This Is Italy
Lake Como and the Italian part of Lake Lugano in Lombardy both offer spectacular vistas for cyclists exploring the scenic 13km route between these lakes. This route largely follows the old railway line that ran between Menaggio and Porlezza from 1884 to 1939 and connected both lakes.
Now the railway line has been converted into an attractive cycle path with a relatively small difference in height. It is an easy to cycle route, suitable for everyone, even without any training.
The route leads through the Val Menaggio and passes the beautiful nature reserve of Lago di Piano. Please note that you are cycling on the road in some parts and that hikers can also walk on the cycle path!
- Route: Menaggio – Grandola – Bene Lario – Carlazzo – Porlezza
- Starting point: Boat jetty in via IV Novembre, Menaggio
- Length: 13,5 km
- Departure altitude: 200 m
- Maximum height: 377 m
- Total ascent: 250 m
- Terrain: Mostly paved
- Suitable bike: mountain bike or trekking bike
Here we have written out the route for you.
Starting point at the former Menaggio station
This cycle route starts at the former station of Menaggio, which now gives way to a grocery store called Consorzio Agrario. The station is on Via IV Novembre, right next to the ferry.
To the Youth Hostel
Cross Via IV Novembre and follow the directions to the Youth Hostel. Go straight on from here and turn right at the fork. Then climb the steep road up the side of Monte Crocetta.
From Menaggio to Cardano
To overcome the incline from Menaggio to Cardano, the train detoured south for about 600 m, turned around on a siding and continued north.
On the main road
Continue straight along Via Privata F.lli Castelli and cross the busy main national road 340. Follow the road to the left, uphill for barely 50 m. At the next bend, take the bicycle/pedestrian lane.
Through the tunnel and turn left
The path now enters a valley and passes through a 90 m long tunnel (see traffic rules below about your duties as a cyclist/moped rider in a tunnel). At the fork, ignore the road to the right that leads down to the Agriturismo Barcola and turn left. A little further the path ends at the strada provinciale from Grandola ed Uniti.
Via Roma and Gonte
Turn right and then immediately left into Via Roma, towards the villages (fractions) by Grandola ed Uniti. After 300 m turn left into Via Gonte. Once in Gonte, turn left into Via Cascinello Rosso, which ends after another 400 m at the national road 340.
Cycle path along the Binadone
Carefully cross the national road 340 and follow the signs to Bene Lario/Grona. After 200 m, take the cycle path on the right and continue along the Binadone plain, flanked by Monte Crocione and Monte Galbiga.
Lake di Piano
The path ends at the village of Grona. Continue to the right along Via Cascine. At the crossroads, take the cycle path on the right and enter the Lago di Piano nature reserve with the lake of the same name. Visit the Casa della Riserva visitor center for information and picnic tables overlooking the lake.
Ancient settlement Brione
On the left you see the hill Brione with the Castel S. Pietro on top. Take a small detour to visit this ancient settlement with its densely grouped houses and feel the medieval atmosphere.
Promenade of Porlezza
Continue along the path and cross the wooden bridge over the river Cuccio. Follow the course of the river until you reach the SP14 main road. On the promenade of Porlezza it is of course time for a drink on the terrace. Enjoy the view of the lake. You can take the same route back to Menaggio.
Cycling and mopeds in Italy: rules and safety
Bicycle and moped helmet
Although wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory in Italy, it is highly recommended for your own safety. For mustache and moped riders, wearing an approved scooter helmet mandatory. Since 1 January 2023, this helmet requirement also applies to moped riders in the Netherlands. Know that in Belgium helmets are also compulsory for mopeds with a construction speed of up to 25 km/h (called light mopeds in the Netherlands).
Speed pedelecs
If you drive an electric bicycle with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h (speed pedelec), the same rules apply as for a moped. You must be at least 14 years old and in possession of a moped driver's license. Wearing an approved moped helmet (standard ECE 22.05) is mandatory and wearing a bicycle helmet or a special speed pedelec helmet (standard NTA 8776) is not allowed. If you ride without an approved helmet, you risk a substantial fine and your bike will be confiscated. Speed pedelecs are not allowed to ride on the bike path.
Safety vest
Outside built-up areas, cyclists must wear a reflective safety vest from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise. Wearing a safety vest is also mandatory in tunnels, although we have never encountered a cyclist wearing one.
Mobile phone and earphones
It is illegal in Italy to wear headphones or earphones while cycling and moped, and to hold a phone while driving. Hands-free calling is allowed.
Back of the bike
Passengers may only be carried if they are under 8 years old and are seated in a suitable child seat with back support, seat belts, supports and foot protection. It is forbidden to transport children older than 8 years on the bicycle.
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