Cycling routes from Ferrara: five day rides and the VENTO cycleway
Just beyond the city walls, the landscape transforms. The flat countryside opens up, the urban bustle fades away, and something new begins: river embankments, historic farmland, and the magnificent Delizie Estensi waiting to be discovered.
Setting off from the flat, tranquil countryside surrounding Ferrara, these routes blend history, nature, and food and wine in truly unique and extraordinary ways. This guide explores the five day rides we most highly recommend to cycling guests staying with us.
We have already covered the city walls in the dedicated article. Here we head out through the city gates.
Two of these routes follow the cycleway VENTO, the national cycle route stretching from Venice to Turin: if you’re riding it, Ferrara makes one of the finest bases you could choose.
The routes at a glance
Five routes, ranging from 25 to 85 km, almost entirely flat, all starting and ending at Piazza Nova Guest House.
Here’s the complete overview to help you choose in seconds.
Route
KM
Difficulty
Time
25 Km
Easy
⁓ 2 hours
56 Km
Easy
3h30 – 4h
78 Km
Easy
5h – 5h30
85 Km
Easy
5h30 – 6h
63 Km
Easy
⁓ 4 hours
Which route to choose?
If you are short on time or still warming up your legs, start with the Burana. If you’re looking for history and open landscapes, choose the Borgia or Renaissance loop. If the Po is calling, Stellata and Gorino await in opposite directions.
Your pace today
The right route
Half-day
Burana Cycleway – 25 km
A taste for history and architecture
The Borgia Loop or The Renaissance Loop (UNESCO-listed Este Delizie)
A craving for the river and open horizons
Towards Stellata, along the embankments of the Po
Strong legs and a spirit of adventure
Destra Po to Gorino – 85 km
The VENTO Cycleway: the Po through Ferrara
VENTO is the major national cycle trunk route that connects Venice to Turin along the Po river, spanning approximately 679 km. Along its path, it passes through Ferrara, Mantua, Parma, Milan, and Alessandria: a slow travel experience past embankments, floodplains, and lowland villages.
In Ferrara, VENTO connects directly with the Destra Po Cycleway, stretching for around 125 km from Stellata to Gorino. From the city centre, you can join the embankment at Pontelagoscuro or Francolino, an ancient river port. The route runs along the ridge of the dyke, with the river on one side and the cultivated plains on the other, on a predominantly paved surface.
From Ferrara, you can ride in two directions:
Heading upstream (west) → 56 km (round trip) → Stellata, Rocca Possente | Route↗
Heading downstream (east) → 170 km (round trip) → Gorino, the Delta, the Adriatic | Route↗
PRACTICAL NOTE
VENTO is a growing project: some sections are still under completion. Before setting off, we are always happy to update you on the current state of the route you plan to take.
Five day rides starting from Ferrara
Low-traffic country roads, embankments, and protected cycleways. Beneath each itinerary, you will find a placeholder for the interactive map we have prepared for you.
🚲 25 km ↗️ elevation gain 20 m 📶 easy level
Ciclovia del Burana: to the Delizia della Diamantina
Per chi: Chi cerca un giro breve, anche in mezza giornata
Bici: Bici da corsa, MTB o trekking
Fondo: Ciclovia lungo il canale Burana
Soste: Torri e fortificazioni, Delizia della Diamantina a Vigarano Pieve
The route joins the Burana Canal cycleway and leads through the Ferrara countryside to the stunning Estense Residence of the Diamantina, reached amidst ancient fortifications, towers, and historical landscapes. It is the shortest route of the collection: ideal for a relaxing ride immersed in history, even in just a single morning.
