The 10 Best Cycle Routes Around Lake Garda

Lago di Garda, in English, Lake Garda, is one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in northern Italy. It’s the largest lake in the country, with a variety of activities and excursions available for tourists to enjoy, depending on their preferences. Thanks to its stunning scenery and diverse terrain, cycling around Lake Garda has become a popular choice for bike enthusiasts of all levels. As a result, Lake Garda has become one of the most important Verona bike tour locations, conveniently located just an hour away by bus or a quick 30-minute drive. This makes Verona the perfect place for an overnight stay. Experience the charm of this beautiful place by staying at Hotel Veronesi la Torre and exploring the city. Plan your visit with our two-day itinerary and make the most of your time in Verona. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top ten cycling routes around Lake Garda, starting with easy trails and gradually moving to medium and more difficult ones.

If you’re looking for an easy cycle route around Lake Garda, consider choosing a trail that you can also walk on. For example, you can start in the charming town of Lazise, just 1h by bus from Verona,and go through Cisano, Bardolino, and Garda. Then, you can finish in Punta San Vigilio, which is a beautiful peninsula with a small private harbour and a church dedicated to San Vigilio, making it the perfect spot to unwind in springtime.

The Ponale Road bike trail offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. It starts from the town of Riva del Garda, located on the northern shore of the lake, finishing in the village of Pregasina. This itinerary is not difficult, but it’s one of the busiest cycle routes in Lake Garda. This is why it’s recommended to start early so that you have plenty of time to admire the natural beauty of the area and take photos.

This Lake Garda bike trail is suitable for any fitness level, as you will find lots of well-paved surfaces, which are fairly easy to ride. The part of Garda in the Trentino region to the north of the lake is called Busa by the locals, which translates to ‘hole’ in the local dialect. While this area is flat, it is surrounded by mighty mountains, making it look like it is a basin dug by the lake. This route followed the perimeter of the Busa, going through the towns of Riva del garda, Arco and Torbole. We suggest starting from Riva del Garda and conclude back in the same place, allowing you to complete a circular route.

Another great itinerary, perfect for those who already have some experience biking, begins from Riva del Garda and finishes at Lake Tenno, a pristine alpine lake, known for its crystal-clear waters located in the Trentino region. As you pedal along this scenic Lake Garda bicycle tour, you will wander through vineyards and olive groves. There are also many other naturalistic cycle routes in Verona, allowing you to make the most of the area’s natural wonders.

At the southern end of Lake Garda, you’ll find the historic Peschiera del Garda, filled with quaint streets, cafes, and shops. This is the right choice for those looking to cycle through the Veneto region, passing vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills. Moreover, you can sample the best Venetian wines and learn how to pair them. The final destination of this Verona bike tour is Custoza, renowned for its white wine.

For a slightly longer and more challenging route, you may want to opt for the Valtènesi Bike trail, starting from Salò, located on the western shore of Lake Garda and finishing in Desenzano del Garda on the southern end. This area is well-known for the production of homonymous wine, which can be the perfect aperitif after your cycling adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of rural Italy.

The Riva del Garda loop offers tourists the chance to cycle in Lake Garda against the backdrop of towering mountains. This circular route features a mix of terrain, including steep climbs, technical descents, and winding roads. This means you will need to prepare for an intense workout as you navigate the spectacular but rugged landscape and elevation changes of the region.

One of the most memorable and rewarding rides you can have begins in Tratto Spino, descending towards Navene and arriving on the path of Malcesine, that goes around Lake Garda. You can take a cable ride up Monte Baldo and once you reach the summit, it’s time for an exhilarating mountain bike adventure, navigating through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain.

The Monte Velo Santa Barbara route offers cyclists a real mountain challenge, followed by a thrilling descent through rugged terrain. This trail begins in the village of Polpenazze del Garda, leading to the summit of Monte Velo Santa Barbara. To complete your experience, once back, visit our unique spa in Verona to celebrate conquering this difficult itinerary and recharge in our indoor swimming pool or classic Finnish sauna.

Finally, if you’re ready to tackle the ultimate cycling route, choose the Punta Veleno route, beginning in Limone sul Garda. Despite the gruelling nature of this trail, you will be rewarded with mesmerising alpine scenery before descending. Afterwards, consider scheduling an appointment for a decontracting massage for your back or full body, so that you can rejuvenate your muscles after a demanding ride.