Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cycling
Northern Italians are cycling fanatics. On weekends you can see whole gangs of cyclists
scooting up hill and down dale with frightening alacrity.
More relaxed cycling is possible on the Lombard plains, in Mantua, along the Mincio
river and through the Franciacorta and Valtenesi wine territory. Tourist offices in Como,
Lecco and Varese can supply maps with suggested cycle routes between Lake Maggiore
and the east bank of Lake Como.
For more challenging trails head to Monte Mottarone on Lake Maggiore and Monte
Baldo on Lake Garda, where numerous off-road trails snake down the mountainsides. Most
famous of all, though, is the challenging climb from Bellagio to the Santuario della
Madonna del Ghisallo. Apart from being a classic Giro d'Italia stage, the chapel is an ex-
traordinary shrine to cycling.
If you're bringing your own bike, check with your airline if there's a fee and how much,
if any, disassembling is required. Bikes can be transported by train in Italy, either with you
or to arrive within a couple of days. Bike hire or city cycle schemes are available in most
towns and resorts.
Top Trails
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Dorsale
Ideal for a day's mountain-bike exploration.
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Monte Mottarone
Rent a mountain bike for the 20km to 30km descent to Stresa.
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Madonna del Ghisallo
Feel like a champion on this classic climb from Bellagio.
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Monte Isola
Cycle round Lake Iseo's island.
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Rocca di Garda
An 11km trail from Garda to Costermano and Albarè.
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The Valtenesi
A 38km circular route takes you from the Castle of Padenghe through the nature reserve of the Rocca di
Manerba and the olive groves of Puegnago del Garda.
