The Best Lakes to Cycle Around in Northern Italy

You have to hand it to the Italians. They know how to do beautiful, chic places.

Outside of the main centres of chic – Rome, Milan – it’s the country’s gorgeous great lakes that are beacons for those searching for a little RnR, some incredible food and jaw-dropping scenery.

And the good news is that the lakes, where the many Italians go to take their holidays, are circled by endless cycle paths and quiet roads. In fact, you could say that leisurely meandering around the lakes is the perfect cycling holiday for many.

Think undemanding routes, the sounds of water lapping against the shores and the gentle, cooling breeze coming off the lakes helping to make an altogether pleasant atmosphere. And we haven’t even mentioned the great food and the sumptuous wine.

As ever, we’ve teamed up with local experts to curate trips that are as much about activities off the bike as they are on it. Cycling the lakes is a great way to appreciate their majesty and the splendour of their surrounding towns.

So now you’re interested in exploring these beautiful spots, what next? Here’s our guide to cycling the five great lakes.

Lake Como

Arguably the chicest of the five lakes, Como played host to the James Bond production team when it filmed Casino Royale there in 2006. That should tell you everything you need to know.

With mountains rising up in the distance, Lake Como is a real haven of beautiful people, Ferraris and expensive clothes shops. However, don’t let all the extravagance put you off, because the lake and its surroundings are stunningly beautiful, and many of the town’s historic palaces and gardens are open for public viewing.

So once you’ve finished riding for the day, grab yourself a slice of opulent Italian culture.

Lake Garda

The largest lake in the country, Lake Garda spans Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto-Adige.

The lake itself might be a whopper, but what surrounds it is equally as impressive. The town of Sirmione is known for its thermal waters (you might want to try them after a day in the saddle), but there’s also an 18th-century castle to explore, the medieval streets of Malcesine to meander around and five islands to check out, too. One of which – Isola del Garda – houses a 13th-century monastery founded by St Francis of Assisi.

As for cycling, the south side of the lake boasts a number of top vineyards, so you might want to build that into your schedule. No wonder this lake has attracted poets and artists throughout history.

Lake Iseo

We’re biased about Lake Iseo because it’s the home of IBT.

Not quite as well known as some of its illustrious counterparts, Iseo still boasts beautiful scenery, tranquil waters and the largest inland island in Europe.

Situated between Bergamo and Brescia, roads around the lake hug the shoreline so it’s great for cycling. And yes, not to be outdone, there are vineyards, too. Perfect for checking out the local Franciacorta wine as the sun sets.

Lake Maggiore

Italy’s second-largest lake borders Switzerland, so we’re getting into Alpine territory here.

Often considered the most peaceful of all Italian lakes, its shores are less crowded and there’s plenty of room to move around – and that includes cycling.

The botanical gardens in Verbania are worth a visit, while the lake’s 11 islands – the Borromean islands – are also worth exploring once you’ve finished your ride.

Lake Trasemeno

The country’s fourth-largest lake spans two of the most famed regions in northern Italy – Umbria and Tuscany. Just uttering those two words should tell you what to expect.

And the lake’s surroundings don’t disappoint.

Olive groves, oak and cypress woods, sunflower fields and vineyards make cycling around the lake a fragrant experience. Throw in some castles, medieval towns like Castiglione del Lago (the main hub around the lake) and Passignano, and Lake Trasemeno may be in the shadow of the likes of Como and Garda but it’s equally as beautiful.

If you’re interested in cycling around the lakes IBT has expertly curated a number of tours that let you experience all the majesty they have to offer. Check out our Luxury Lakes And Vineyards tour, our E-bike Italy Best Lakes tour. Speak to a member of our friendly team and soon you and your partner or friends could soon be lakeside, being blown away by the stunning scenery.