The cycle path of the Parco del Mincio with departure from Peschiera del Garda and return

Dedicating time for cycling excursions on vacation, alone, in company or with family and children is a real cure-all for health, an opportunity for close contact with nature and a pleasant way to spend the day and go to the discovery of the territory.

In Peschiera del Garda begins the cycle path of the Mincio Park, a magnificent flat route of 43.5 km from Peschiera to Mantua, which runs alongside the Mincio river and enters the agricultural landscapes of the moraine hills to continue up to the historic Unesco world heritage city.

Far from traffic, noise and surrounded by greenery, the route winds its way between the borders of Veneto and Lombardy, passing through characteristic historic villages.

Like any bicycle excursion, it is advisable to plan the day in advance according to your attitudes, tour companions and preferences.

The route is very beautiful, long and varied and there are many possibilities to live this experience and the places to visit, including wineries or suggestive trattorias or farmhouses and refreshment points. You can think of a round trip itinerary for the more sporty, or consider shorter excursions with stops along the way.

We propose the reduced route that from Peschiera reaches Borghetto sul Mincio and back.

THE SHORT ROUTE

From the historic center of Peschiera del Garda a signpost indicates the departure of the cycle path which, in the first stretch, runs alongside the canal of the Venetian walls of the fortress of Peschiera, allowing you to admire the majesty of the Venetian city wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After passing the railway bridge that crosses the Mincio River, called “I sette Ponti”, you reach the cycle path that runs along the long river for most of its length.

The flat road, the naturalistic landscape outlined by a long row of cypress poplars on the right and the river waters, with their characteristic emerald green color, offer moments of great pleasure.

It is an easy path, suitable for even the youngest and thanks to the partially shaded trees.

After a few kilometers you reach the thermoelectric plant, a cutting-edge plant that produces electricity, minimizing the environmental impact by aiming for sustainable development. The chimney, 150 m high, recognizable from a distance thanks to the horizontal bands of white and red, now no longer in use, given its location in an area of ​​high landscape importance, was the subject of a redevelopment competition for the transformation of the same in a panoramic tower and museum area. The power plant participates in study initiatives with schools.

Continuing along the path you arrive at the Monzambano dam bridge. A dam of fundamental importance that regulates the flow of water from the river towards the countryside and the water level of Lake Garda.

At this point you can make a small stop and fill the drinking bottles at the drinking water fountain.

At the dam, attention must be paid to the crossing that allows you to pass on the opposite bank of the river and continue the path towards the town of Monzambano.

A village that stands on a promontory, in the heart of the moraine hills surrounded by a landscape dotted with cypresses, olive trees and vineyards, dominated by the ancient castle dating back to the XII century. Also interesting is the Church of San Michele with late Baroque forms. In the center of the small town, the Piazzetta delle Arti e Mestieri overlooking the Virgilio canal usually hosts concerts and cultural events.

After the visit to the historical center of Monzambano, you start pedaling again towards Borghetto.

The magnificent Ponte Visconteo, a fortified dam built at the end of the 1300s and a work of great engineering interest, marks the entrance to the delightful village nestled on the banks of the river and inserted among the “most beautiful villages in Italy”.

The three ancient mills, the colorful houses and the narrow alleys, the small wooden bridge are characteristic elements of the village, inside which it is possible to see the Church of San Marco Evangelista in neoclassical style.

From Borghetto you can decide whether to continue the long route to Mantua or whether to make detours and, for example, head towards the village of Volta Mantovana and reach the nature reserve of Castellaro Lagusello, one of the most interesting medieval agricultural villages overlooking a morainic lake with a particular heart shape.

Alternatively from Borghetto you can deviate towards the well-known resort of Valeggio sul Mincio and devote yourself to visiting the Parco Giardino Sigurtà and then take the return road to Peschiera del Garda.

Given the variety of points of interest and to appreciate the area and the various possibilities it offers, the same itinerary can be planned over several days, deciding what to visit first. Surely the Sigurtà Park alone deserves a day.

Good bicycle tour!