Cycle paths from Peschiera del Garda: explore Lake Garda by bike

Peschiera del Garda is an ideal starting point for exploring some of the most captivating cycling routes in Northern Italy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family ride or a more challenging journey, these cycle paths from Peschiera del Garda have something to offer everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the three main routes:

1. Mincio Cycle Path: Peschiera del Garda – Borghetto sul Mincio – Mantua

2. South-East Cycle Path: Peschiera del Garda – Lazise – Bardolino – Garda

3. South-West Cycle Path: Peschiera del Garda – Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda

**Mincio Cycle Path** – Credits: M. Piavoli

Mincio Cycle Path:
Peschiera del Garda – Borghetto sul Mincio – Mantua

LENGHT: 41.3 km – ELEVATION GAIN: 62 m

The Mincio Cycle Path is among the most cherished cycling and walking routes around Lake Garda, perfect for those seeking a serene journey immersed in nature. Spanning approximately 41 km, it connects Peschiera del Garda to Mantua, following the course of the River Mincio. Here’s what you need to know to embark on this route.

STARTING POINT: Where to begin the cycle path in Peschiera del Garda? From the historic centre, head towards Porta Brescia. After crossing the Porta Brescia Bridge, continue uphill to the left towards the Sports Field. Take the path on the left that descends along the River Mincio to commence your adventure.

Borghetto sul Mincio: the first dreamy stop

Approximately 15 kilometres from Peschiera del Garda, you’ll arrive at Borghetto sul Mincio, an enchanting village listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy“. Here, historic mills and ancient bridges create a unique atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing break.

Crossing to the other side of the River Mincio via the Visconti Bridge, you reach Valeggio sul Mincio. There, admire the Scaliger Castle or visit the Sigurtà Garden Park, a green oasis acclaimed as one of Europe’s most beautiful parks.

On our website you can find discounted tickets for the Parco Giardino Sigurtà. Click on the link for more information.

Mantua: the Renaissance City

If you’re up for more, continue cycling for an additional 22 kilometres along the Mincio Cycle Path to reach Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Renaissance capital. About halfway, you’ll find yourself in Pozzolo. Here, you can choose to continue on the Mincio Cycle Path along the diversion canal. Alternatively, if you prefer to follow the river, exit the cycle path and follow directions to Goito.

In Goito, you’ll find the Goito Garda Bike association, which organises bicycle tours to discover the area. They also offer a unique experience: canoeing down the Mincio!

Returning to Peschiera del Garda from Mantua

After reaching the splendid Mantua, there are several cycle paths to return to Peschiera del Garda, depending on your preferences and available time:

By Bicycle: Retrace the Mincio Cycle Path back.
By Train: There isn’t a direct train. From Mantua’s train station, take a train to Verona Porta Nuova and then change to reach Peschiera del Garda.
APAM Bike Bus: The local transport company APAM offers a bike bus service on Sundays, with stops in Valeggio sul Mincio and Peschiera del Garda. The service is paid, and booking is required on the APAM website.

**South-East Cycle Path** – Credits: Itinera Bike

South-East Cycle Path:
Peschiera del Garda – Lazise – Bardolino – Garda

LENGHT: 18.3 km – ELEVATION GAIN: flat

The South-East Cycle Path, linking Peschiera del Garda to Garda, is among the most scenic and easily accessible bike routes around Lake Garda. This dual-purpose path runs along the lakeshore, providing stunning views and making it ideal for a leisurely ride or a tranquil stroll, surrounded by nature and rich in history.

STARTING POINT: From the historic centre of Peschiera del Garda, head to Lungolago Garibaldi and follow the lakeshore northwards. You’ll seamlessly join the cycling and walking path.

Cycle Path Peschiera – Lazise

The first 6 kilometres consist of a mix of paved and unpaved sections, running along the lakeshore towards the Fossalta area. From there, you can choose to continue for the final 2 kilometres along the sandy lakeside path (you may need to walk your bike) or take the cycle path that follows the Strada Gardesana Orientale. Either way, you’ll reach the charming medieval village of Lazise, renowned as the first municipality in Italy.

Cycle Path Lazise – Bardolino

From Lazise, you can continue towards Bardolino, located 6 km away. There are two routes to choose from:

Lakeside Path: Stay on the coastal cycling and walking path for a scenic and straightforward ride.
Hillside Route: A more challenging alternative that takes you through vineyards and olive groves, offering spectacular views of the lake. Follow signs for Colà, then head towards Calmasino, where you can stop at the panoramic church. From there, descend to Cisano and rejoin the lakeside path leading to Bardolino.

Cycle Path Bardolino – Garda

From Bardolino, the route continues for another 4 kilometres along the coastal cycling and walking path to Garda, the town that lends its name to the lake.

For the more adventurous, an additional ride will take you to the Hermitage of San Giorgio, accessible via an unpaved trail with an elevation gain of approximately 200 metres. The panoramic view from the hermitage is truly unmissable.

Return to Peschiera del Garda

For your return journey, you have a couple of options:

Retrace your route: Enjoy a pleasant ride back along the lakeshore, taking in the beautiful scenery once more.
Take a ferry: The ferry service connects Garda and Peschiera, offering a relaxing break with stunning views from the lake. Check the latest ferry schedules via this link.

If you’re interested in a guided cycling tour exploring the south-eastern part of Lake Garda, complete with a wine tasting experience, read our dedicated article! It’s also perfect for those who need to hire bicycles.

piste ciclabili peschiera del garda — **Sirmione** – Credits: Matthias

South-West Cycle Path:
Peschiera del Garda – Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda

LENGHT: 20 km – ELEVATION GAIN: 75 m

The last of the cycle paths starting from Peschiera del Garda is the South-West Cycle Path, connecting Peschiera to Desenzano del Garda via the stunning Sirmione peninsula. This route is perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in history and find a convenient way to reach Sirmione, one of the most famous destinations on Lake Garda.

STARTING POINT: From the centre of Peschiera del Garda, head to Via Milano. The cycle path runs alongside the Strada Gardesana, offering a smooth and straightforward ride.

Cycle Path Peschiera del Garda – Sirmione

After approximately 10 kilometres of flat terrain, you’ll reach the beautiful Sirmione peninsula. Park your bike and explore the historic centre on foot, passing by the Scaligero Castle and continuing to the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find the Grotte di Catullo and Jamaica Beach—perfect for a relaxing break.

Cycle Path Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda

Hop back on your bike and rejoin the Strada Gardesana, heading towards Desenzano del Garda. On your way, you’ll pass through the small village of Rivoltella before arriving at Desenzano’s charming old port, complete with its iconic lighthouse.