On your own, with friends or with the family, there is no lack of cycling routes in this area, even for the youngest riders.
Slow bike
There is a range of cycling routes with suitable options for traditional or electric bikes.
As well as the cyclepaths within the towns of Abano and Montegrotto, these spa towns are also the starting point for other routes which connect with other cyclepaths in the region, allowing you to select the most suitable itinerary for you or to extend your tour.
From Abano Terme you can take the cyclepath which runs along the Battaglia Canal to the centre of Padua, passing the beautiful Villa Molin, whilst from Battaglia Terme there is a cyclepath to Valsanzibio, a tiny village which is home to the famous formal gardens of Villa Barbarigo.
The undisputed king of cycling itineraries in the Euganean Hills is cycle route E2, a circular tour of the Euganean Hills. It runs around the edge of the Euganean Hills Regional Park through small villages, along the banks of canals, passing vineyards, villas and castles, all set against the backdrop of the rolling Euganean Hills. The trail is 65 km long and, since it is a loop, you can start at any point. For example, you could begin your tour in one of the Euganean Spa Towns, joining the E2 in a clockwise direction in San Daniele, between Abano Terme and Torreglia, beneath the hill of the same name atop which stands a monastery. Start by heading south in Montegrotto Terme, where there are good views of Villa Draghi and Torre di Bertha. From here, it is worth making a short diversion off the cyclepath to visit the Museum of spa tourism and the region, a treasure trove of history and archaeological finds from this spa region.
Continuing along the route, just outside Battaglia Terme is Catajo castle, the “Queen of the Euganean Hills”, the mighty residence of the Obizzi family. Immediately afterwards, you reach Battaglia Terme itself, where there is the Museum of River Navigation, which tells the story of this ancient town of boatmen.
Continuing in a southerly direction, in the distance you can see Villa Emo Selvatico-Sartori and a few kilometres further on is Villa Emo Rivella, with its typical Italianate gardens. At this point, turn right and leave the cyclepath, making a short detour to Lispida castle, a timeless place nestling among the vines with immaculate gardens and beautiful ancient cellars where you can taste the estate’s wines.
Returning to the cyclepath, continue along the banks of the Battaglia canal which was dug by the city of Padua between 1189 and 1209, raised above the surrounding countryside and fed by the waters of the Bacchiglione river.
At Monselice, we can soak up the historic mediaeval feel of the town by visiting the main square, the castle and the nearby walk to the Sette Chiese sanctuary on Monte della Rocca, where there is a mediaeval fortress.
Resuming the journey heading south on the banks of the Bisatto canal, the route crosses a large area of former marshland, with views across the southern part of the Euganean Hills. Looking west, Este and the remains of its 13th century walls are visible, just 5 km away.
The route crosses the wonderful old centre of Este with its mediaeval walls, palaces, porticoes, piazzas and churches before rejoining the banks of the Bisatto canal.
Leaving Este behind, the route now crosses a more sparsely populated part of the Euganean Hills, a more rural and perhaps more beautiful part of the park, characterised by vineyards, olive groves, fields and waterways. In Bomba di Cinto Euganeo, the waterway runs past an ancient furnace, inside which is the Euganean Hills museum of geology and palaeontology, the Cavabomba museum.
The route continues onwards to Lozzo Atestino with Villa Correr and Valbona castle, on the slopes of Monte Lozzo. The next stop is Vo’ Vecchio, where it feels like you have stepped back in time among the ancient cottages. The routes passes Villa Venier which has a tragic past linked to the deportations of the Holocaust. A short detour takes you into the centre of Vo', with a chance to learn all about winemaking in this area at the innovative wine museum called MUVI.
Itinerari facili in bicicletta sui Colli Euganei e ciclabili ad Abano e Montegrotto
Itinerari facili in bicicletta sui Colli Euganei e ciclabili ad Abano e Montegrotto
Itinerari facili in bicicletta sui Colli Euganei e ciclabili ad Abano e Montegrotto
Itinerari facili in bicicletta sui Colli Euganei e ciclabili ad Abano e Montegrotto
Itinerari facili in bicicletta sui Colli Euganei e ciclabili ad Abano e Montegrotto
Cyclepath E2 takes you to Carbonara and Bastia di Rovolon, across the famous vineyards of the Euganean Hills, in a section of the route which offers spectacular views over the Berici Hills. Do not forget to stop off at one of many vineyards to taste the local wines such as Serprino and the fragrant Moscato Fior d’Arancio. In Bastia di Rovolon, the route passes close to the Colombara, perhaps one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the region.
Between Bastia and Montemerlo, you can take a short detour to Parco Frassanelle and Villa Papafava, hidden away in the beautiful countryside. When you reach the north-east corner of the hills, it is worth calling in to Praglia Abbey, a Renaissance era treasure and an important centre of Benedictine spirituality. From Praglia, the route returns to the starting point in San Daniele, where you will be ready for a refreshing dip in the pool!
Ciclismo e mountain bike sui Colli Euganei ad Abano e Montegrotto
Ciclismo e mountain bike sui Colli Euganei ad Abano e Montegrotto
Ciclismo e mountain bike sui Colli Euganei ad Abano e Montegrotto
Ciclismo e mountain bike sui Colli Euganei ad Abano e Montegrotto
Road Cycling
The roads of the Euganean Hills Regional Park are an ideal destination for any keen road cyclist. You can cover many kilometres across the plains or tackling challenging climbs, getting in some good training as you work your way up the hairpin bends before rewarding yourself with a thrilling descent and stunning views.
There are lots of towns and villages we can stop off to refuel before resuming your exploration of the hidden treasures of the Euganean Hills. Have fun and create your own routes on the roads of the Euganean Hills!
Mountain Biking
Fans of mountain biking will also enjoy the dense network of trails and forest roads in the Euganean Hills Regional Park, the perfect place for your next adventure!
Galzignano Terme in particular is a paradise for mountain bikers! In addition to handy facilities such as bike washes, this is the starting point for the trails in the bike park, ranging from easy options for beginners to challenging descents through the forests and vineyards.
Keen mountain bikers will love one of the finest trails in the Euganean Hills, the G.G. Lorenzoni trail on Monte Venda (trail number 4), a circular route around Monte Venda, the highest of the Euganean Hills. There are numerous breathtaking viewpoints and more intrepid riders can also take their detail to the ruined Olivetani monastery.
Another trail you have to try is the Sentiero Atestino (trail number 3), which begins in the stunning village of Arquà Petrarca and takes you to some of the most beautiful parts of the Euganean Hills such is the avenue of almond trees on Monte Fasolo, the gravel trails on Monte Cecilia and the Mottolone plateau. This trail takes you to the heart of the Euganean Hills, a zone of particular natural interest which offer stunning views at any time of the year.All of the trails in the park suitable for mountain bikes but some of them feature very rocky sections so you are advised to read the descriptions to ensure that each route is suitable for you and your bicycle. GPX traces and applications are available.
Have we inspired you to go for a ride along this cycle route in the Italian countryside near Padua?
If you are looking for an active holiday in the Euganean Hills but prefer rock climbing, then take a look at Rocca Pendice!
