The Po River is the longest river in Italy and flows through numerous cities and picturesque landscapes. There are many roads that follow the banks of the river and allow cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and surrounding nature. Especially at the Po Delta, the bike routes are well signposted and well maintained and offer a wide range of attractions along the way. They are also an ideal choice for those looking for a way eco-friendly to explore the beauties of Italian nature and culture.
The bike routes in the Po Delta are designed for all types of cyclists, and for those who want to pedal in a relaxed way and enjoy the beauty of nature, and for those who want to do some physical exercise. They are also suitable for families with children, as many of them are free of vehicular traffic.
Let's see in detail the various bike tours that can be done in the Po Delta Park.
Albarella Island
Easy difficulty, 25 km, an hour and a half, mostly asphalted surfaces
The bike itinerary on'Isola Albarella can depart from Rosolina, on the north side of the Po Delta Regional Park. This is the simplest route, which crosses Via Po di Levante until reaching the island where it is possible to do a circular tour and then go back. Crossing the island you pass through pine forests and artificial lakes where you can meet wild animals such as ducks, pheasants, hares and deer. They are then present several equipped rest areas where you can rest and admire the landscape.
In addition to Albarella lake, the island's riding school and the Indian village, there are beaches and a cycle path on the sea on which to relax with families and children. You can take beautiful photos and enjoy the ride in peace.
Read also: “Trip to the lagoon in a camper plus bike: from Caorle to Bibione”
Cut of Po-Rosolina Mare
Medium difficulty, 63 km, 4 hours, some km are not asphalted
This bike itinerary near the Po gives the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of the area, with its valleys, bodies of water and expanses of Delta vegetation. It is a circular itinerary from Taglio di Po (with parking available). You cross the Po passing through Porto Viro, you enter the grove, and near the Rosolina peninsula sea you get to panoramic tower and a wild beach.
The bike route from Taglio di Po to Rosolina Mare is suitable for cyclists of different experience levels, relatively easy, offering the opportunity to explore and admire the natural beauty of the Delta area. Along the way, you can visit the Regional Museum of Land Reclamation in Taglio di Po which offers interesting information on the history and evolution of the area, enriching the cultural experience linked to the cycling route.
Read also: “Cycling among the sandbanks in the Venetian lagoon”
Casoni Road (Sacca di Scardovari)
Medium difficulty, 63 km, 3 and a half hours, mostly asphalted surfaces
La Casoni Road makes a loop around the Scardovari pocket. Along the way, you cross the entire Sacca with a view of the characteristic features “Casoni”, lagoon constructions used by fishermen and hunters. The departure is right from Scardovari (with the possibility of parking), then you cross Ca' Mello Oasis and the Po di Gnocca Pontoon Bridge.
The route is suitable for cyclists of different training and skill levels. However, some parts of the route may be unpaved or difficult to travel by bike, so it is good to pay attention and adapt to the soil conditions. It is advisable to use one mountain bike or a city bike that is suitable for traveling on dirt or dirt roads.
They are present along the way mobile bridges and it is therefore important to check the opening hours and keep in mind that there may be time restrictions for crossing them. There are also segments with steps down or up along the route, which may make it necessary to get off the bike and carry it by hand in these sections.
Read also: “Two days on the Po delta: dream or reality?”
Pontoon Bridge
Difficult difficulty, 70 km, 4 and a half hours, mostly paved or asphalted surfaces
The bike route along the Pontoon Bridge offers the possibility of a historical-cultural visit, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local history of the Po Delta. The bridge is a characteristic and original structure that is also used for cycling routes. What we suggest is not easy to implement, but offers a suggestive and immersive visit to the place, with an eye also on the typical products of the area.
The route starts from Ca' Tiepolo, passing through the Pila peninsula, up to the sea view at Punta Maestra. From there you follow the coast to Boccasette, where you can admire the flamingos, and continue towards the Via delle Valli passing right over the islets of the Po Delta and near the Casone San Leonardo. Once you reach Ponte Levante you go back.
The history of Po di Gnocca Pontoon Bridge (now Po di Donzella) it's fascinating. It is said that bridges over the Po river were once built using systems of boats and barges tied together, as they were quicker and cheaper than wooden or iron bridges. It is located in the territory of Santa Giulia, on the branch of the Po di Gnocca one of the longest surviving pontoon bridges, still essential for local travel. These floating bridges, made up of a series of boats placed side by side, allow the creation of a walkway on which it is possible to cross the river, not only with bicycles, but also with mechanical and motorized vehicles.
Read also: “In a camper plus bikes on the Venice Lagoon”
Mesola wood
Difficult difficulty, 70 km, 4 and a half hours, mostly paved or asphalted surfaces
Il Mesola wood offers a bike ride along the Po and through a landscape rich in architectural beauties such as the thousand-year-old one Pomposa Abbey and Mesola Estense Castle, residence of the Dukes of Este at the end of the sixteenth century. The castle is now home to the Mesola Forest and Deer Museum and the environmental education center connected to it.
With public transport from the industrial area of Pomposa you can reach the starting point right at the entrance to the Nature Reserve. From here the itinerary tackles embankments, locks, canals and natural oases that accompany the rides towards the tourist ports of Goro e gorino, with their traditions and their scents, where the Po joins the sea. From there you go back along the Adriatic.
The route is also suitable for mountain biking and the surface is mainly asphalted with some dirt sections and a sandy one of about 1 km in the Mesola Forest.
Read also: “Po Delta by bike, from Mesola to Lido degli Estensi”
Text by Fabrizio Roscini
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If you want to organize an itinerary in Veneto, Here we recommend the 6 best bike routes, from easiest to most difficult.
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