🚲 56 km ↗️ elevation gain 40 m 📶 easy level
Towards the Po and the Rocca Possente of Stellata
Per chi: Chi ama i grandi fiumi e le viste aperte
Bici: Bici da corsa, gravel o trekking
Terrain: Strade di campagna e argine della Destra Po
Soste: Borgo di Stellata, Rocca Possente
The tranquil lowland countryside accompanies you all the way to the banks of the Po. Following the wide panoramic views of the Destra Po cycleway, the route enters the village of Stellata and reaches the majestic Rocca Possente, an Estense-era fortress overlooking the water. Flat and highly scenic, it is perfect for a day of nature, relaxation, and Estense history. This itinerary runs along the VENTO cycleway heading west.
🚲 78 km ↗️ elevation gain 0 m 📶 easy level
The Borgia loop
Per chi: Chi desidera pianura assoluta e tanta storia
Bici: Bici da corsa, gravel o trekking
Terrain: Strade di campagna e piste ciclabili
Soste: Delizie di Belriguardo, Benvignante, Verginese (Patrimonio UNESCO)
In 1502, the history of the Este family intertwined with the Borgia dynasty through the marriage of Alfonso I and Lucrezia Borgia, one of the most fascinating figures of the Renaissance in Ferrara. This loop starts from Piazza Nova and is dedicated to the Duchess of Ferrara. Along relaxing country roads, you will discover three of the most famous Estense pleasure palaces: Belriguardo, Benvignante, and Verginese—princely residences that are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
🚲 85 km ↗️ elevation gain 0 m 📶 easy level
Destra Po Cycleway: from Ferrara to the sea
Per chi: Cicloturisti allenati o chi ama le avventure in più tappe
Bici: Bici da corsa, gravel o trekking
Terrain: Argine del Po, in prevalenza asfaltato
Soste: Borghi di pescatori, valli, canneti, Gorino
A journey along the queen of Italian cycleways, linking Ferrara to the tranquil expanse of the Po Delta. The route unfolds for 85 km along the river embankment: the horizon opens up amidst vast skies, pink flamingos, and reed beds, all the way to Gorino, where the river embraces the Adriatic. These 85 km are one way only. Many guests split the experience into two days with an overnight stay on the Delta: we are happy to help you choose the most convenient option. This itinerary runs along the VENTO cycleway heading east.
🚲 63 km ↗️ elevation gain 20 m 📶 easy level
The Renaissance route
Per chi: Chi vuole unire la bici alla grande storia
Bici: Bici da corsa, gravel o trekking
Terrain: Strade di campagna lungo i canali
Soste: Delizia di Belriguardo, Verginese, Villa della Mensa (Patrimonio UNESCO)
A loop ride through the heart of the Ferrara Renaissance, starting from Piazza Nova. The route winds through relaxing countryside, tranquil canals, and small villages. The Este Dukes chose these lands to build their pleasure palaces: refined princely residences for good governance and court holidays. Along the loop, you can admire three of them recognized by UNESCO: the Delizia di Belriguardo in Voghiera, the Delizia del Verginese in Gambulaga, and Villa della Mensa in Sabbioncello San Vittore.
Before setting off: what we have learned from experience
When to ride
Spring and autumn offer gentle temperatures and colourful countryside: these are the best seasons. In summer, it is best to set off at dawn, fill your water bottles, and bring repellent for the areas near the river and canals. In winter, the Po Valley fog transforms the landscape into something almost surreal: few cycle tourists see it, but those who experience it never forget it.
The lowland wind
Spring and autumn offer gentle temperatures and colourful countryside: these are the best seasons. In summer, it is best to set off at dawn, fill your water bottles, and bring repellent for the areas near the river and canals. In winter, the Po Valley fog transforms the landscape into something almost surreal: few cycle tourists see it, but those who experience it never forget it.
What bike to bring
For loop rides on paved roads, a road bike, gravel bike, or trekking bike will all work well. For longer rides, we recommend a bike comfortable for distance. Along the Po embankments, the surface is predominantly paved with a few gravel sections: gravel is the most versatile choice.
