Torbole to Arco by Bike — an Easy Ride Along the Sarca River

Easy · kids from ~6 · 12.6 km round trip (about 6 km each way) · about 1 hour at an easy pace; plan 2–3 hours with stops

A flat, paved cycle path from the lake at Torbole to the old town of Arco, following the Sarca river. Almost the entire route runs on a dedicated cycleway away from cars, with just a few short connecting sections on quiet streets.

If you've just rented a bike for the first time in years, or you're out with kids — this is the ride I'd point you to first.

Quick Facts

Distance: 12.6 km round trip (about 6 km each way)
Riding time: about 1 hour at an easy pace; plan 2–3 hours with stops
Elevation: practically flat (~30 m total)
Surface: asphalt all the way; 11 of 12.6 km on a dedicated cycle path
Difficulty: easy
Start & parking: Parcheggio Strada Granda, Torbole
Return: same path back, with a small loop through Arco
Suitable bikes: any bike works — city bike, e-bike, kids' bikes, trailers

Map

Need the GPX? Download it from the Komoot page.

Who this ride is for

Families with kids
First-time or occasional riders
Anyone who wants a relaxed couple of hours and a coffee in Arco

Stops along the way

Bike Farm — a farm-style stop right by the path with food, drinks and animals: horses, donkeys, sometimes rabbits. Kids usually don't want to leave. There are also bars along the path, and Arco's old town at the finish is full of cafés; the castle rock above the town is worth a look.

Practical tips

In summer, ride in the morning — the valley gets hot by midday. Some sections are shared with pedestrians, so keep an easy pace. Bikes are easy to rent in Torbole or Riva; helmets for kids come with any rental.

A note from the guide

This is the ride I suggest when someone tells me they haven't been on a bike in years. Flat, safe, and Arco is a good place for a coffee before you roll back.

Mother and child cycling on the paved bike path from Torbole to Arco in the Sarca valley, Lake Garda

Want more than a cycle path?

This valley is surrounded by proper mountain trails — that's what I do with guests, from panoramic rides to real MTB days. See private guided tours →