The Bardolino route is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have during a holiday at Lake Garda, especially if you enjoy hiking and cycling, while discovering the area at a relaxed pace away from the crowded paths.
Between moraine hills, vineyards, villages, viewpoints, and wine cellars, on this trail you will discover the authentic side of Lake Garda: the landscape of the hinterland, which tells the history of this area regarding agriculture, culture, and nature.
Bardolino - Photo: Zanetti
What is the Bardolino route
The Bardolino route is a network of cycling and hiking trails set up for those who appreciate the hinterland of Lake Garda and wine-growing areas of Bardolino DOC.
The project includes six villages: Bardolino, Affi, Cavaion Veronese, Costermano sul Garda, Garda, and Rivoli Veronese. The main idea was to connect natural and agricultural areas with historical, scenic spots through a series of trails that can be explored on foot or by bike.
The trail stretches over about 140 km in total and includes 18 routes of varying lengths and difficulty. Some routes are short and suitable for a half-day walk, while others are longer and ideal for trekking or cycling tours.
Which route should you choose?
Below, we suggest a selection of the most interesting routes for those who want to explore the area around Bardolino and Cavaion Veronese.
Moraine hills of Rivoli Veronese
This route starts in the center of Rivoli Veronese and runs along the southern slopes of the moraine amphitheater, an area shaped by glaciers.
Scenically, it's a charming route, not too long, and perfect for anyone who wants to take a walk surrounded by nature. The path goes through forests and vineyards with wonderful views of the Adige Valley and Mount Baldo.
The sights include the old fountains and the fortress of Rivoli, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Gaium, and the wind park on Mount Mesa. This route is suggested for those who want to discover a less well-known but very scenic area away from the lakeshore.
Suitable for walkers: a short path with a wonderful view and little height difference.
Fortress of Rivoli (photo: visitbaldoadige.it) - Wind park (photo: comunirinnovabili.it) - Church of San Michele (photo: wikipedia.it)
Sorda Valley and Mount Moscal
This valley, called Val Sorda, is one of the most surprising corners of the hinterland of Lake Garda.
The route leads through green and lush landscapes between Bardolino, Cavaion Veronese, and Affi up to Mount Moscal.
The path, with an elevation difference of about 350 meters, is much more challenging but offers beautiful views: from the lush vegetation in the valley to the summit panorama of the mountain, where the view stretches from Lake Garda over the foothills to the plain of Verona.
Suitable for: experienced hikers and nature lovers.
Mount Moscal (photo: delgarda.it)
Bardolino and the Rock of Garda
This trail is one of the most characteristic and combines the charm of the lakeshore with the climb to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area: the Rock of Garda, called Rocca di Garda.
It starts in Bardolino and follows a picturesque bike path along Lake Garda up to Rocca di Garda, where you climb the rock and pass through a dense hilly forest. From the top, you get a spectacular view of the lower part of Lake Garda.
The route also offers the chance to discover some places of historical and cultural interest, like the Romanesque church of San Severo and the hermitage of the Camaldolese monks of San Giorgio.
Suitable for: hikers visiting Bardolino for the first time who want to combine the lake with nature, and views.
Rock of Garda (photo: trekkingverona.altervista.com)
Panoramic view between Lake Garda and hills
This route has been designed for cyclists and passes through the hills of the eastern Lake Garda.
You start between Bardolino and Garda, ride up to the villages Marciaga and Castion Veronese, pass through Costermano, and return to Bardolino via Albaré and the hills while enjoying various lake views.
It's a longer route of about 30 km and is suitable for anyone who loves bike tours and wants to explore the area actively. Along the trail, scenic routes, villages, side roads, and green spaces alternate.
Points of interest include the Mill Valley of Lake Garda, called Valle dei Molini, the church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo in Marciaga, the Friendship and Peoples Park in Costermano, and the beach Punta Cornicello in Bardolino.
Suitable for: day-trippers by bike or e-bike between Lake Garda, hills, and villages.
Mill Valley (photo: europlan.it) - Church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo (photo: wikipedia.it) - Punta Cornicello (photo: spiagge.life)
By bike through the hills at Lake Garda to the river Adige
This bike tour perfectly combines the landscape of Lake Garda with the area of river Adige. It passes through Cavaion Veronese, Affi, Rivoli Veronese, and Costermano sul Garda, taking you over hills, alongside roads, and through scenic track sections.
The sights include the Archaeological Park ‘La Bastia’, the path to Mount San Michele, the archaeological museum and the pond Ca’ Nova [link to the article about Cavaion], as well as the wash fountain in Affi.
Suitable for: adventurous people who want to explore the hinterland by bike as far as to the area of river Adige.
Archeological Park 'La Bastia' - Pond Ca’ Nova (photo: Massimo Fusaro)
Bardolino route: map
To best organize the hike, it's advisable to check the map of the trail Bardolino before leaving. We show you the five routes we mentioned earlier on the map below.
Map of the Bardolino route - Brochure 'The Bardolino route'
For safety, the routes are supported by information boards with QR codes, through which you can download the GPX tracks and get information about the trails. This is especially handy for anyone who wants to follow the route with a smartphone or a GPS device.
When you should use the Bardolino route
The trail Bardolino can be explored at different times of the year, but the best seasons are spring and autumn.
In spring, the landscape is green, the temperatures are pleasant, and the hills offer charming views. In autumn, on the other hand, the vineyards change colour, and the atmosphere fascinates especially those who love the world of wine and like harvest experiences.
Summer can also be a good time, but you should start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.
The trail Bardolino offers many activities in the area around Cavaion Veronese if you want to experience Lake Garda in a more authentic way. During your stay at Alys & Kate, you should definitely make time for one of the hiking routes: they give you the chance to discover a less known but very charming Lake Garda in an easy and delightful way.
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