
Lake Varese Cycle Path
A scenic 28km cycle path encircling Lake Varese, offering diverse landscapes and historical touches. Perfect for cycling and walking.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Lake Varese Cycle Path
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 28km cycle path encircling Lake Varese, offering diverse landscapes and historical touches. Perfect for cycling and walking.
"It's truly beautiful, enjoyable, the views and nature are stunning and change at every turn."

Park Smartly
Schiranna Lido and Tigros parking lots are good starting points. Arrive early on weekends! :car:
Embrace the Loop
The full 28km loop is highly recommended for diverse scenery. Allow 6+ hours with stops. :bike:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Full Lake Loop
Entire perimeter of Lake Varese
A scenic 28km cycle path offering diverse views, from lakeside promenades to wooded trails.

Schiranna Lido
Varese
A popular starting point with easy parking and beautiful lake access for your cycling adventure.

Gavirate Lakeside Charm
Gavirate
Discover charming spots with restaurants overlooking the water, perfect for a relaxing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Cycle
Navigating the Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park Smartly
Schiranna Lido and Tigros parking lots are good starting points. Arrive early on weekends! :car:
Embrace the Loop
The full 28km loop is highly recommended for diverse scenery. Allow 6+ hours with stops. :bike:
Watch for Poles!
Be aware of wooden poles on curves, intended to separate cyclists but can be hazardous. :warning:
Enjoy Lakeside Dining
Gavirate offers lovely spots with lake views for a meal or coffee break. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Smartly
Schiranna Lido and Tigros parking lots are good starting points. Arrive early on weekends! :car:
Embrace the Loop
The full 28km loop is highly recommended for diverse scenery. Allow 6+ hours with stops. :bike:
Watch for Poles!
Be aware of wooden poles on curves, intended to separate cyclists but can be hazardous. :warning:
Enjoy Lakeside Dining
Gavirate offers lovely spots with lake views for a meal or coffee break. :coffee:
Signage is Mostly Good
Brown signs guide you, but have a map handy for tricky sections. :map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lake Varese Cycle Path is widely praised for its beautiful scenery, enjoyable atmosphere, and the rare presence of a dedicated cycle path in Italy. While some minor hazards and connectivity issues are noted, most visitors find it a highly rewarding experience for cycling, walking, and enjoying the lakeside charm.
"Top"
Mauro Favruzzo
"22/4/2025 I left from Schiranna "lido" I parked without problems, I left there at 11:06 and completed the 28 km tour of the lake at 17:00...5:54 minutes including stops of all types and reasons. Very beautiful and well signposted with brown signs. I recommend it very very pleasant and with wonderful corners 😍😍"
ele berny
"A very beautiful route, worth repeating.
We set off on foot from Buguggiate, coming from Como. We left the car at the Tigros parking lot and began the route on foot. We left at 8:30, with several stops, the village and the ice houses, arriving in Gavirate....
An enchanting and very beautiful place, with little restaurants overlooking the lake.... and a very relaxing atmosphere.... we ate....
Then around 12:30/1:00 we set off again.
From there on, the landscape changes a bit.
You walk and sometimes you can't see the lake...
You're in the woods surrounded by greenery...
Then you walk.... the road is next to you...
Then around 3:30 we arrived at the Tigros parking lot. I really enjoyed it....
I would gladly do it again.... about 35 km on foot. 😊"
Annamaria Guidetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cycle path is accessible from various points around Lake Varese. Popular starting points with parking include Schiranna Lido in Varese and the Tigros parking lot in Buguggiate. You can reach these by car. Public transport options might be limited directly to the path, so driving or cycling to a starting point is often easiest.
Yes, parking is available at several points along the route, notably at Schiranna Lido and the Tigros parking lot. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.
Yes, you can access the cycle path from Varese, particularly from the Schiranna Lido area. While Varese itself might not be the most scenic part of the route, it serves as a convenient entry point.
Currently, there isn't a good cycling connection to nearby Lake Monate or Lake Comabbio, which is a missed opportunity for integrated tourism.
Many cyclists recommend starting from Schiranna Lido in Varese for its convenient parking and direct access to the path. The full loop is approximately 28 km.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lake Varese Cycle Path is a public route and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to use for cycling and walking.
The cycle path is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery.
There is no entrance fee to access or use the Lake Varese Cycle Path. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Information on bike rentals directly at the path is limited, but it's worth checking local tourist information centers or bike shops in Varese or nearby towns for rental options.
