Last week-end the weather was beautiful, the kids were keen and our bike wheels were full of air so we decided to do a beautiful bike ride along the Canals of Navigli. The Navigli Canals run from the north all the way down into the city of Milan.
We started our ride in the small town of Nosate which is about a 30 minute drive from our house. We loaded all five bikes in and on our cars and off we went.
We started off on our bike ride mid-morning and cycled a few hours before stopping for a picnic on the lawns of the Villa Gaia in the town of Robecco Sul Naviglio.
The car-free cycle paths are beautifully maintained and wind along the canals through lush forested areas. We were lucky with perfect warm weather and blue skies (without any mosquitoes!).
Every so often you have to cycle through an old town many of which have quaint little restaurants and bars in which you can stop to eat or have a drink.
Along the canals you come across many of these old abandoned Renaissance villas. Who on earth abandons a mansion such as this?
It’s possible to ride along the canals from Lago Maggiore (Sesto Calende) all the way into Milan. This time we managed a little more than 40 km but we hope to do the entire ride into Milan next year.
I really do live in a beautiful place.
Jillian In Italy 
Yes you do live in a beautiful place! The pictures are amazing!
This looks lovely! Bike trips like these are the best and yes you live in a beautiful place indeed! Happy weekend!
Looks lovely! How did you get back though? Or was it a round trip?
We did a round trip. I think it was about 20 km to our picnic spot and then another 20 back. And I think it’s about 80km if you cycle all the way into Milan (then we would take the train back).
I love this post so much! What an amazing place!
It is really beautiful. Definitely a great Sunday morning activity.
i want to know more about these abandoned villas! can you explore them? shoot me an email if you have info/time please?
i’m also a Canadian in Northern Italy, but new around here;) enjoying your blog!