New 'floating' cycle path will wrap around the cliffs of Lake Garda
Cycling tourism has boomed in recent years – the Balearic Tourism Agency and Mallorca have predicted a 44 per cent increase in the number of cyclists travelling to Majorca in 2018 – and Italy is looking for a slice of the action.
One of its most popular natural landscapes, Lake Garda, is being made cycle-friendly with the construction of a “floating” path which will allow cyclists to ride the entire way around the lake. According to theGarda Post, the work could cost up to €102 million (£89 million) and is anticipated to be completed by 2021.
Garda Outdoors has recently released drone footage (below) which shows how the work is progressing around the notoriously tricky western side of the lake.
This section of the Ciclabile di Limone sul Garda cycle path hugs the cliffs, allowing cyclists to cut out a remote and rugged sector of the trail and instead enjoy waterside views as they glide around a comparatively level manmade path.
Designed to make the cyclist feel as though they are they are "flying or floating", the path offers an easier ride and better views. Meaning that you can don your best red hoodie, shove a stuffed toy in your basket and pretend that you're Elliott from E.T.
Chicco Risatti, mayor of the nearby town of Limone sul Garda, hopes that “this will be the most spectacular cycle path in Europe”.
By the time it is completed, the Ciclabile di Limone sul Garda will cover 87 miles and accommodate all levels of cycling proficiency.
Where the way gets more challenging, alternative transport options will be in place, meaning that if you can’t face a long slog up a mountain slope, you can hop on a boat instead. Some would call this cheating. Others would call it sensible.
Aside from attracting cycling enthusiasts to the area, it is also hoped that the path will connect more remote villages around the lake, making them more accessible and opening them up to tourism.
Not only will it encourage visitors to the famous lake to venture to hotels and restaurants that are currently more difficult to access, if tourist numbers become more dispersed, it could afford a plethora of new possibilities for the local community.
