CsG - Mazzurega (Domegliara) - CsG

🍷 The Soul of Valpolicella

A Journey through Vineyards, Rocky Cliffs, and Timeless Italian Roads

Some rides revolve around numbers.

Others around places you will never forget.

This is one of those rides.

As soon as you leave the sparkling shores of Lake Garda behind, the landscape changes almost immediately. Olive groves take the place of the lively promenade, endless vines cover the rolling hills, and quiet country roads lead you to the historic heart of Valpolicella, a region renowned worldwide for its legendary Amarone, picturesque villages, and impressive limestone rock formations.

At 71 kilometers, this route strikes the perfect balance between sporty challenge and pure cycling pleasure. Long enough to get your legs working, but never so tough that you forget to look up. A fluid Category 3 climb, mysterious rock dwellings, stately villas, the majestic Adige, and even a touch of Italian Strade Bianche come together for a ride that will stay with you for a long time.

This is Italy at its best.

 

📊 Ride Details

📏 Distance: 71 km

🏔️ Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 hm

🛣️ Surface: Predominantly smooth Italian asphalt, with a short Strade Bianche section of about 500 meters.

💪 Fitness: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

🎯 Technique: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

 

🗺️ The Route

From Costermano sul Garda, we gently roll into the day. The first kilometers take us along quiet roads towards Pesina, where the charming Church of San Rocco watches over the village like a silent guardian. Through Rivoli Veronese, we set course towards one of the day’s most extraordinary spots.

Suddenly, impressive limestone cliffs rise beside the road. Here lie the fascinating Cave nella Roccia, ancient homes carved directly into the rock. Together with the imposing formations of Montalto di Gaium Pimpine, they create an impressive backdrop that recalls a history far older than cycling itself.

Not long after, we reach Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, where today’s main event is announced.

The climb to Mazzurega.

This is one of those ascents that pulls you upwards in a delightful rhythm. At 5.6 kilometers with an average gradient of 5.2%, it primarily requires smoothness and consistency, not brute strength. The road winds upwards through vineyards and olive groves, as with every bend the view over the Valpolicella valley becomes more impressive.

Halfway, we pass the beautiful San Giorgio di Valpolicella, one of the most beautiful historic villages in Italy. The Romanesque church and the centuries-old stone houses give this passage an almost timeless character before the road continues to climb towards the quiet peak in Mazzurega.

The reward doesn’t take long to arrive.

A delightful descent takes us to Fumane, where the curves come in quick succession. Then the landscape becomes friendlier, and we cycle relaxed through San Pietro in Cariano, past the elegant Villa Costanza, before continuing through Corrubbio and Pescantina, right in the midst of the vineyards that produce some of Italy's most famous wines.

At Arcé, we cross the wide Adige via a beautiful bridge. Slowly we return towards Lake Garda via Pastrengo and Cavaion Veronese.

Just when you think the ride has shown its finest cards, a surprising finale follows.

The rural roads around Val Quarole and Pramanzo run straight through the rolling vineyards of Bardolino. A few short but steep climbs keep the legs awake, after which a 500-meter-long Strade Bianche stretch adds a touch of adventure. It’s just a short piece of gravel, but just enough to give the ride an extra character before we return via Albarè, Gazolli, Bran, and Pesina back to Costermano sul Garda.

 

✨ Highlights

🪨 Cave nella Roccia
A unique passage along ancient rock homes and impressive limestone formations.

🍇 Climb to Mazzurega
A beautiful Category 3 climb through vineyards and olive groves, with constantly stunning views.

⛪ San Giorgio di Valpolicella
One of the most beautiful historic hill villages in Italy, where history and cycling meld seamlessly.

🌉 The Crossing of the Adige
A calming landscape moment at one of Northern Italy's major rivers.

🌾 A Touch of Strade Bianche
A short gravel stretch among the vines of Bardolino provides an authentic Italian finale.

 

💡 Tips for the Road

Ride the climb, but don’t race it.
Mazzurega rewards consistency over explosiveness. Find a comfortable pace and let the climb disappear under your wheels.

Stay relaxed on the gravel.
The short Strade Bianche section is perfect for modern racing tires. Hold your handlebars loosely, stay nice in the saddle, and let the bike find its own line.

Don’t forget to look up occasionally.
This route isn’t just about watts and speed. The vineyards, the ancient villages, and the panoramic views deserve just as much attention as your bike computer.

Finish like the locals do.
Valpolicella is synonymous with Amarone and Ripasso. Treat yourself afterwards to a good glass of wine, a delicious Italian meal, and enjoy the hospitality of this remarkable region.

 

🏁 Conclusion

There are longer rides around Lake Garda.

There are tougher climbs.

But few routes manage to bundle so much character into one perfectly balanced cycling tour.

The Soul of Valpolicella takes you past hidden history, world-famous vineyards, quiet backroads, and rolling hills that surprise with every kilometer. Every bend tells a story, every climb opens a new panorama, and every descent invites you to stay on the bike just a little longer.

When you eventually return to Costermano sul Garda, you take home more than just tired legs. You take home memories, beautiful views, and undoubtedly the irresistible urge to order a glass of Amarone on a sunny terrace.

Because in Valpolicella, you don’t just cycle through the landscape...

You become a part of it. 🇮🇹🚴🍷