Garda Tour

🚴‍♂️ Giro di Garda – The King’s Round around the Lake of Lakes 🌊⛰️☀️

A 150 km long ode to Lake Garda – from terrace to top, from coastline to cliffs.

 

📍 Start & finish: Bardolino
📏 Total distance: ± 150 km
⛰️ Elevation gain: ± 800 m
🔥 Difficulty level: Moderately difficult – accessible for trained cyclists, with some challenging sections

 

🌅 Southern charm & flat approach

You start in the vibrant Bardolino, where the lake sparkles and the atmosphere is relaxed. The first kilometers along Lazise and Pacengo offer a calm warm-up. You ride via Peschiera del Garda to San Benedetto di Lugana: flat terrain, gentle breeze from the lake, and stunning views. 🚤🌾

A detour over the unique peninsula Sirmione (tip: stop at the castle or for a coffee break!) makes this approach even more special. 🏰☕

Next is the somewhat busier town of Desenzano del Garda, followed by the rolling southwestern villages: Padenghe, Moniga, and San Felice del Benaco. Here you can already feel the landscape rising slightly. 🍇🌿

🌊 Western shore: Riviera with relief

From Salò it becomes rougher: narrow tunnels, stately villas, and the famous sunsets at Gardone Riviera. After that, the more intense part begins:
the road from Maderno to Gargnano features some nasty climbs and sharp turns – stay alert! ⚠️🚦

🧗‍♂️ Optional climb: Piovere – alternative to tunnel route

📏 Length: ± 6 km

📈 Average gradient: 6%

🚀 Max: up to 10%

🌄 Atmosphere: narrow, quiet, phenomenal view of the lake

Then you descend to Campione del Garda and begin one of the most legendary stretches in Italy…

🎬 The iconic Strada della Forra

🚵‍♂️ Climb to Tremosine via Strada della Forra

📏 Length: about 6.5 km

📈 Average: 5–7%

🧱 Type of road: narrow cliff path, partly in tunnels, carved into rock

💫 Experience: literally cinematic – James Bond rode here!

After the climb, a beautiful descent awaits to Limone sul Garda, where lemon trees, steep rock walls, and the lake come together in a postcard-worthy setting. 🍋🖼️

🏔️ The northern part: rugged and impressive

You approach the most alpine part of Lake Garda: Riva del Garda. A lovely place to take a break – espresso bar, fountain, or feet in the water. 🚴‍♀️☕

🔼 Climb Riva → Nago-Torbole

📏 Length: ± 2.5 km

📈 Average gradient: 6%

🏁 Max: 9%

🌬️ View: of both the lake and the mountains towards Trentino

🌄 East coast: Riviera degli Ulivi

From Navene, you ride south along the east coast past Malcesine, Cassone, Assenza, and Brenzone. This stretch is gently rolling, constantly panoramic, and smells of rosemary, pine trees, and olives. 🌿🫒

The route takes you through the quiet villages of Castelletto and Torri del Benaco, where a photo stop at Castello Scaligero is highly recommended. 📸
The final kilometers go along Garda back to Bardolino, where you can stretch your legs on the terrace – with a view of the route you just conquered. 🍷🌅

 

✨ Highlights of the Giro di Garda

🔹 Sirmione – Romantic peninsula with medieval flair
🔹 Gardone & Gargnano – Beautiful boulevards and tranquil luxury
🔹 Piovere – A calm climb for those wishing to avoid tunnels
🔹 Strada della Forra – One of the most beautiful roads in Europe
🔹 Limone & Riva – Breathtaking views and alpine vibes
🔹 Return via east coast – Along olive trees, flowers, and the sparkling water

 

🎯 Conclusion

The Giro di Garda is no ordinary bike ride – it is an unforgettable journey around one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
From sun-drenched villages to rugged cliff roads, from medieval castles to citrus scents in the air – this round is perfect for those who love variation, beauty, and challenge. 🌅🚴‍♂️

150 kilometers of enjoyment, pedaling, discovering – and above all: living.

Are you ready for the ultimate round around Lake Garda? 💪🌍