Parks in Padua
14 September 2026
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15 September 2026
The Bacchiglione Cycle Path is one of the most scenic cycling itineraries in the Veneto region, following the river for over 100 kilometers total, connecting Padua to the Southern Lagoon and the Berici Hills. Padua sits right at the center of this route: from here, the path splits into two opposite directions—one heading southeast toward the Southern Lagoon and Chioggia, the other heading west toward Vicenza and the Berici Hills. For cycling enthusiasts staying in the city, it serves as the ultimate base to experience two completely different day trips.
Heading to Chioggia: From the City to the Lagoon
The route connecting Padua to Chioggia covers approximately 55 to 60 kilometers along the embankments of the Roncajette Canal and the Bacchiglione River. It is a straightforward, completely flat itinerary suitable for all fitness levels. The surface alternates between paved sections and smooth, well-maintained gravel, easily ridden on a city bike or a gravel bike.
Leaving Padua, the trail joins the Roncajette embankment near Voltabarozzo. Crossing the pedestrian bridge at Ponte San Nicolò, the path enters the quiet countryside of the lower Padovan plain—a peaceful environment of open fields, canals, and isolated farmhouses. Within ten kilometers you reach Bovolenta, a historically fortified village that provides a natural stop for a short break.
From Bovolenta, the trail continues toward Pontelongo, a town famous for its major sugar refinery active since 1910. Shortly after, you arrive at Correzzola, home to a 16th-century Benedictine abbey and rural courts built by monks to reclaim the land. This central stretch is the quiet heart of the cycle path: open farmland, straight canals, and no traffic.
Past the Ca’ di Mezzo nature oasis, the landscape shifts dramatically. Agricultural fields give way to fishing valleys, the air turns salty, and the lagoon approaches. The final segment between Ca’ Pasqua and Brondolo runs near the coastal road, but a dedicated underpass near the former Brondolo station bypasses the busy Romea highway. From there, your destination is within reach: Chioggia, with its historic canals and narrow alleyways, or nearby Sottomarina.
Cyclists wishing to avoid riding back can conveniently return by taking the regional train directly from Chioggia railway station or by using direct intercity buses to Padua equipped for bicycle transport.
Heading to Vicenza: From the City to the Berici Hills
The opposite direction, heading toward Vicenza, follows the Bacchiglione upstream for about 35 to 40 kilometers. This route offers more variation than the Chioggia trail, featuring gentle undulating terrain along the river’s floodplain, yet remains fully accessible to casual cyclists. The surface alternates between paved roads and compacted gravel, consistently protected from motor traffic.
Leaving Padua, the trail crosses the countryside of Selvazzano Dentro and Saccolongo, following the natural curves of the river. At Veggiano (in the locality of Trambacche), the Bacchiglione meets the Ceresone stream—a handy landmark along the way. Shortly after, you reach Cervarese Santa Croce, where the San Martino della Vaneza Castle (home to the Bacchiglione Museum) and an ancient watermill along the riverbank are well worth a visit.
The trail proceeds toward Longare, passing Villa Conti Lampertico (known as “La Deliziosa”) and horse ranches nestled in the countryside. Crossing the border into the province of Vicenza, the route reaches Sant’Anna, where the officially marked I1/I2 segment begins. A pedestrian footbridge brings cyclists back to the right embankment, leading straight into Borgo Berga. Before entering the UNESCO World Heritage center of Vicenza, the trail passes right next to Villa Capra, Andrea Palladio’s world-famous “La Rotonda.”
Return travel is equally simple: Vicenza is connected to Padua by frequent regional trains that accommodate bicycles.
Casa al Carmine: Your Ideal Base for Exploring the Cycle Path
Casa al Carmine is located within the ancient city walls in Padua’s historic center, at Via Vendramini 1, just 700 meters from the central train station. It is the ideal strategic choice for cyclists planning to ride both directions of the Bacchiglione path.
The property features 9 private parking spaces in an area outside the ZTL restricted traffic zone, alongside a secure indoor space to store bicycles. The 26 guest rooms provide a comfortable rest before an early morning ride, while the 300 sqm rooftop sun terrace is the perfect spot to relax upon your return.
From Casa al Carmine, the train station, city center, and cycle path access points are all reachable within a few minutes of pedaling.
