What are the best routes? We have selected 3 for you!

Garda by bike: the queen of cycle paths

On the shores of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy located in the north of the country, there is a cycle path with exceptional views, inaugurated in 2018. Made of wood, steel and iron, it took bring in helicopters and climbers for its construction, which lasted two years.

Nicknamed the “most beautiful cycle path in Europe”, it is undoubtedly the most spectacular in Italy. On a circuit around 2 kilometers long, the track hangs 50 meters high on the side of a cliff and offers a breathtaking panorama of the magnificent Lake Garda. The path, which extends from the municipalities of Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda in the province of Brescia, is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

In 2021, the “Garda by Bike” will be extended to become a 140 km long cycle path that will cross the three regions bordering Lake Garda: Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto. It will thus allow cycling around Lake Garda through a route, although rather long, accessible to all cyclists, whatever their age and level.

The Flower Cycle in Liguria

The 24 km long cycle-pedestrian path of the Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Park, called the Cycle of Flowers, connects San Lorenzo al Mare and Ospedaletti. A section was built in place of the old railway line which served the Ligurian Riviera from 1872 to 2001. This railway line depicted in many books and films thanks to the beauty of the places crossed, is a real piece of history, which has seen the development and changes of the Riviera dei Fiori.

The route offers unique views and panoramas, between sea and nature, and crosses many picturesque villages along the Mediterranean coast of the Riviera di Ponente. Suitable for families and novice cyclists, it is a wonderful way to discover the charming Ligurian countryside and to walk along the seafront. The beaches of San Lorenzo al Mare and San Remo are, for example, easily accessible from the track. cycling. In addition, it is bordered by numerous bicycle rental centers, rest areas, benches, water dispensers and playgrounds.

The Dolomites by bike

In a beautiful valley of the Dolomites, an old railway line, which connected Calalzo di Cadore and Dobbiaco during the First World War, has been converted into a cycle path. This walk on two wheels is one of the most fascinating of the entire Alpine arc because it allows you to pedal in the heart of the panoramas recognized “Heritage of humanity” by UNESCO.

The cycle path unfolds in the middle of the mountain pastures, runs along the shores of crystalline lakes and majestic cliffs, and passes at the foot of the most emblematic peaks of the Dolomites (such as the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the Tre Scarperi). The landscapes are breathtaking and the circuit, easy, is accessible to all.

The Focaccia di Recco with PGI cheese is a oven baked product obtained from the processing of a dough made of wheat flour, Italian extra virgin olive oil, water, salt, filled with fresh cheese and then baked in the oven.

How to recognize it

When this particular focaccia is offered for consumption, it must be prepared according to the specification of production and must present certain characteristics. With regards to the shape, it can be circular, square or rectangular with specific dimensions (circular: minimum diameter 25 cm; Square: Side between 25 and 120 cm; rectangular: side greater than 120 cm; bottom side at least 25 cm) and a height that must be less than 1 cm, measured at the edges. In addition, the surface must be irregular, with presence of bubbles. On the upper part, the color is golden with dark brown areas or streaks, and the bottom part is amber yellow and not white.

The most fundamental characteristic of the Focaccia di Recco PGI is the filling, which is made with melted cheese, of a creamy consistency, that must come from fresh pasteurized cow’s milk.

Organoleptic characteristics

Fragrant and crispy on the palate, the dough is slightly salty with hints of freshly baked bread and aromas related to cheese and milk.  The cheese filling is sweet with a light and pleasant sour note.

This Focaccia is protected by the European certification PGI (Protected Geographical indication), and is the first specialty in the world protected by the Community trade mark that can be produced in restaurants, in addition to bakeries (where PDO and PGI products are already made).

The Focaccia PGI can only be produced in the city of Recco and in the neighboring towns (Sori, Avegno and Camogli) in Liguria.

From a historical point of view, focaccia with cheese traces back its roots to ancient times in these places, a tradition that can be defined as secular. In fact, according to gastronomy historians, the origins of the focaccia date back to the time of the Saracen invasions (about the year 1000), when the Genoese population, in order to escape from the invader, took refuge in the hinterland.  Cheese, flour and some olive oil were the only ingredients available in sufficient quantity and served as the base for the preparation of the food consumed in the daily diet. Incidently, these are the exact ingredients at the base of the Focaccia.

Over the years,  appreciation for Focaccia di Recco has grown exponentially, crossing the territorial boundaries.  However, many consents have also been accompanied by many imitations. Local producers felt deprived of their traditions and felt obliged to ask and obtain the intervention of the institutions responsible for defending the name of their flagship product. Hence the reasons for the PGI.

A unique product to enjoy with wines from the Ligurian territory, such as Rossese or Bianchetta Genovese.