The loop linking Arco, Torbole and Nago, at the northern tip of Lake Garda in Trentino, is the kind of ride that gives a great deal for very little effort: around fourteen kilometres, a modest climb of roughly 150 metres, a smooth surface and a difficulty that stays easy from the first bend to the last. At a relaxed pace it takes a little over an hour, and a recently opened section above Nago has given the ride its finest moment, at the point where the road stops climbing and the whole lake comes into view at once.
Where to start and how the route unfolds
The natural starting point is the Caneve car park in Arco. From there you follow the cycle path along the river Sarca towards Torbole sul Garda, on a flat course that runs beside the water and asks nothing of your legs. Once through the old centre of Torbole, you take the climb towards Nago along the old road that carries the village name, the Nago Vecchia. This is the one demanding part of the day, though a short one: a few bends, the houses dropping away beneath you, and behind your shoulders the lake sinking lower as the hills and the first vineyards come into view ahead.
The new stretch: the heart of the loop
The real novelty begins at the main roundabout in Nago. From here a dedicated cycle link carries you back towards Arco, away from the traffic and the road tunnels. The path passes beneath the main road through a short cycle-and-pedestrian underpass cut into the rock, near the bend known locally as the parabolica: some sixty metres of cover, with cyclists and walkers kept on separate sides for clarity and safety.
At the far end the landscape changes character. The road comes out onto the open hillside, the lake spreads out below you, and the mountains close it in on either side. This is the spot where it feels right to stop for a moment before the descent. From here the path drops at a steady gradient down three wide bends, designed to stay gentle and manageable even with children in tow or with loaded panniers. The route follows the line of the old road down towards the former piggery at Pratosaiano, near Arco, and from there returns to the starting point across open countryside.
✨ Live Lake Garda: Unique Experiences Handpicked for You
I am Warda, the AI Travel Designer for Garda Outdoors. Tell me who you are travelling with, your dates and passions. I will create a magical custom itinerary for you.
Who the route is for
The short answer is: almost everyone. The gradients across the loop ask nothing of trained legs, and the only real effort is the short pull up the Nago Vecchia. It works well for families with children already confident on a bike, for anyone on an e-bike looking for a gentle outing, and for those wanting a short ride to slot into a day by the lake or on the crags. At the same time it has enough to it to satisfy more seasoned riders, because it packs three quite different landscapes into a small space: the green of the Sarca river, the lakeside bustle of Torbole, and the open views above Nago.
From Arco, the loop is only the beginning
Once the loop is done, you realise Arco is not an endpoint but a crossroads. Follow the Sarca cycle path north and at Dro you choose: carry on into the Valle dei Laghi towards Pietramurata and Lake Toblino, with its castle set out on the water, or cut through the Marocche di Dro, the rocky, lunar landscape left by the largest post-glacial landslide in the Alps, and on to Lake Cavedine. The two roads meet again and, if you like, close into a loop of their own: another day out, in another world.
To the south, a few easy kilometres bring you to Riva del Garda, partly on a stretch that runs out above the water. From Riva the Ponale climbs away, the old road cut into the rock that leads towards the Ledro valley, one of the best-loved rides on the whole lake. And if your legs are willing, the climb up through the olive groves from Riva reaches Lake Tenno and its emerald-green water.
To the north, finally, from Nago the network points towards the Adige Valley, in the direction of Loppio, Mori and Rovereto. These are rides of differing effort, from the flat to a proper climb: the easy loop stays the starting point, and the rest you choose according to how far you feel like going.d.
A few things to check before you set off
The usual sense applies to any ride, however short. It is worth checking the latest weather and the state of the cycle paths before you leave, because after rain the sections on a less than perfect surface can turn slippery, and the panoramic bends call for a little more care on the way down. Carry the basics for small mishaps and give yourself time to spare. The single emergency number is 112.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Arco–Torbole–Nago loop?
Around fourteen kilometres, with a climb of roughly 150 metres. At a relaxed pace it takes a little over an hour.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is rated as easy. The only uphill section is the short ramp of the Nago Vecchia, and the descent on the new stretch follows wide, steady bends that are manageable for children already used to a bike.
Where can I leave the car?
The recommended starting point is the Caneve car park in Arco, where the cycle path along the Sarca begins.
Is the whole route surfaced?
The surface is mostly tarmac or otherwise smooth. A few sections can become slippery after rain, so a little caution on the descent is sensible.
