Pedalata a Porlezza: Take Bike Paths from Lake Como to Lake Lugano

By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide
Looking for a way to spend the day with the family while you’re staying in Bellagio, Menaggio or Varenna? Why not bike between two of Northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes? The Pedalata a Porlezza route is perfect for families. Our ebikes will get you up the modest hills as you navigate bike paths and secondary roads, passing through small towns, beautiful farmlands, smaller lakes and campgrounds.

The entire route, enjoy beautiful views of the mountains, the lakes, and the valleys. Peak into the small neighborhoods above Menaggio and see locals living, and farming. The bike path offers shade and views of centuries old infrastructure. For the more adventurous, we offer a more ambitious route that climbs up switchbacks, to get high views of Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Look into Switzerland while standing in an old borgo (neighborhood). See the ferry passing below. Pass by super-local restaurants that are often visited by locals and Milanese.

How do I Navigate?
We offer custom guided tours of the Porlezza route. To make the best use of your day, we highly recommend a guided tour so that Bike It can take care of all of the details around navigating the ferry system and the tricky spots along the path. Our English-speaking guide can provide context for local history, the geography of the two lakes and interactions between the Italian and Swiss borders. They’ll even be able to recommend excellent restaurants if you want a lunch stop along the way. Email us to inquire about guide availability.
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Alternatively, you can self-navigate using one of our shop GPS units. For 15euro for the day it will provide great comfort that you are headed in the right direction on all of our local twists and turns.

Can Kids Ride?
We have several kids e-bikes available that can help your children make the ride. The 26" ebikes are best for kids 1.35m-1.55m while the 24" ebike is best for 1.25-1.45. For kids under 25kg, we can add a child seat to a T-type E-bike so that a parent can navigate the child while they sit comfortably. Kids helmets are available.

Be Aware
You’ll need to ride the ferry over to the west side of the lake to start this tour. The Cadenabbia ferry runs directly from Bellagio and takes just 10 minutes. When you arrive in Cadenabbia you will need to ride 2.5km on main road with moderate traffic to get to the start of the trail. If you prefer to minimize your time on the main road, then take the ferry to Menaggio and make it a part of your adventure. The ferry is scenic and comfortable since it gets great breeze. The Menaggio ferry stops in Varenna, so be sure to stay on until you get to Menaggio. The trail starts just 400 meters up the road from the ferry. Plan your ferry trips ahead of time to make sure you return to the shop before 6pm. Ferry Schedule.


There is one spot early in the trail that is gravel. It can be challenging for some to navigate. It’s not far, just 300 meters, so it is totally okay to hop off your bike and walk your bike. Here is a quick lesson on the Walking Mode feature. We also recommend hopping off the bike on the descent.

We’ve been warned that there are a few vines that can grow out into the path, some with prickers. They shouldn’t keep you from riding, but just keep an eye out.

Book your bike rental and guide or gps today to ride between beautiful Lake Como and Lake Lugano.

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