What to pack in your backpack
Water, snacks, a spare inner tube, mini pump, sunscreen, a lightweight jacket, and a downloaded GPS track on your phone. In small villages, shops close during the middle of the day, so it is best to stock up before setting off. We will prepare the updated digital tracks for you.
Eating and drinking along the way
For loop rides on paved roads, a road bike, gravel bike, or trekking bike will all work well. For longer rides, we recommend a bike comfortable for distance. Along the Po embankments, the surface is predominantly paved with a few gravel sections: gravel is the most versatile choice.
The Ferrara area offers traditional local products that will recharge your legs: Coppia Ferrarese PGI bread, salama da sugo, pumpkin cappellacci, and tenerina cake. Before you set off, we will suggest the ideal refreshment stops for the day.
Arriving in Ferrara by bike
Ferrara is on the high-speed railway line: Bologna is 30 minutes away, Venice 55 minutes, and Rome 3 hours. Before travelling, please check the bicycle transport conditions for your specific train. As soon as you arrive, your bike can rest in our securely locked storage.
Ferrara as a cycling base: Piazza Nova's services
We are in the Addizione Erculea, thirty seconds from the city walls and twenty minutes by bike from access to the river embankments. We have designed our services for those travelling by bike because we know what is truly needed before, during and after a day of riding.
🔑 Secure locked bicycle storage
If you are arriving with your road, gravel, or trekking bike, it will feel right at home at Piazza Nova: a private, covered, indoor storage area that is securely locked. Store it safely for the night, and find it ready and waiting in the morning.
🛠️ Tools for bicycle maintenance and a pump to wash it
🚲 Bicycles included in your stay
Adult bicycles are included free of charge during your stay. If you are travelling without a bike, you can use them to explore the historic centre and its surroundings, or as a handy backup to reach the starting points of longer itineraries.
🗺️ Maps and digital tracks
Upon arrival, we provide you with custom maps and digital tracks of the itineraries. We will recommend the day's refreshment stops and the route best suited to the weather. We will also help you with your luggage right up to your apartment: set off with rested legs, not a tired back.
☕️ Tailored breakfast and snacks: the perfect fuel for your ride.
All our apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, designed to give you the freedom you deserve. No fixed mealtimes or waiting around: fuel up whenever you prefer and prepare your breakfast at your own pace, exactly how you like it.
Our formula also offers you the convenience of independently organising and preparing all the snacks and supplies you will need along the route, so you can cycle without a single worry.
Frequently asked questions about cycling tourism in Ferrara
Can I leave my bicycle at Piazza Nova during my stay?
Yes. We have a private, covered, and securely locked bicycle storage area inside the property. Your bike will be completely safe between rides.
Does the VENTO cycle route pass through Ferrara?
Yes. VENTO, the cycling tourism backbone running from Venice to Turin along the Po River, touches Ferrara. From here, you can join the Destra Po cycle route, which leads towards Stellata to the west and the Po Delta all the way to Gorino to the east.
What is the shortest bike ride from Ferrara?
The Burana cycle route: 25 km to the Este Delizia of Diamantina in Vigarano Pieve. Easily doable in half a day, with an elevation gain of 178 m along a well-equipped cycle path.
Can you cycle to the sea from Ferrara?
Yes. The Destra Po cycle route follows the embankment of the Po River from Ferrara all the way to Gorino, where the river meets the Adriatic, for about 85 km one way. It can be split into two days with an overnight stay on the Delta: we will help you organise it.
Which routes run along the VENTO cycle path?
The route towards Stellata and the route towards Gorino both run along the Destra Po cycle path, which is part of VENTO. They follow the Po River embankment in opposite directions starting from Ferrara.
Cycle from Ferrara, rest at Piazza Nova
Securely locked bicycle storage, bikes included with your stay, custom maps, and apartments with a fully equipped kitchen. Book directly: best price guaranteed, pay at the property.
Need any advice?
Message us on WhatsApp: Emanuela and Ruggero reply personally.
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