One lake. One unforgettable loop. A full-day road ride around Italy’s most scenic lake, starting and finishing in Bardolino.
The Giro del Lago di Garda — or Lake Garda loop — is one of the most iconic full-day rides in northern Italy. I like to start from Bardolino where we have the second ciaocycling home, and riding clockwise, this ~140 km road bike tour offers an incredible mix of panoramic lake views, lakeside villages, and rolling terrain.
Route Overview
- Start/Finish: Bardolino
- Direction: Clockwise
- Distance: ~140 km
- Elevation: ~1,000–1,100 m
- Time: 5 hours (depending on pace)
- Level: Intermediate to experienced road cyclists
- Traffic: Good in winter, but very full during summer, especially summer weekends and all august.
Why Ride It Clockwise?
Riding clockwise from Bardolino means you’re always on the right side of the road — literally — riding closest to the lake for the best views all day long. You’ll follow the shoreline with unobstructed scenery, especially along the western cliffs between Salò and Limone.
Starting from the south also makes the flow more manageable: you ease into the ride with flat sections before hitting the more dramatic climbs and tunnels later in the day when traffic tends to be calmer.
🔄 Tip: If you’re starting from the north (Riva, Arco, or Torbole), consider riding anti-clockwise — this lets you tackle the galleries and narrow cliff roads early in the morning before the traffic builds up.
Route Highlights
Bardolino → Desenzano del Garda (~40 km)
Cruise along the southern lakeshore through Lazise, Peschiera del Garda, and into Desenzano. This section is mostly flat and fast, with a few towns to navigate, but smooth tarmac and plenty of spots for a mid-morning coffee.
Desenzano → Salò → Limone sul Garda (~50 km)
Things get more scenic after Desenzano. You’ll ride past Manerba del Garda and into Salò. From here, the terrain becomes more undulating, and the views along the western cliffs start to steal the show.
The road between Gargnano and Limone sul Garda is one of the most photogenic stretches — hugging the rock face with tunnels and jaw-dropping views over the lake.
🛑 Bring bike lights for the tunnels and be alert for traffic, especially during summer weekends.
Limone → Riva del Garda → Torbole (~20 km)
You’ll hit a brief climb after Limone before descending into Riva del Garda, a popular outdoor hub with cafés, bike shops, and plenty of energy. Just a few minutes further is Torbole, where I like to stop for a proper lunch or lakeside break, especially because you can observe all the windsurfers training and practicing on the lake.
Torbole → Torri del Benaco → Bardolino (~30 km)
The ride down the eastern shoreline is smooth and quieter, especially in the late afternoon. The road from Malcesine to Torri del Benaco has gorgeous lake views and fewer cars. The final stretch from Torri back to Bardolino is perfect golden-hour riding, especially riding past San Vigilio and into Garda.
Food & Refuel Suggestions
- Coffee stop: Desenzano or Salò
- Snack or lunch: Riva del Garda or Torbole
- Post-ride celebration: Bardolino
🚲 Ride the Giro with CiaoCycling
Want to ride the full Lake Garda loop without worrying about traffic, route planning, or where to stop? I’ve got you covered.
I offer:
- Guided day rides around the lake, adapted to your pace and preferences
- Custom support for couples, small groups, or solo riders
- Additional guided tours in the surrounding areas like Valpolicella, Lessinia, or Monte Baldo
- Tailored trip planning if you’re looking to turn this into a full cycling vacation or multi-day adventure — gravel or road
This isn’t just another ride — it’s a full-day cycling experience that captures the essence of riding in northern Italy.
Ready to ride the full Giro del Garda?
📩 Contact me and let’s make it happen — road bike, lakeside, Italian style.
