Discover the jewels of northern Italy on your motorcycle, between majestic mountains, picturesque villages and sparkling waters. This roadtrip takes you along the shores of the famous Lakes Maggiore, Como, Garda and Iseo, through winding roads offering breathtaking panoramas. Each lake has its own character: romantic in Como, wild in Iseo, worldly in Garda, elegant in Maggiore. Along the way, savor the dolce vita in small ports, explore historic villas, and be surprised by the local gastronomy. This trip is an invitation to ride at nature's pace, between curves and contemplation. Whether you're a solo rider or a duo, this trip is ideal for combining driving pleasure with cultural discovery.
The 68° team's favorites
Sasso del Ferro
Hermitage Sainte Catherine de la Roche
Cannobio
Sant'Anna Gorge
Villa Carlotta
Bellagio
Tourist guides to Italian lakes and Milan
Even the best app can't replace the experience and richness of guidebooks. Whether in paper or electronic format, these guides are an excellent complement to the 68° app. They provide a wealth of additional tips and information before and during your trip.
By purchasing these guides, you are also helping to fund the 68° motorcycle GPS app ❤️
Want to plan your stay?
Follow the links below to find the best accommodation, restaurants and must-do activities around Italy's great lakes:
The best accommodations
Discover a selection of the best biker-friendly accommodations in the heart of the region's most beautiful roads.
Must-do activities
Explore unique activities for all tastes: nature, culture, sensations and discoveries in the heart of the region.
Motorcycle road trips around Italy's great lakes
Stay tuned for our road trips in Studio 68° (link coming soon).
Italy's great lakes
The Great Lakes of Northern Italy are an ideal destination for bikers in search of grandiose landscapes and winding roads. From Lake Garda to Lake Como, via Lake Maggiore, each route offers spectacular panoramas. The roads wind between mountains and shores, with Alpine passes like the Passo dello Stelvio for bend enthusiasts. After the road, bikers can enjoy local cuisine and find suitable accommodation. Between driving pleasure and cultural discoveries, these lakes are perfect for a two-wheeled getaway.
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Our tips for motorcycling around Italy's great lakes
Roads and landscapes
Italy's great lakes offer motorcyclists an exceptional playground, where every bend reveals a changing backdrop of Alpine peaks, sheer cliffs and peaceful shores. The roads wind their way up the mountainside, suspended between sky and water, alternating between rock-cut tunnels, panoramic ledges and shady forests. From the deep blue of Lake Garda to the silvery reflections of Lake Maggiore, the landscapes are strikingly diverse. At every stage, the contrast between wilderness and colorful villages creates the perfect balance between adventure and serenity. Sometimes you'll ride at water's edge, sometimes on high ground, with spectacular views of islands, hidden coves and snow-capped peaks in the background. An intense visual itinerary, ideal for lovers of beautiful roads and authentic sensations.
Gastronomy
A motorcycle trip around Italy's great lakes is also a journey of the senses through a rich, subtle and deeply local gastronomy. Each lake has its own specialities: freshwater fish on Lake Garda, creamy risottos on Lake Maggiore, polenta and alpine cheeses around Lake Como, or olive oil and fine wines on the Iseo side. The trattorias and osterias scattered along the roads offer generous cuisine, often inherited from mountain or lake traditions. Between two tours, gourmet stops become moments of pure pleasure: a glass of chilled Lugana on the terrace, a plate of grilled lavarello or a dessert of marrons glacés. Here, the table is an integral part of the journey, extending each stop with an authentic culinary discovery. The gastronomy of the lakes is a skilful blend of simplicity, refinement and local produce.
Culture
Italy's great lakes are much more than natural scenery: they're also lands of history and culture, where every shore tells the story of an era. Sumptuous villas, botanical gardens, Romanesque churches, medieval fortresses and Renaissance palaces dot the itinerary, offering curious bikers stops rich in heritage. Villages such as Bellagio, Stresa and Sirmione captivate with their elegant architecture and timeless atmosphere. Lake Garda evokes Venetian influences, while Lake Maggiore recalls the splendor of Piedmont. From intimate museums to lively piazzas and artisan markets, culture is part of everyday life, in the details as well as in the highlights. The imprint of figures such as Verdi, Toscanini and even Hemingway still floats in the air. To ride in this region is to cross centuries of Italian history, in perfect harmony between nature and civilization.
For bikers
Exploring Italy's great lakes by motorcycle is a combination of road pleasure and scenic beauty, but there are a few practical precautions to make the trip even more enjoyable. The roads are often winding and sometimes narrow, especially in mountainous areas or on the ledges around the lakes. Smooth, attentive driving is essential, especially on busy tourist routes. In summer, the heat of the lowlands can contrast sharply with the coolness of the heights, so it's a good idea to bring flexible clothing. Parking is generally straightforward in small villages; in the more touristy towns, it's best to look out for motorcycle-friendly parking lots in advance. Petrol stations are well distributed, but may be rarer in remote areas: remember to fill up regularly. Finally, many accommodations welcome bikers, and some even offer special services such as garages and cleaning equipment.