Cycling Routes of Garda Veneto

If you’re thinking of exploring the Veneto side of Lake Garda by bike, let me give you some useful tips. There are routes to suit everyone in this area: gentle routes if you want to cycle at a leisurely pace, road routes if you’re looking for a bit of pace and some hills, or more technical trails if you love mountain biking. I’ve compiled and selected them specifically to help you choose the right route based on your fitness level, the time you have available and the kind of experience you’re looking for.

Tourist Routes

If you’re looking for a leisurely way to explore the Garda Veneto region, the tourist routes are the obvious choice. These routes are easy, smooth and suitable for everyone, perfect if you want to cycle at a gentle pace and enjoy the scenery. The morainic hills, vineyards, villages and stretches along the lake invite you to slow down, take a breath and let nature set the pace. These routes are also ideal if you’re not particularly fit, you’re travelling with your family, or if you simply want to explore the area at a relaxed pace, with gentle climbs, even terrain and plenty of scenic viewpoints. I recommend these routes if you want a pleasant ride, without too many worries or technical difficulties.

"Strada dell'Uva" Loop Route

A perfect route if you want to cycle at a leisurely pace through the morainic hills. The route alternates between short ups and downs and long, smooth stretches, with a fully tarmac surface and little traffic in the countryside. The climb towards Valesana is gentle and steady, ideal for all types of cyclists. Between Mondragon and Calmasino, there are many vineyards and olive groves with stunning views of the lake, whilst the return journey towards Bardolino is all a gentle descent. I recommend this route in spring and autumn, when the colours of the vineyards are at their most vibrant.

• Itinerary: Bardolino – Valesana – Mondragon di Sotto – Calmasino – Bardolino
• Elevation Gain: 74 m / 162 m
• Distance: 20 km

Peschiera del Garda - Mantova

This route takes you along the Ciclabile del Mincio, one of the most pleasant cycle paths in northern Italy, featuring a mix of tarmac and compact gravel, completely flat and suitable for everyone. The route runs alongside the River Mincio for long stretches, with rest areas and various scenic views of the countryside. Between Monzambano and Valeggio, the landscape becomes more rural, whilst the arrival in Mantua offers a spectacular view of the city’s lakes. It is an ideal route for the mid-seasons; in summer, some sections are very sunny.

• Itinerary: Peschiera – Monzambano – Valeggio – Pozzolo – Marengo – Mantova
• Elevation Gain: 86 m / 27 m
• Distance: 40 km

"Terre del Custoza" Loop Route

A varied and scenic cycle route, mainly on tarmac with generally light traffic. The route features the constant ups and downs typical of the morainic hills, but without any steep gradients. This route takes you through historic villages, agricultural areas and well-maintained dirt tracks. Dedicated signage makes it easy to find your way, even for those unfamiliar with the area. I recommend it if you want to spend a whole day cycling, with the chance to stop at some local farms and taste the typical products of this area.

• Itinerary: Bussolengo – La Prà – Palazzolo – Sandrà – Castelnuovo – Oliosi – Salionze – Valeggio – Custoza – Sommacampagna – Sona – Bussolengo
• Elevation Gain: 125 m / 177 m
• Distance: 65 km

Cavaion Veronese – Bardolino

A short, easy route that is almost entirely downhill when taken from Cavaion towards Bardolino. With tarmac surfaces and minor roads, it is perfect for families and beginners. The stretch between Mascanzoni and Val Quarole is particularly scenic, offering panoramic views of the hills and the lake. This route is also ideal as a relaxing return leg after a longer ride.

• Itinerary: Bardolino – Mascanzoni – Cavaion – Val Quarole – Bardolino
• Elevation Gain: 75 m / 215 m
• Distance: 8 km

"Riviera degli Olivi" Cycle Path

A classic route around Garda Veneto, easy and full of stunning views. You cycle along the Gardesana road and on a few cycle paths, with constant glimpses of the lake. Traffic can be heavy at weekends in the summer, so please take care. Best done in the morning or at sunset to enjoy the best light.

• Itinerary: Peschiera – Pacengo – Valesana – Cisano – Bardolino – Garda
• Elevation Gain: 71 m / 115 m
• Distance: 18 km

Road Routes

If you're a keen cyclist looking for smooth routes, steady climbs and scenic roads, the road routes around Garda Veneto are the perfect choice for you. I've listed a few tarmac routes that alternate between fast stretches and gentle gradients, ideal for training or simply for enjoying the variety of the landscape. From the morainic hills to the roads running alongside the lake, each route has its own character. These are perfect routes if you're looking for a more challenging ride, yet still accessible on generally well-maintained roads, with a level of difficulty that can be adjusted to suit your time and fitness level.

Garda Cycling Route

A route on tarmac that alternates between sections of cycle path and stretches along the Gardesana road. The surface is always smooth, with gentle gradients up to Brenzone and a slightly more challenging section towards Malcesine. Traffic can be heavy during the summer months, but the view of the lake makes every effort worthwhile. I recommend this route if you want to cycle around the entire Veneto side of Lake Garda without riding up any overly challenging hills.

