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Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, northern Italy's Lake Garda is one of the world’s most spectacular cycling destinations. More than a thousand kilometres of trails circle the lake’s shores, offering something to appeal to everyone, from scenic rides for beginners, to more challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

The town of Riva del Garda at the lake’s northern end is an ideal place to begin a cycling tour of Lake Garda. Riders can take the 30km Laghel route from the town for a medium-difficulty ride that takes in the area’s natural beauty and fascinating historic sites. The journey begins along the road to the spectacular Varone Waterfall, which flows through a cavern inside a gorge. 

It then continues through olive groves and charming villages, and climbs to the tiny mountain-side church of Santa Maria di Laghel. A winding path through the woods travels back down to the old Roman bridge over the river Sarca. Then, the route rejoins the road and travels past plum orchards to the town of Arco, home to a medieval castle and the historic convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. From Arco, a path along the banks of the river Sarca offers a beautiful scenic journey along the water, and completes the ride back to Riva del Garda.

Lake Garda is a stunning part of the world, and a cycling tour is one of the best ways to experience everything that the area has to offer. For cyclists, nature lovers and admirers of Italian culture and history, Lake Garda is a travel destination not to be missed.