The flattest and most accessible route in the South Garda Bike Region collection. From Castelnuovo del Garda the ride heads west to the lake at Peschiera del Garda, then follows the Ciclabile del Mincio — one of the most beautiful cycling paths in northern Italy — south along the river all the way to Borghetto sul Mincio, a medieval village perched above the water.
With only 217 m of elevation gain over nearly 58 km, this is an ideal route for road bikes, e-bikes and anyone who wants a long, scenic ride without significant climbing. The Mincio cycling path is largely traffic-free and well surfaced, making it a genuinely relaxed experience from start to finish.
The route begins at the parking area near Castelnuovo del Garda and heads west through the countryside, following the Strada della Fontana and quiet rural roads down toward the lake.
The first destination is Peschiera del Garda — one of the most historically significant towns on the lake, and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary Renaissance fortifications. The route passes along the waterfront, with views over the Mincio river as it exits the lake, the fortress canal and the ancient walls rising above the water. It is worth slowing down here before continuing south.
From Peschiera the route joins the Ciclabile del Mincio — a dedicated cycling path that follows the river south through a landscape that changes character completely from the hills you started in. The Mincio valley is flat, green and quiet: reeds along the riverbanks, willow trees, water birds, and occasional views across the floodplain. The pace of the ride settles naturally here — this is a path made for riding slowly and looking around.
The destination is Borghetto sul Mincio, one of the most beautiful villages in northern Italy and one of Italy’s official “most beautiful villages” (Borghi più belli d’Italia). The Ponte Visconteo — a medieval bridge and mill complex crossing the river — is the centrepiece of the village, and the view from the bridge is one you will not forget. The Canale Virgilio adds another layer of history to a place that feels entirely apart from the modern world.
The return follows the same path back north — which on a flat route like this is no hardship at all.
Peschiera del Garda has plenty of cafés and bars in the old town — stop for a coffee before joining the Mincio path. The historic centre inside the walls is worth a short walk.
Borghetto sul Mincio is the highlight of the ride and deserves a proper stop. The village has several restaurants and cafés, and on weekends the tortellini di Valeggio — a local pasta speciality — is served at long communal tables by the river. If you can time your visit for lunch, do it.
The GPX route starts at the parking lot of the Castelnuovo sports center "Oregolo", but you can find plenty of parking spots along the entire route. Alternatively, you can start directly from Peschiera del Garda if you are arriving by train — the station is right at the start of the Mincio cycling path, making this an excellent car-free option.
Ein Radreiseziel im Süden des Gardasees. Routen, Landschaft und lokale Erlebnisse — mit dem Fahrrad entdeckt.
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