Lombardy, with its more than colorful landscape, is perfect for cycling activities, whether solo but especially in company.
In this region there is a long bike path that connects Limone, a town on Lake Garda, at the border with the province of Trento. Riding this cycle path gives you the thrill of being suspended over Lake Garda and its surroundings.
This is just one of many examples of cycling activities you can do in this northern region of Italy. From urban explorations to rides immersed in the Po Valley, including e-bike experiences on its most famous lakes and historic villages, the cycling routes available in Lombardy, even for less experienced cyclists, are truly endless.
Cycling in Milan
The regional capital is among the most advanced cities in terms of bike sharing, and it can be explored by bike following various routes.
For a complete tour of Milan, it is recommended not to limit yourself to Piazza Duomo and the Sforza Castle, but to include them in an itinerary that touches different neighborhoods, to experience the diverse souls that inhabit the metropolis.
You go from the very modern City Life to the Brera district, up to the Roman ruins of Corso Magenta. You can also visit by bicycle the famous China Town on Via Paolo Sarpi and from there reach Corso Como, a lively center of Milanese design.
From Milan Towards Lake Como and Other Directions
From Milan, you can then move in various directions that lead to Lake Como. For example, from the Martesana Canal a long bike path, surrounded by period villas immersed in greenery, leads straight to Lecco, up to the point where you can observe the Adda River. Also, from Milan you can follow a route that first takes you to Lake Como and then to the Swiss border, populated by vineyards.
Another route you could take is the one from Milan to Bellagio, along flat and at the same time rolling roads. Taking this route means crossing two botanical gardens, that of Villa Carlotta, also on Lake Como, and that of Bellagio itself, known as the Gardens of Villa Melzi.
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Also, from the southern area of Milan you can venture into the Parco Agricolo Sud, which includes as many as 61 municipalities.
The cycling routes that start in this area are characterized by a decidedly rural and bucolic atmosphere, but there are also historical and architectural sights to admire.
Among the architectural beauties of the Park, you can find the Abbey of Chiaravalle, the first stretch of the Monks' Path that extends to the Po River in the Lodi area.
Cycling Activities with Children
For a bike trip where children accompanied by their parents can also feel like protagonists, there are some routes and activities that, due to their ease, are more recommended than others.
The Mincio Cycle Path in Mantua
The Mincio Cycle Path, in Mantua, is definitely a good idea in this sense: 43 kilometers of downhill along the Mincio River, for an experience in contact with a landscape not only wooded and rural but also animated by peat bogs and springs.
The path leads directly to Mantua, which with its lakes offers a charming spectacle, especially at sunset.
The Chitò Cycle Path in the Bergamo Area
Another route that will undoubtedly be appreciated by parents and children is the Chitò Cycle Path.
This path is located in the Imagna Valley, near Bergamo. It goes from the town of Clanezzo to Strozza, for a total distance of about 4 kilometers.
Protected by Mount Ubione, the Chitò Cycle Path has the advantage of having no elevation changes: it is completely flat, equipped with railings and therefore safe. It is also quite shaded and has water springs along the entire route. For all these reasons it is very suitable for rides with children.
The Cycle Path has a structure that makes it unique. It actually runs along a canal, which in the past was the energy source for a hydroelectric power plant based in Clanezzo.
The canal is crossed by the Chitò Bridge, a stone hydraulic structure with six arches.
The Walled Towns Cycle Path in the Cremona Area
The Walled Towns Cycle Path finally includes green areas and small villages and is perfect for a bike trip in the province of Cremona.
38 km long, it owes its name to the fortifications dating back to ancient times that characterize it along its entire route, which involves several hamlets in the Cremona area. Precisely because of these defensive elements, the path is called “The Walled Towns Cycle Path.”
For seven kilometers it follows the Serio Morto River, a stream that gives origin and name to a park you can visit, The Serio Morto Valley.
The stops along this cycle path are flanked by city walls. The starting point is the village of Pizzighettone, which still preserves the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation.
Near this small hamlet, before reaching Soncino, is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Ariadello. This building dedicated to Marian worship is located inside a wooded area, the Ariadello Park and the Navigli Valley.
Near Soresina, in Genivolta, you can admire an important concentration of waterways, called Tombe Morte-Thirteen Bridges. It is a truly fascinating spot where, among valleys and escarpments, the Adda, the Oglio and the Grande Pallavicino of Cremona meet.