousands of customers that come every year. Moving slightly to the north-east, there is the Bussoladomani Park, a historic area where, starting from 60s, stood the legendary Sergio Bernardini’s big tent, where internationally renowned artists sang and played throughout its decennial activity: it can boast of having welcomed Mina’s last public concert. After years of silence, now Bussoladomani has returned to play: presently it’s home of La Prima Estate, the flagship event of the musical season worldwide.

Heading inland, Camaiore is home of many events that promote local and territorial excellence. From “È la Via dell’Orto”, a two-day spring event in which are told local traditions related to the agri-food and food sector, to the centuries-old All Saints Fair (November 1 and 2), passing through the Pic Festival, an October fair to homage spicy flavors in collaboration with the National Academy of Peperoncino, and the fair-market dedicated to vintage and antiques things from the past, “Follie di Ferragosto”. From a historical point of view, events such as Corpus Domini take on a central role: a religious event which in Camaiore has taken on an absolute folkloric trait, thanks to the mastery of the “tappetari”, “carpet makers” who, every year, work in the night before the Solemnity creating real squares, all along the very central Via Vittorio Emanuele, with the sole use of colored wood sawdust. Of the same traditional importance is the appointment with the Processione di Gesù Morto, an event that every three years, on the Friday before the Easter, light up the Historic Center, during the evening, with thousands of oil lamps (the “cincindellori”) and helping to create a unique, magical, almost supernatural atmosphere.

Then going up towards the hilly areas, can be visited the hamlets of Monteggiori – a medieval citadel that preserves a fascinating thousand-year-old beauty -, and Casoli – a characteristic village that finds its own peculiarity, apart of the nearby Candalla waterfalls, in the wonderful Sgraffiti, ancient wall decoration technique deriving from the fresco on plaster, which embellish the town making it a unique pearl of its kind. It’s a stage of studies for hundreds of artists: the painter and sculptor Rosario Murabito fell in love with this village, until the decision to move there with his wife Grace Albert. But, in any case, each hamlet has unique characteristics that are worth experiencing and discovering.

Camaiore is a true land of colors and traditions, rich in history that lives on in the events and places and whose beauty transpires, with perpetual and bewitching strength, in every village and in every corner of every street.

San Gimignano

Overview

San Gimignano is located in Tuscany, in the province of Siena, in the heart of the Val d’Elsa. It is one of Italy’s most famous medieval villages, known for its characteristic towers that define its unmistakable skyline. The perfectly preserved historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recounts the town’s medieval past through its squares, churches and historic buildings.

Food

1) Extra virgin olive oil: More than 800 hectares of the San Gimignano area are dedicated to olive groves, and the most widely cultivated varieties are Moraiolo, Frantoiano, and Leccino. San Gimignano extra virgin olive oil has a harmonious flavor and a fruity aroma, characterized by hints of artichoke, thistle, freshly cut grass, and almond, mixed with bitter and spicy notes. A must-try is bruschetta, made with grilled Tuscan “sciocco” bread, salt, plenty of oil, and a dash of pureed garlic.

2) San Gimignano Saffron: Saffron has played a key role in the city’s economy. In 1228, the municipality, forced to pay debts incurred during the siege of the Castello della Nera, honored its obligation by using not only cash but also saffron. About fifty years later, in 1276, it introduced an export duty, similar to that for Vernaccia wine. Cultivating and harvesting saffron requires patience and care: the flowers must be picked at dawn while still closed, and the stigmas must be dried immediately. San Gimignano saffron received DOP recognition in 2005.

3) Featured recipes: Rabbit with Vernaccia Risotto with mascarpone, artichokes, and saffron Saffron zuccotto

Wines

Vernaccia: Produced exclusively in the San Gimignano area. The first Italian wine to obtain DOC status (1966), it earned DOCG status (1993), confirming its status as a symbol of quality and tradition. It boasts over 750 years of documented history. As early as 1276, the municipality taxed the sale of Vernaccia outside the area. Dante mentions Vernaccia in the Divine Comedy, in Canto XXIV of Purgatory, in the context of the gluttons. Vernaccia also stands out for its longevity, a rare quality among Italian white wines. The designation is protected by the Consortium of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, established in 1972.

