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In the heart of Garda Trentino: the "Giro della Busa" loop

Torbole sul Garda - Nago, Arco, Riva del Garda, Tenno
Category
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
1:30
Duration in hours
Distance
19.7
Distance in km
Status
open
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
An excursion among olive groves and vineyards, suitable for everybody without much elevation gain to take you on a tour of the main towns of Garda Trentino: Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole

The fairly flat area to the north of Lake Garda is called “Busa” which means 'hole' in local dialect. The reason is self-explanatory: this part of Garda Trentino is surrounded by mountains so that it looks like a hole has been dug out of the landscape above the lake.

This is an itinerary which follows the perimeter of this area, running along cycle paths and back roads. The ideal trail for anyone interested in exploring this area of Garda Trentino by bicycle, enjoying the variety of landscape and passing through the little hamlets which are dotted around the countryside, away from the traffic of the main roads.

Along the way you will come across all manner of places of interest: attractions, monuments, restaurants and producers where you can always stop off to find out more or have a taste and learn about the history and traditions of Garda Trentino as well as the main players. Choose the theme you like best and start pedalling: you will discover that even the simplest route can be full of surprises.

Further information and useful links
  • Once you get to Vigne, look up: above you is Placche di Baone, and these slabs are one of the most popular climbing areas. Here everybody can climb: adults, kids, and even people with disabilities. In fact, this is one of the first barrier-free crags in the world, fitted with a tactile map which allows the visually impaired or blind to go rock climbing.
  • In Arco be sure to take the time to visit the historic centre and even go up to the castle which overlooks the town, a breathtaking vantage point over Garda Trentino. It is a twenty minute walk and the path winds through an ancient olive grove.
  • For more information on routes and bike services: rentals, workshops, shops and cycling friendly accommodation - APT Garda Trentino  Tel. +39 0464 554444 

Route info
Easy
Route number
Distance
19,7 km
Duration
1 h 30 min
Altitude difference (+)
158 m
Altitude difference (-)
150 m
Technical skills
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
171 m
Lowest point
62 m
Suggestions
Don't forget your camera. There is no end of places to take souvenir photos. And please feel free to share your memories with #GardaTrentino
Safety guidelines
  1. Give your bike a regular checkup, especially if you've had it for years.
  2. Be seen: you must wear a high vis jacket (or sash) in tunnels and on country roads after sunset.
  3. Always wear your helmet.
  4. Make sure your front and rear lights are working.
  5. Put out your arm to give advance warning of your intention to change position and before you do anything, check there are no vehicles coming up behind you.
  6. Don't use headphones or your mobile phone handsfree kit: you need all your concentration on the road!
  7. Obey the road signs: stop at traffic lights and don't ride on the wrong side of the road.
  8. If you are cycling in a group, always go in single file.
  9. You've got a bell: use it to let pedestrians know you're there. Don't ride on footpaths. If you have to then get off and push your bike.
  10. If there are cycle paths use them. It's your safety that's at stake and the rules of the road say you must.

Note: 

The cycle pathe in Trentino are usually closed by the local authorities from November, 15th to April, 15th. Exceptions are the cycle paths along the River Adige and in the Basso Sarca/Garda Trentino, where cycling is prohibited only in case of ice or during a snowfall

Punto di partenza
Info point Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda
Directions

Set off from the tourist information office in the direction of the lake. You will need to push your bike for a short distance along the shore. Cross the bridge over the little River Albola and then turn left, heading north. Cross the road at the stop sign. Now you are on a protected cycle path. Keep on the track which continues beyond the next stop sign, following directions for Varone. The cycle path is completely paved and there are only gentle rises. When you pass the pedestrian crossing you have reached Varone. At the end of the cycle path turn left, then at the traffic lights turn right onto the cycle path at the side of the road which runs along the stream (the Varone). Soon after the cycle path comes to an end and you pedal uphill on the main road. Pass the waterfall Cascata del Varone, take the first road on the right in the direction of Arco (via Venezia). Head down the road and when you come to the only traffic lights, turn left and you soon come to Ceole. This is the start of a short downhill stretch which takes you to the convent of Madonna delle Grazie. At the stop sign turn left and cycle for a stretch along the main road; then take the first road on the left in the direction of San Giovanni al Monte, and turn immediately right into via San Giuseppe: you are crossing the district of Varignano. At the stop sign keep going straight, then take the first road on the right and, at the stop sign, turn left. You are now in Vigne, another little quarter of Arco.

Continue on down via Verdi through a portico, then turn right into via Passo Buole. This road takes you to Chiarano, another little quarter of the town. At the stop, turn left onto via Capitelli. Keep going until the road bends to the right: at this point you leave the main road and keep on straight down a tree-lined avenue  (viale delle Magnolie) which takes you into the centre of Arco.

Leaving the church on your left, you pass in front of Bar Centrale. Here you turn right, staying on the right on the main road and then turn left (via delle Monache).  Then take the second left which leads to the sports grounds. Change over to the right hand side here and follow directions for the cycle path. You soon come to the pedestrian-cycle path, wide and well kept, which runs along the River Sarca to where it flows into the lake near Torbole.

At the mouth of the river, turn right onto the lake shore which brings you to the spectacular section of the cycle path overhanging the lake. When you come to the harbour of San Nicolò keep following directions for the cycle path. The final section runs along the beach of Riva del Garda and takes you back to where you started from.

public transportation

The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda and Arco – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point or in the immediate surroundings.

For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes

You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.

How to get there

Riva del Garda is easily accessible (about 18 km) from the Rovereto Sud - Lago di Garda Nord motorway exit.

Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino

 

Where to park
At the tourist information office in Riva del Garda there are a number of different pay parking spaces. The nearest free car park is in via Galas (about 500 m from the tourist office).
Riva del Garda
E-Bike Stop Info Point Riva del Garda
bike stop
Riva del Garda
E-Bike Stop Spiaggia dei Pini - Riva del Garda
bike stop
Arco
E-Bike Stop Info Point Arco
bike stop
Riva del Garda
E-Bike Stop Punta Lido - Riva del Garda
bike stop
Riva del Garda
E-Bike Stop Spiaggia Sabbioni - Riva del Garda
bike stop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Carpentari Cycling Stories
open
closed
services
Riva del Garda
Cicli Pederzolli
open
closed
bike shop
Riva del Garda
Degasperi rent e-bike
open
closed
bike shop
Riva del Garda
E-BIKEGARDA
open
closed
bike shop
Riva del Garda
Energiabike
open
closed
bike shop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Mandelli Bike
open
closed
bike shop
Riva del Garda
Rosà Bike
open
closed
services
Riva del Garda
The Lab
open
closed
bike shop
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Velolake
open
closed
services
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Garda Bike Shuttle
always open
services
Arco
Moser Sport Arco
open
closed
bike shop
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