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From Vineyards to Villages: 5 Towns in Veneto for Cycling and Walking Aficionados

Here are our top 5 favourite towns in Veneto for cycling and walking that you definitely should note, if you’re an adventure aficionado!

Towns in Veneto for Cycling and Walking (Source)

Apart from the lovely villages and beautiful landscapes, Veneto is also a paradise for those who love exploring places on foot or by bike. Since the famous Dolomites mountain range also passes through this region, you can expect beautiful tracks for cycling and hiking throughout the way.

Out of these beautiful towns, I will share my favourite spots where you can roam around on foot or cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Veneto’s Berici Hills offers nature-filled routes, cycling contests like Brevetto dei Berici, and local wine delights.
  • Valdobbiadene combines UNESCO-recognized vineyards, Prosecco cycling events, and scenic loops that are perfect for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The shores of Lake Garda provide gorgeous lakeside cycling routes, scenic towns like Malcesine, and adventurous trails near Monte Baldo.
  • For mountain bikers, Lessinia and Asolo boast rugged peaks, historical sites, and peaceful loops that are ideal for slow-paced exploration.

Berici Hills: A Haven for Nature Lovers

With its prehistoric roots, the Berici Hills, just south of Vicenza, is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. The fossils and large carbonate rocks here suggest that this was a sea bed millions of years ago. Now, the whole region has uneven paths, lush forests, and quiet roads that take you deep into nature. 

The rolling hills are dotted with small villages and rural farms where you can find interesting cuisine and different wineries. Here, you’ll also find the largest cycle tourism park in Italy, called Berici Climbs.

Road to the Berciri Bridge during bike tours. (Source)

Here are some great cycling routes in Veneto:

  • Key Routes: The scenic cycling path from Costozza to Lumignano is a must-visit for gente climbs and stunning views.
  • Brevetto dei Berici: This is a contest in which you can win the exclusive Berici climber badges by completing the One Hundred Climbs.
  • Local Delights: During your trek, you can pass around different villages and enjoy their unique items, especially Tocai Rosso, a local wine, at one of the many charming osterias.
  • Alta Via dei Berici: It is a huge biking trail loop that passes the Berici Hills and is divided into eleven parts. 

Valdobbiadene: Heart of Prosecco Country

Famous for its sparkling wine, Valdobbiadene is another destination for those who love vineyards and peaceful paths. It’s a dream come true for people who enjoy scenic landscapes combined with a taste of Italy’s finest wines. Apart from its famous wine, its unique location below the Dolomites makes it an amazing place for cycling. 

A beautiful view of Valdobbiadene (source)

Due to its unique production of Glera, a type of grapes used in the making of Presseco wine, Valdobbiadene is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Similarly, since it is only a 40-minute drive away from Venice, it is a highly accessible point for visitors. As someone who loves trekking and cycling, you can visit this place for:

  • Prosecco Cycling: This annual cycling event is held in the Prosecco region every October, and you get to visit various vineyards and beautiful landscapes in the region.
  • Wine Tasting: During your trekking and cycling tours, you can stop by one of the many family-run wineries to learn about Prosecco making and sample some.
  • St. Stephen’s Loop: This is another cycling loop of around 30 miles that takes you from Valdobbiadene to St. Stephens.

If you’re looking for a comfortable residence in Valdobbiadene, I recommend checking out Hotel Diana due to its scenic location. 

Lake Garda: A Cyclist’s Paradise

It is Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by dramatic mountains and tranquil beaches, making it an ideal spot for walking and cycling enthusiasts. While this is already a scenic cycling path for tourists, the ongoing construction of the Ciclovia del Garda is set to make the whole experience even better. For reference, Ciclovia del Garda is a 140 Km cycling pathway that is set to be completed by 2026. 

Lake Garda (Source)

As of now, a 2 km track has been completed and opened to the public. However, it is usually crowded with tourists due to its scenic beauty.

Apart from this pathway, you can explore multiple small tracks around the lake since it touches three major regions of Italy. Here’s what you can do in the region:

  • Top Routes: The Garda by Bike route is a breathtaking cycling experience along the lake’s edge that connects the shores of Trentino, Brescia, and Veronese.
  • Scenic Walks: You can walk around the charming town of Malcesine, with its medieval castle and cobblestone streets.
  • Adventure Options: Near Monte Baldo, you can try mountain biking experience for a more adventurous and intense workout.

Lessinia: A Gem of the Verona Province

Lessinia is a lesser-known gem perfect for active travellers in the mountains north of Verona. Since it is a plateau, you can expect to find beautiful meadows, ancient villages, and rugged peaks that offer a wide range of activities. In addition to the famous Lessinia Regional Nature Park, there are many tracks where you can take peaceful walks or find groups for biking tours.

Veja Bridge in Lessinia (Source)

If you visit it in summer, you can enjoy horse and bike rides on various tracks in the Lessinia Natural Regional Park. For brief highlights of the key locations, go through the following points:

  • Lessinia tour: This is a 44-mile-long biking tour that takes around seven hours to complete. However, it is recommended only for experts as it is very tiresome.
  • Mountain Biking: For trained bikers, this is an almost 20 km long loop surrounded by mountain pastures on the plateau. 
  • Geological Wonders: As a photographer, you can hike to the Ponte di Veja, a natural stone arch, to take beautiful pictures.

Asolo: The City of a Hundred Horizons

Asolo, often called the “City of a Hundred Horizons,” is a perfect destination for a slow-paced yet refreshing journey. This hilltop town is full of history, charm, and scenic cycling routes. You can walk around the town to see its beautiful castles and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 

The bell tower in Asolo (Source)

Apart from the historical walks around the town, you can also go on biking tours with your friends. The following are a few options that you can avail to get a peaceful experience in this town:

  • Intertown tours: You can ride from Asolo to Bassano del Grappa for perfect panoramic views and historic stops.
  • Villa of Maser Loop: This is a 34-mile route where you pass through various villas, churches, and pastures in and around Asolo.
  • Artistic Legacy: The town has inspired writers and artists, including Robert Browning and Eleonora Duse. You can visit its museums on foot to experience the history on your own.

Hotel Asolo is a good choice for staying for a couple of days in the town since you can utilize its parking space for your biking gear as well.

Conclusion

Cycling and walking through Veneto’s diverse towns is like piecing together a mosaic of history, nature, and culture. While I’m not a fan of mountain biking, I surely loved roaming and cycling around many of these towns during my brief stays there. Let me know which activity is your favourite and if you think I missed something, make sure to share it in the comments.

Sources

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Sindi Topi

Sindi Topi is a travel expert, Internet personality and experienced relocation consultant. She is well known for her social media presence and sharp local insights.

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