Mantua is one of Italy’s most bike-friendly cities: no hills, paths along the water and a historic centre where the bike is the fastest way to get around. You can hire one in town or arrive by train with your own.
Two suggestions: a short ride around the lakes, suitable for everyone, and the classic cycle path along the Mincio all the way to Lake Garda, a full day of easy pedalling.
At a glance: 2 h – 1 day · completely flat · cycle tourists
The stops
1. The lakes loop
A ride along the Upper Lake, the Lago di Mezzo and the Lower Lake, crossing the Ponte dei Mulini and the Ponte di San Giorgio. The best views of Mantua are from the opposite shore, looking towards the Castello di San Giorgio.
2. Mantua–Peschiera cycle path: from Mantua to Goito
You leave the city heading north along the Mincio, between fields and embankments, as far as Goito.
3. Pozzolo and Borghetto sul Mincio
Borghetto, part of Valeggio sul Mincio, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: watermills beneath the Visconti bridge. Valeggio is famous for its “love knot” tortellini.
4. Arrival in Peschiera del Garda
The cycle path reaches Lake Garda at the fortress of Peschiera. You return by train via Verona – check bike spaces in advance.
Visit Mantua luggage-free
Leave your suitcases, backpacks and bags at Mantova Locker and travel light: we are at Via Solferino e San Martino 4, just a short walk from the railway station, open 24 hours a day. Find out how it works, our prices and where to find us.
Practical tips
- Arriving with panniers? Leave them in storage and ride the lakes loop travelling light.
- Some stretches of the cycle path to Peschiera have no shade: set off early in summer.
- Check the Trenitalia or Trenord website to see which trains take bikes for the return journey.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mantua–Peschiera cycle path?
About 45 km, almost entirely flat along the Mincio.
Can you hire a bike in Mantua?
Yes, in the centre there are bike hire shops and bike-sharing services.
How long does the lakes loop take by bike?
About two hours at a relaxed pace, photo stops included.
More Mantua itineraries
- Mantua in one day: a walking itinerary through the Gonzaga masterpieces
- A weekend in Mantua: what to see in two days of art, theatre and lakes
- Mantua in half a day: what to see between trains
- Mantua on the water: lakes, boat trips on the Mincio and lotus flowers
- Mantua for food lovers: an itinerary of pumpkin tortelli, risotto and sbrisolona
- Palazzo Ducale and the Camera degli Sposi in Mantua: a visitor’s guide
- Palazzo Te in Mantua: what to see in Giulio Romano’s villa
- Sabbioneta from Mantua: a day trip to the Gonzaga ideal city
- Mantua with kids: things to do among castles, boats and nature
- Mantua for free: what to see without spending a penny
- Around Mantua: 6 villages and places for a day trip
- Mantua in 3 days: a complete itinerary of the city, the lakes and Sabbioneta
- How to get to Mantua: train, car, plane and getting around town
- When to visit Mantua: the best time, season by season
- Mantua by night: sunset over the lakes, aperitivo in the piazza and theatres
- Musical Mantua: Teatro Bibiena, Mozart, Monteverdi and Rigoletto
- Mantua in the rain: museums, palaces and arcades for an indoor day
- What to see in Mantua