Points of interest

1) Palazzo Comunale: In the Piazza del Duomo, the Town Hall stands out. Built in the late 13th century over a pre-existing building, it served both as the residence of the Podestà and for meetings of the Public Council. Today, it houses the Art Gallery and the Dante Hall, where the Supreme Poet supported the Guelph cause in 1300. It preserves precious frescoes, including the Maestà by Lippo Memmi (1317), scenes from the Podestà’s chamber by Memmo di Filippuccio (14th cen-tury), and depictions of hunts and tournaments attributed to Azzo di Masetto (13th century). Info: www.sangimignano.com

2) Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa: The Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) in the Palazzo Co-munale houses works of art from the 13th to the 17th century, tracing the evolu-tion of painting from Sienese and Florentine masters to the High Renaissance, in-cluding the altarpiece by Pinturicchio (1511). The courtyard features ancient coats of arms, a fresco by Sodoma, and the ancient bell from 1328. From here, climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano: the summit offers a breath-taking view from the Apuan Alps to the north to Mount Amiata to the south. Info: www.sangimignanomusei.it

3) Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: Of Romanesque architecture, it houses the relic of the patron saint of San Gimignano. The naves are entirely frescoed with stories from the Old and New Testaments and the Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo. On the counterfaçade, the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, two wooden statues by Jacopo della Quercia. It contains the Chapel of Saint Fina, co-patron saint of the city, with frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio depicting Saint Gregory announcing his death to the Saint, and the altar by Benedetto da Maiano. Info: www.duomosangimignano.it

4) Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte: Near the former prison of San Domenico, now undergoing a remarkable renovation, is the Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte, built in 1240. Its name derives from the fact that it was originally located near the drawbridge of the Bishop’s Castle. Inside, there are frescoes depicting the Stories of Saint Benedict and a large fresco depicting the Glory of Christ, the Madonna, and the Twelve Apostles, painted by Francesco di Ser Cenni around 1413.

Info: www.sangimignanomusei.it

5) Santa Chiara Museum Center: The former Conservatory hosts three unique exhibits. The Archaeological and Via Francigena Museum narrates local history with Etruscan-Roman artifacts, such as the extraordinary Hinthial bronze. The Spezieria dello Spedale di Santa Fina reconstructs an ancient Tuscan pharmacy, in-cluding the shop and kitchen, preserving original aromas and vases. Finally, the “De Grada” Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art exhibits masterpieces by 19th- and 20th-century masters, including the famous De Chirico, Carrà, and Guttuso. Info: www.sangimignanomusei.it

6) The Towers of San Gimignano: Of the 72 towers of San Gimignano built between 1100 and 1300, only 14 remain today. Only the most noble and wealthy could afford to build a tower next to their palace to showcase their power. With the first famines in the mid-14th century, the city’s development halted, and maintenance of the towers ceased. Subsequently, it was established that families should maintain or renovate their towers to maintain San Gimignano’s prestige. Info: www.sangimignano.com

7) Via Francigena: Stages 31-32, arriving and departing from San Gimignano, are considered among the most beautiful of the Tuscan stretch, with breathtaking landscapes and unique sights such as the Marian Sanctuary of Pancole, the village of Collemucioli, and the Romanesque parish church of Cellole, which inspired the setting for Maestro Puccini’s Suor Angelica. The city has a strong agritourism voca-tion, consistently ranking among the top ten agritourism municipalities in Italy by number of farms. Info: www.sangimignano.com

8) Walls of San Gimignano: To admire the walls that surround the historic center of San Gimignano, you can walk the perimeter of the second set of walls, dating back to the 13th century and extending for approximately 2,176 meters. The route, accessible from various points, offers extraordinary views of the Val d’Elsa and includes Medici Towers (15th-16th centuries) and the main city gates (Porta San Giovanni, Porta Quercecchio, Porta San Matteo, Porta San Jacopo, and Porta delle Fonti).

Info: www.sangimignano.com

9) San Domenico Complex: The first example of the implementation of federalism in cultural property in Italy, the San Domenico complex, a former convent and la-ter prison, now owned by the Municipality and the Region of Tuscany, constitutes approximately 10% of the area of the UNESCO historic center. Its redevelopment, thanks to a public-private investment, will transform a place of deprivation into an open space of memory and culture from 2027, with an arena for performances, a public park, and a walkway with panoramic views.

10) Montestaffoli Fortress: The fortress was built in 1353 by order of the Florenti-nes, with the aim of repelling any attacks from Siena or rebellions within the city. From the fortress’s only remaining accessible tower, you can enjoy an extraordi-nary view of the city center’s towers and a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the Val d’Elsa. Every year, on the third weekend of June, it hosts the La Giostra dei Bastoni tournament as part of the Ferie delle Messi medieval festival. Info: www.sangimignano.com