The path is generally accessible to everyone, with most of it being flat or gently undulating. Some sections might have minor inclines or be adjacent to roads.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The full loop around Lake Varese is approximately 28 kilometers (about 17.4 miles). It's a substantial ride that can take several hours with stops.
Completing the 28 km loop can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on your pace, the number of stops you make, and whether you're cycling or walking.
You'll experience a variety of landscapes, including lakeside promenades, wooded areas, and sections that run alongside roads. The views of the lake are often stunning.
Some reviewers mention hazardous poles placed on curves and large STOP markings on the road that can be disruptive. It's important to stay alert.
For the most part, the path is well-marked with brown signs. However, some users have noted occasional difficulties in finding the route or signposted exits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes, particularly in towns like Gavirate, which offer lovely views of the lake. Some reviewers enjoyed stopping for a meal.
You'll find typical Italian trattorias and cafes offering local dishes. Options range from quick snacks to more substantial meals.
While not explicitly designated, the natural beauty of the path offers many opportunities for a picnic. Bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea.
Water refill stations are not commonly mentioned. It's recommended to carry enough water for your journey, especially during warmer months.
As with many Italian destinations, vegetarian options are usually available. Vegan options might require specific requests at restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The path offers numerous scenic spots, from panoramic lake views to charming lakeside towns and natural greenery. The changing landscapes provide great photo ops.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful over the lake.
Many sections offer stunning vistas. Towns like Gavirate provide picturesque lakeside scenes. Keep an eye out for clearings in the woods and open stretches along the shore.
The path has historical elements like old wartime galleries and lookouts, which can make for unique and dramatic photographs.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be ideal to capture both wide landscapes and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be spaced out. Towns like Gavirate offer pleasant stops with lakeside views where families can rest and refuel. Keep an eye out for the historical elements like old wartime galleries, which can add an element of adventure and discovery for kids.
🚴 Cyclists Seeking Scenic Routes
While the path is generally well-marked, it's wise to carry a map or use a GPS device to navigate any trickier sections or potential diversions. Be mindful of the occasional hazardous poles and road markings mentioned by other cyclists. The path is a great way to explore the region at a leisurely pace, stopping in charming towns like Gavirate for a break.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Be aware that the path is shared with cyclists, so stay aware of your surroundings and keep to the side when necessary. The path offers a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the 28km Loop
While the path is largely accessible, some users have noted a few quirks. These include potentially hazardous poles placed on curves and large STOP markings on the road that can disrupt the flow. Despite these minor issues, the majority of the route is well-signposted with brown markers, guiding you through charming towns and natural landscapes.
For the best experience, consider starting your journey from a convenient point like Schiranna Lido in Varese, which offers ample parking. Allow ample time, at least 5-6 hours, to truly enjoy the ride, including stops for photos, refreshments, and soaking in the views.
Historical Significance and Scenery
The scenery along the path is a major draw. You'll encounter picturesque lakeside views, tranquil wooded areas, and charming villages. The landscape changes as you circumnavigate the lake, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for cyclists and walkers alike.
While the path is praised for its beauty, some reviewers point out that certain sections might not always offer direct lake views, sometimes leading you through woods or alongside roads. However, the overall consensus is that the enchanting and beautiful place with its wonderful corners makes the journey worthwhile.
Community Insights and Criticisms
However, some constructive criticism highlights areas for improvement. The lack of seamless connections to nearby lakes like Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio is a recurring point. Additionally, some users feel that the municipalities could do more to enhance the tourist experience, such as improving signage and integrating the path better with local amenities.
Concerns are also raised about the presence of ugly and polluting industries in beautiful locations, which detracts from the natural charm for some residents and visitors. Despite these points, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many expressing a desire to repeat the experience.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit