It is difficult to tell you, which are the best cycling routes around the lake. Some are unmissable because of the breathtaking views they offer, others we recommend because they link the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda and allow you to alternate between cycling and walking.

Here we would like to give you a few ideas, but if you are interested in this type of excursion, please know that we often organise outings with our guests and in case you need it we can rent you a bike.

If you prefer to plan your own explorations, bear in mind that you can often reach your destination on two wheels and return later by ferry or bus.
This allows you to go far afield and count on the comfort of the return trip.

1 From Peschiera to Mantua

This route is 44 km long on an asphalt road and is suitable for everyone, with no major differences in altitude.
It offers you the opportunity to visit the splendid city of Mantua where the Ducal Palace and Palazzo Te, ancient witnesses of the splendour of the Gonzaga era, await you.

Along the route to the land of Virgil you will find other points of interest, which can be reached by very short detours.

Here you will encounter Parco Giardino Sigurtà near Valeggio, the Parco delle Bertone in Goito and finally the Bosco Fontana nature reserve in Marmirolo.
Three expressions of nature ranging from the extremely well kept park to the silent forest: if you like green, they are well worth a visit.

Near Valeggio there is also Borghetto, a small village of medieval origin, which has been included among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

2 Tremosine and the Forra road

Tremosine is part of the Brescia shore and lies on a plateau overlooking the lake.
At the beginning of the last century, it was only connected to the shore by a steep little road, which has now become the Forra road.

The view here is very impressive, but it takes effort to admire it: the about 6 km uphill stretch through tunnels are not easy to walk/ride.

But pedalling into the mountain, inside the rift carved by the stream, is a really exciting experience.
When you arrive at the Terrazza del Brivido, you forget all about your efforts: from there you can overlook the entire lake, suspended 350 metres above the water.

3 The Ponale path

The Ponale path is located in the north of Lake Garda. It links Riva del Garda to Val di Ledro and is travelled by both bikes and pedestrians.

You may encounter some difficulties only towards the end of the route, because near the Lake Ledro you have to face a climb through the woods. The road was dug into the rock in the mid-nineteenth century and cars heading for the Ledro valley used to pass through here, but since 1992 it has been closed to car traffic and is now a cycle/pedestrian path for tourist use only.

Even here, you can enjoy the best views of Lake Garda, because you can dominate its beauty from above.
Immediately after the start in Riva, the road begins to climb gently until you reach the bridge over the Ponale valley.
From there you can choose whether to reach Valle di Ledro or continue to Pregasina.

4 From Peschiera to Garda

Let’s talk about Peschiera again, because through the Gardesana you can reach the most popular villages on the Veronese side of the lake: Lazise, Bardolino e Garda. 

It’s about 20 km of easy, flat ride that will take you to these three towns that are popular with Italian and foreign tourists.

In Lazise you can admire the majestic Scaliger Castle and walk along a wide and well-kept lakeside promenade. From there you can continue along the lake towards Bardolino, passing through the lively village of Cisano.

Bardolino deserves a longer stop: Take the time to explore its picturesque streets, visit the medieval church of San Severo and enjoy an ice cream in one of the cafés with a unique view.
Then it’s back on the saddle again to reach Garda, with its well-kept gardens and narrow streets full of shops and bars, where you can quench your thirst with a cool drink in one of the many places overlooking the lake.

5 From Peschiera to Desenzano, via Sirmione

From Peschiera it is very easy to reach first Sirmione and then Desenzano by bike. The route is 16 km long and allows you to visit two of the most popular villages on the Brescia side of Lake Garda.

Sirmione is a little jewel: is a strip of land famous for its thermal baths, but also for the archaeological site of the Grotte di Catullo and the imposing Scaliger Castle. You can enter the castle by getting to the top of the tower, which will give you a really exciting view of the lake from above.

Continuing on your bike you will arrive at Desenzano, a town with a lively centre full of tourists, who come here to stroll through the shops and spill out into the local bars and clubs.
Here you can admire the Roman villa and Antiquarium, the old port and the medieval castle.