A journey through the main historic centres of Garda Trentino, its beaches and olive groves before ascending to the area of Tenno through to the Ballino Pass.
Marvellous panoramic views, slopes that can become steep at times, various types of surfaces, all of which can be cycled, even if not all typically on a gravel bike. This type of cycling can be interpreted in a broad variety of ways, while here it obviously reflects the particular nature of the area. Woods, mediaeval villages and the splendid Lake Tenno with its turquoise waters are the main features on this section of the route. The return towards Garda passing vineyards and olive groves is surprising in any season.
The dialect term “Busa” is used to refer to the valley north of Lake Garda, home to Arco, Riva and Torbole.
The proposed route starts out from Arco, then passes through Nago, Torbole and Riva, but since it forms a loop, you can choose to start anywhere from one of these towns.
It is quite difficult to identify the suggested route without using a navigation system to follow the gpx track provided.
For more information on routes, bike services (rentals, workshops, shops) and cycling friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Safety Tips
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
Following the cycle path, you will come to a roundabout at the car park exit. This is where you take the first exit in the direction marked Prato Saiano. A little past the flyover, turn right into the countryside. Here the direction to take for cycle routes is marked on several signs. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, you continue in the direction of Garda to reach the side of the mountain located on your left. Take the uphill section in the direction of Nago, which offers stunning views over Garda. Following the only cycle route, you come to the roundabout located at the entrance to Nago; keep right here to continue through the town centre in the direction of Baldo. Here you will cross the town along its narrow streets, discovering some of its most charming corners, before continuing into the countryside. Once on the Strada del Baldo road, keep right in the direction of Torbole-Busatte and then down among the olive groves to Parco delle Busatte on your left. Cross through the park and at the end of the grassy area, on the right of the BMX track, take the right onto the gravel track that precedes a descent with steps. Continue straight ahead to the centre of the structures inside the Parco Avventura, in the heart of the woods. Keeping to the right, follow the forest road that will take you into Via delle Busatte, proceeding downhill into the centre of Torbole. Once in Piazza Goethe, keep the right and continue along the main road until you come to the bridge over the River Sarca. Over the bridge, turn left and follow the cycle path along the beaches in the direction of Riva del Garda. Continue alongside the shores of the lake, following the cycle path as far as the little bridge near Parco dell'Ora. Continue through the park, leaving the lake behind you and at the next fork, take the right to carry on straight until you come to Viale Rovereto. Cross this road and take the cycle track up to Varone. The cycle track ends here; take the left at the traffic light and continue over the crossroads, keeping left then immediately turning right. This takes you into Via Chiesa Vecchia. At the old fountain with typical wash tub, turn right to commence your climb through Olivaia. Keep left at the next fork and right at the next one to continue straight up as far as the Albergo Deva hotel. This is a very steep section, on asphalt, all under direct sunlight, but the views are well worth seeing.
Once on the main road, continue for about 3 km to Pranzo. Turn right towards the church that you can see in front of you. This takes you through the first of the villages in this splendid valley, with the help of the signs for the MTB trail to Lake Tenno. Now you are back on the main road, upstream of the town; continue to follow this road uphill. Before coming to the lake you will find another section of cycle track beside the road on your left. After this section, keep left and follow the state road to Ballino. Just past the church, keep right along another difficult uphill section that will take you into the woods at Castil. Once at the top of the hill, follow the main forest road, which has a few uphill sections before descending steeply to Lake Tenno. It is practically obligatory to stop here, especially on hotter days. Continue along this route to the best-known village in the area: Canale. It is so beautiful that it is only natural to slow down in order to savour it, but in any case, you are asked to pass through slowly to respect the other visitors. Keeping to the right on the main square of the village, you will continue your descent, still on the right, along an old access route to the village. The road surface is not at all smooth, but it is stable, and the charm of these old cobbles is notable. Back on the main road, continue for a short downhill section before leaving it on the right at the church of Ville al Monte. The section here is marked as a MTB route and will guide you onto a dirt track which is not steep, but it is rather uneven, which you will follow until the entrance to the village of Tenno. This track comes out on a bend, where you cross and take the road into town, keeping left to continue uphill behind the Town Hall building. Once past the car park at the upper entrance to the village, keep on the right and continue straight ahead through the vines. Once at the fork at the end of a short, cement-covered downhill section, keep right and continue along the road known as Fontanelle. Once again you are overlooking Garda in a setting that is stunning to say the least. Just before you come to the main road, near a castle, which the route does not include, turn left onto the dirt track of Pil. This will take you to Volta di No. Take the right at the stop sign, then left just before the state road 421. Now carry on straight ahead, passing a short dirt section and then continuing downhill along the steep cemented ramps of the olive grove, to Varignano.
After a period of heavy rainfall, ruts can form in the passage from asphalt to dirt, or even a build up of gravel. When riding a gravel bike, it is best to proceed with caution in this section. Once at the stop on the road to Padaro, keep on the right and then turn left, passing alongside a nearby church. Keep on the left and continue straight on to the centre of Vigne. Once here, pass in front of the church in the centre and then, on the left, take a small track back up through Olivaia. You will reach the top of the hill close to a crossroads, where you keep right and then continue down to the village of Chiarano. You are now close to the point where you started. At the stop sign on Via Capitelli, turn left and continue straight ahead towards the centre of Arco and then to the car park.
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riva del Garda - Arco.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).
Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