• Itinerary: Peschiera – Lazise – Cisano – Bardolino – Garda – Pai – Castelletto – Brenzone – Assenza – Malcesine
• Elevation Gain: 70 m / 316 m
• Distance: 69 km

Verona – Borghetto

A classic route if you're setting off from Verona and want to explore the morainic hills. The route is entirely tarmac-surfaced and the climbs are short but frequent, with generally moderate traffic. Custoza and Valeggio offer several scenic viewpoints and the chance to stop off at some traditional restaurants. This route is perfect for a half-day ride.

• Itinerary: Verona – Caselle – Sommacampagna – Custoza – Valeggio – Borghetto
• Elevation Gain: 65 m / 128 m
• Distance: 57 km

Gran Fondo Peschiera del Garda

This is a challenging route, characterised by a long, steady climb towards Lumini and San Zeno di Montagna. The surface is tarmac, the gradients are consistent, and the descents towards Torri del Benaco are technical. I would only recommend this route to the fittest cyclists, particularly if undertaken during the summer when temperatures rise significantly.

• Itinerary: Peschiera – Valeggio – Tagliaferro – Palazzolo – Ronchi – Affi – Caprino – Lumini – San Zeno – Torri – Garda – Bardolino – Lazise – Peschiera
• Elevation Gain: 70 m / 738 m
• Distance: 100 km

San Zeno di Montagna Loop Route

A short loop ride, but one that offers stunning views and features gentle climbs and quiet roads. Perfect for a light training ride at altitude or if you fancy exploring the surrounding countryside. There are constant views of the lake and the route is entirely covered by tarmac.

• Itinerary: San Zeno – Ca' Montagna – San Zeno
• Elevation Gain: 591 m / 754 m
• Distance: 13 km

Verona – Lake Garda Loop Route

A varied route that alternates between cycle paths, back roads and straighter stretches. The climb towards Rivoli is gentle and steady, whilst the descent towards Bardolino is fast and scenic. Ideal if you want to enjoy a complete tour taking in the town, the hills and the lake.

• Itinerary: Verona – Bussolengo – Rivoli – Affi – Bardolino – Gasco – Peschiera – Oliosi – Sommacampagna – Cassone – Verona
• Elevation Gain: 64 m / 241 m
• Distance: 83 km

MTB & Gravel Routes

If you love mountain biking and want to discover the wildest side of the Garda Veneto region, here you'll find routes that really take you into the heart of the countryside. I suggest you some routes on dirt tracks, unpaved roads and technical trails with challenging climbs, thrilling descents and views that change at every bend. These routes are ideal for those who already have some cycling experience and want to enjoy the mountains in a more authentic way, through woods and historic sites such as the old trenches of Monte Baldo. Some routes are smoother, others require technique and training, but they all have one thing in common: they take you to places that a road bike cannot reach. If you're looking for adventure and a bit of an adrenaline rush, these are the routes I recommend.

Lazise – Valeggio sul Mincio Loop Route

This route has an intermediate level of difficulty, with a mix of terrain including compact dirt tracks, unpaved roads and short tarmac sections. The climb up to Monzambano is not particularly challenging, whilst the return journey from Salionze features some more technical sections. Recommended if you are in good shape and want to go on a fairly long ride, but not an extreme one.

• Itinerary: Lazise – Peschiera – Monzambano – Valeggio – Salionze – Cavalcaselle – Colà – Lazise
• Elevation Gain: 73 m / 131 m
• Distance: 48 km

Faigolo Route in Malcesine

A fairly challenging route that alternates between steep climbs and technical descents on dirt tracks. The section towards Passo Campiano demands good leg strength, whilst the descent towards Navene offers stunning views but requires a degree of caution. The route passes close to a number of trenches and emplacements dating back to the First World War, making it particularly interesting from a historical perspective.

• Itinerary: Malcesine – Strada Panoramica – Passo Campiano – Faigolo – Fubia – Dosso Merlo – Navene – Malcesine
• Elevation Gain: 90 m / 563 m
• Distance: 19 km

Monte Altissimo Route

This is a route for experienced cyclists. The long and challenging climb starts at the Monte Baldo cable car and ascends to the 2,000-metre summit of Monte Altissimo, featuring a gravel surface and some technical sections. The descent is a classic of the Garda enduro scene: fast, fun and featuring more technical sections that require good bike control. Recommended only if you have some experience of high-altitude cycling.

• Itinerary: Malcesine – Monte Altissimo – Malcesine
• Elevation Gain: 108 m / 1.726 m
• Distance: 28 km

Prada Alta Loop Route

This route is moderately difficult and runs along compact dirt tracks, making it perfect from April to November. It takes you through small rural villages and wooded areas, with the chance to buy some local products in the dairy farms along the way. It’s ideal if you're looking for a short ride surrounded by the natural beauty of Monte Baldo.

• Itinerary: Prada Alta – Prada – Due Pozze – Val da Sacco – Sciafera – Prada Alta
• Elevation Gain: 1.060 m / 129 m
• Distance: 10 km