On the southern shore of Lake Garda, a cycle path links Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera, almost entirely flat and often just a few metres from the water. For holidaymakers it is a lovely day out. For those who live along the route it is something more: a different way of living by the lake, with the beach, coffee in town and the shopping all within reach by bike.
The route at a glance
The cycle path follows the southern shore of the lake and can be split into three sections:
- The Desenzano lakefront: it runs along the town's entire waterfront, from the border with Lonato to the border with Sirmione, past the centre, the harbour and Rivoltella.
- From Desenzano to Sirmione: just under ten kilometres, largely separated from the road, as far as the peninsula.
- From Sirmione to Peschiera: the route continues east through Colombare to the fortress town of Peschiera, where the Mincio leaves the lake.
The route is flat and suitable for everyone: city bikes, e-bikes, children with a little experience. The surface is mostly asphalt, with a few short stretches of other kinds. In several places the path is shared with pedestrians and there are road crossings, so it pays to take it easy, especially in summer.
Good to know: in Desenzano, the stretch between Spiaggia d'Oro and Rivoltella is pedestrian only. There you get off and walk, or follow the signposted detour. Before setting off it is worth checking the cycle route map published by the Municipality of Desenzano.
Three stops: Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera
Desenzano del Garda
The liveliest town on the southern shore: the old harbour, the piazza, shops and restaurants, the ferry landing and the railway station on the Milan–Venice line. The lakefront continues to Rivoltella, a flat district right on the water with beaches, a promenade and everyday services a few steps away.
Sirmione
The most famous peninsula on the lake: the Scaliger Castle, the old town, the Grottoes of Catullus with the remains of the Roman villa, the thermal spa. Before the peninsula you pass the quieter residential areas such as Lugana and Punta Grò, with their lakeside walks, and the district of Colombare.
To reach the old town you leave the cycle path and ride up the peninsula. The old town is a pedestrian area: leave your bike before you reach the castle and continue on foot.
Peschiera del Garda
The fortress town, with Venetian walls recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Mincio flowing around it. It is also a handy rail hub for Verona and Milan.
The detour: along the Mincio to Borghetto
Peschiera is also the start of the Mincio cycle path, which leaves the lake and follows the river inland. In a little over a dozen kilometres, passing Salionze and Monzambano, you reach Borghetto di Valeggio sul Mincio, the small village of watermills beneath the Visconti bridge: a perfect lunch stop. Those with energy to spare can carry on to Mantua.
The path is asphalted, separated from traffic and almost entirely flat. On Sundays and public holidays the stretch to Borghetto is very busy.
Living on the cycle path: what changes every day
Living a few steps from the path means using the car far less, especially in the months when the lake is busiest and parking becomes difficult. In practice:
- The beach a few minutes away, with no parking to find: out of the door with your bike and towel.
- Coffee in town, shopping, the market: Desenzano, Rivoltella and Sirmione are a short ride away.
- Exercise on your doorstep: a ride at dawn or at sunset, a run along the lakefront, with nothing to load into the car.
- Guests can get around on their own: visiting friends and family can explore the lake by bike or e-bike without you having to take them.
- An easier holiday home: if you live abroad, keeping a couple of bikes in the garage means everything is ready when you arrive.
Two new homes on the cycle path
Two of the projects we handle sit right on this route, one on each side of the peninsula.
Residence Katya 2 — Rivoltella, Desenzano del Garda
Residence Katya 2 is in Rivoltella, 150 metres from the lake, with direct access to the cycle path. By bike you reach two beaches, the first about 400 metres away and the second about 700. New apartments with a shared pool, terraces and gardens; Sirmione and the centre of Desenzano are a few minutes away.
Sirmione Luxury Village — Punta Grò, Sirmione
The Sirmione Luxury Village is at Punta Grò, in a quiet residential area about 300 metres from the lake and its promenade, with the cycle path close by. New semi-detached villas in energy class A, with a garden and private pool; the centre of Sirmione and the thermal spa are a few minutes away.
Would you like to try it yourself? When you come to see Katya 2 or the Sirmione Luxury Village, allow an extra half day: a ride along the cycle path tells you more about the area than any brochure.
Practical tips
- When: spring and early autumn are the best times. In July and August the path and Sirmione are very busy: better to go early in the morning or in the evening.
- Back by boat: some lake ferry services take bicycles on board, with limited spaces and a supplement. The timetables show which services carry them: check before you set off.
- Back by train: Desenzano and Peschiera have stations on the same line, a convenient option if you would rather not ride back.
- Hire: bike and e-bike hire is available in Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera.
- With children: the route is flat, but take care at road crossings and on stretches shared with pedestrians.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the southern Lake Garda cycle path run?
It links Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda along the southern shore of the lake: the Desenzano lakefront as far as Rivoltella, then the Sirmione peninsula and finally Colombare and Peschiera.
Is the Desenzano–Sirmione cycle path suitable for everyone?
Yes. It is flat, mostly asphalted and can be ridden on any bike, including with children. Some stretches are shared with pedestrians and there are road crossings, so it is best ridden at a relaxed pace.
Can you carry on inland from Peschiera by bike?
Yes. Peschiera is the start of the Mincio cycle path, asphalted and separated from traffic, which follows the river to Borghetto di Valeggio sul Mincio in a little over a dozen kilometres and then continues to Mantua.
Can you return by boat with your bike?
Yes, on some services. The ferries take bicycles in limited numbers and for a supplement; the timetables show which services carry them, so check before setting off.
Are there new homes near the cycle path?
Yes. Residence Katya 2 in Rivoltella, Desenzano, has direct access to the cycle path, 150 metres from the lake; the Sirmione Luxury Village at Punta Grò is about 300 metres from the lake, with the cycle path close by.
Routes, surfaces and services may change over time: before setting off, check the official cycle route map and the ferry timetables.