Cycle from Peschiera (Lake Garda) to Mantua with or without your family

Cycling the Mincio cycle path from Peschiera to Mantua (Mantua)

The 44-kilometre cycling route from Peschiera on Lake Garda to Mantua is an ideal family outing throughout the year. It is lovely in spring or autumn. Because the cycle path (pista ciclabile) is flat for the most part. There is no need to climb anywhere; the weather is usually nice. Outside the high season, it’s relatively quiet.

It is safe, as no motorised traffic uses the path. Moreover, the route is probably not challenging enough for gangs of lycra-clad men of a certain age. Thus avoiding, at least for me, several panic attacks that usually accompany the overtaking manoeuvres of the lycra gangs.

A multi-day family outing near Lake Garda

Moreover, it is virtually impossible to get lost, as the route follows the turquoise-coloured Mincio River. Since it is too far for one stretch, at least for untrained buttocks, convenient pit stops along the way are the enchantingly beautiful village of Borghetto and the town of Mantua.

Wear a helmet. The cycle path has high edges. In case of a fall on the head – which happens, as my bruises testify weeks later – it can prevent some serious damage.

Borghetto – Valeggio sul Mincio

After about 15 kilometres of cycling from Peschiera, you’ll reach Valeggio de Mincio about a third of the way through. This is a town where the original medieval fortifications are still largely intact. For some sightseeing with a slight diversion, cycle to Sigurtà Park or go on foot to the castle on the hilltop.

Borghetto, a picturesque hamlet with old water mills and many restaurants, is a tourist attraction even in winter. If you eat here, try the ‘Nodo d’Amore’.

Nodo d’Amore

The Nodo d’Amore is a locally produced pasta speciality named after Borghetto’s Romeo and Juliet. The nodo are handmade tortellini prepared with melted butter and sage, cooked in broth. This “knot of love” is a name that recalls the gesture of two lovers who, desperate because their respective families did not accept their romance, tied the knot in a silk handkerchief as an indelible sign of love. This was their last gesture before they threw themselves into the Mincio together.

Spending the night in Borghetto

At night, you have the village to yourself. The hordes of day-trippers leave after lunch or dinner. Suppose you want to spend the night in the centre of Borghetto. Check out Le Finestre Su Borghetto, a B&B with spacious rooms above a water mill. You can hear the water flowing at night. Only parking the bikes might cause a problem, as there is no inside space available. A sturdy lock will come in handy.

Pozzolo – Mantua

From Borghetto to Pozzolo is a further eight kilometres. Here you leave the river Mincio to continue your route along the banks of the Pozzolo – Maglio canal. This is another 22 kilometres.

Mantova

Before arriving in the centre of Mantova, you must cross the first bridge, Ponte dei Mulini. To your right is Lago Superiore, and to your left is Lago Mezzo. If you continue cycling, you will also reach Lago inferiore. Hence That’s why Mantova is also called the city of three lakes.

Mantova sightseeing

Before arriving in the centre of Mantova, you must cross the first bridge, Ponte dei Mulini. To your right is Lago Superiore, and to your left is Lago Mezzo. If you continue cycling, you will also reach Lago inferiore. Hence That’s why Mantova is also called the city of three lakes.

Mantua sights

Mantua has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2016. If you are in the city, set aside a day to see the main sights:

• Palazzo Ducale
• Palazzo de Te
• Rotonda di San Lorenzo
• Basilica di Sant’Andrea di Mantova

Accommodation in Mantova

Villa Cittadella B&B is just about on the cycle lane. The guest house is a mere hundred metres from Lake Superiore and just one kilometre from Mantova’s historic centre. A buffet breakfast is served daily with cheese, croissants and cold cuts. Bicycles can be stored in the courtyard.

Peschiera – Lago di Garda

Peschiera is probably your starting and finishing point. Look out for turtles in the river on the last stretch before Peschiera.

Extend the route along the lake or continue cycling on the Ciclopista del Sole (eurovelo 7) after Mantua.

Accommodation and food

B&B La Casa en Paese in Peschiera is really nice. Our bed had the best mattress I’ve slept on in ages, which gave me a sleep of no less than eleven (!) continuous hours. I admit I was also tired from cycling—still, a minor miracle at my age.

The guesthouse is in the centre of Peschiera. You get an excellent breakfast at La Bottega dei Sapori, right outside the guesthouse.

Continue cycling along Lake Garda

From Navene, north of Malcesine, to Peschiera, you can cycle most of the way along the Lungolago. This is a shared cycling and walking path along the lake. Note in summer and on sunny holidays, it is bustling with tourists.

Unfortunately, you must go on the main road between Pai and Lazise (in Torri del Benaco). The Gardesana, the road along Lake Garda, is very busy with traffic. There is little room for cyclists.

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