Palaia Motorcycle Rally

The Palaia Motorcycle Rally: A tradition spanning nearly half a century

The Palaia Motorcycle Rally, now also known as the Palaia Run, is one of the most deeply rooted motorcycle events in Tuscany. Established in 1979, the event traditionally takes place every June 2nd, coinciding with Republic Day, in the charming historic center of Palaia, a hilltop village in the Province of Pisa, within the Valdera area. What began as a small gathering dedicated almost exclusively to vintage motorcycles has grown with each edition, evolving from 150 bikes in 1979 to over 300 today.

A day among hills, engines, and good company

The heart of the event is Piazza del Mercato, which fills up from the early morning hours with every type of motorcycle, from historic faired bikes to the latest naked models. The formula is well-tested and has remained unchanged for decades: a morning of registration and hospitality, followed by a scenic ride along the roads winding through the Pisan hills, and finally a lunch that brings participants together around the table.

Typical Program

• 9:00 AM — Registration opens, gadget distribution, and welcome breakfast in Piazza del Mercato.
• 11:00 AM — Departure for the motorcycle tour through the Pisan hills, known as the Palaia Run.
• 1:00 PM — Return to Palaia and convivial lunch (reserved and limited to the first registrants).

Lunch is generally limited and reserved for the first 330 registrants; for all other participants and visitors, street food options and the village's numerous restaurants and pizzerias remain available.

Palaia, a village to discover on two wheels

The choice of Palaia as the setting for the rally is no coincidence. The village, perched on a ridge between the Valdera and Valdegola valleys, offers quintessential views of the Tuscan countryside and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring a landscape of scenic roads, vineyards, and olive groves. For motorcyclists, riding through the Pisan hills on an early summer day is an experience worth the trip in itself, beyond any competitive or collector's interest.

A local festival open to everyone

More than just a simple event for enthusiasts, the Palaia Motorcycle Rally is a true local festival that involves the entire community of Palaia. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village gathering, where a passion for two wheels intertwines with conviviality, a sense of belonging, and Tuscan hospitality. For nearly fifty years, the June 2nd appointment has been a staple in the calendar for motorcyclists from the Province of Pisa and all of Tuscany.