E2 – Ring of the Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills Loop is a pleasant cycling excursion that takes you around the perimeter of the Euganean Hills Regional Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical and architectural value. The circular route begins at the Terme Euganee train station, well-served on the Padua-Bologna line.

At the start, you'll immediately leave Montegrotto, with its spa hotels, and head to the charming village of Battaglia Terme, nestled between the Catajo Castle and Villa Selvatico. Continue to Monselice, following the high, panoramic banks of the Battaglia Canal, from which, on clear days, the view extends from the hills to the Apennines.

In Monselice, with a short detour from the route (follow the signs for those following the loop counterclockwise), we recommend a visit to the town's square and 13th-century castle. Resuming the route clockwise, continue pedaling along the Bisatto Canal, through reclaimed land with sweeping views of the Euganean Hills, until you reach Este with its 14th-century castle and historic center.

Leaving Este behind, you cycle through deep canals at the foot of the conical peaks of the Euganean Hills, still following the Bisatto embankment, to the slopes of Mount Lozzo, where you can visit the fascinating medieval Valbona Castle, reachable via a short detour. From here, and all the way to Bastia di Rovolon, you cross the heart of the Euganean vineyards: high-quality red and white wines, such as Fior d'Arancio DOCG, are produced on the slopes of these hills.

Along the northernmost stretch, we recommend a stop to visit Praglia Abbey, an important Benedictine center founded in the Middle Ages, which you pass just before reaching Abano and Montegrotto Terme, the heart of Europe's largest and oldest spa town, with numerous hotels offering the opportunity to take a relaxing bath after your exertions.