The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the most iconic weekends on the Formula 1 calendar. But while most fans spend their 72 hours in Italy immersed in track action, it can be easy to forget that the surrounding area is full of beauty worth exploring. With limited time to spare, one of the best ways to discover Monza, Milan, and nearby Lake Como is by running or cycling.<\/p>\n
While some fans will be staying right in Monza, many others chose to base themselves in nearby Milan or even around Lake Como during their trip. To make sure there\u2019s something for everyone, we\u2019ve pulled together a mix of routes: short and accessible loops in Monza itself for those who want to stay close to the action, plus options in Milan and Como if you\u2019re based further afield or want to take advantage of Italy\u2019s excellent train links.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re looking for a quick 5km loop to shake out the legs, a longer run through peaceful parkland, or an iconic cycling climb to make you feel like you\u2019re competing in the Giro d\u2019Italia, there are plenty of options to match different fitness levels. Here\u2019s your guide to staying active around the Italian Grand Prix \u2013 and experiencing Lombardy when short on time.<\/p>\n
Weather & safety tips<\/p>\n
Early September in northern Italy can still be hot, with daytime temperatures often reaching 25-30\u00b0C. If you\u2019re planning a run or ride around race weekend, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak heat. Always bring water or plan your route around refill points, and consider carrying electrolytes on longer rides. Don\u2019t forget sunscreen and a cap or visor \u2013 much of Lombardy\u2019s countryside and canal paths are exposed, with limited shade.<\/p>\n
Running routes in Monza<\/p>\n
Monza Park loop<\/p>\n
Why do it? Speed isn’t the only thing Parco di Monza has to offer; take in the lush scenery and majestic buildings on the quieter side of the park.<\/p>\n
Giardini Reali di Monza and the Lambro<\/p>\n
Why do it? Enjoy running in the shade of the gardens and along the Lambro’s riverbank.<\/p>\n
Villoresi canal path<\/p>\n
Why do it? A \u201cchoose your distance\u201d route with no navigation worries. Just follow the canal for as long as you like, enjoying peaceful waterside scenery that feels far from the race-day crowds.<\/p>\n
Also doubles up as a flat and easy cycle route!<\/p>\n
Cycling routes in Monza<\/p>\n
The Lambro cycleway<\/p>\n
Why do it? A rewarding mix of cycling and sightseeing. You\u2019ll ride past Monza landmarks, riverside woods, waterfalls, lakes, and medieval towns \u2013 finishing with plenty of culture to explore in Erba. It\u2019s a journey through the heart of Lombardy, ideal for experienced cyclists looking for more than just miles in the legs.<\/p>\n
Villoresi canal path ride<\/p>\n
Why do it? A leisurely ride through the Lombard countryside along a historic 19th-century canal. Perfect for families or relaxed exploration, with detours into forests, cultivated fields, and small towns \u2013 plus links to other cycle paths like the Groane Park and Naviglio Grande.<\/p>\n
Monza to Brianza hills loop<\/p>\n
Why do it? This loop is a countryside escape just minutes from Monza. You\u2019ll pedal through vineyards, traditional Lombard villages, and rolling terrain \u2013 a great way to stretch your legs away from race-day bustle without committing to a mountain climb.<\/p>\n
Running routes outside of Monza<\/p>\n
Parco Sempione loop<\/p>\n
Why do it? The city\u2019s \u201cgreen lung,\u201d Parco Sempione is perfect for safe and flexible runs in central Milan. You\u2019ll pass landmarks like the Arch of Peace, the Triennale design museum, and the neoclassical Arena Civica, all while looping around the grounds of the historic Castello Sforzesco.<\/p>\n
Navigli canal run<\/p>\n
Why do it? One of Milan\u2019s most atmospheric runs. The canals are lined with cafes and old warehouses, giving a lively city vibe, but the towpaths stretch quickly into quieter sections. Ideal for those who want an easy, scenic run that can flex to any distance. (You can also cycle this route!)<\/p>\n
Lakefront promenade run (Como town)<\/p>\n
Why do it? This run is all about the views \u2013 sparkling lake waters, mountain backdrops, and Como\u2019s elegant villas. It\u2019s traffic-free and flat, making it perfect for an early morning shakeout or sunset jog before dinner on the piazza.<\/p>\n
Como\u2013Brunate hill run<\/p>\n
Why do it? For runners looking for a serious workout, this is your challenge. You\u2019ll gain elevation fast, venturing through forested paths and stone stairways before arriving at a balcony above the lake. The view alone is worth the effort \u2013 and it feels like conquering your own mini-mountain stage.<\/p>\n
Cycling routes outside of Monza<\/p>\n
Navigli canal cycle route<\/p>\n
Why do it? This ride bundles Milan\u2019s history and countryside charm in one. You\u2019ll start in the city\u2019s bustling heart, then roll past colourful canal-side houses, noble villas, abbeys, and farmland, ending in quaint villages steeped in history. It\u2019s also a route steeped in cycling heritage \u2013 the Navigli often features in the Giro d\u2019Italia<\/p>\n
Canale Addetta & castles ride<\/p>\n
Why do it? A gentle ride through the Milanese hinterland that feels like a step back in time. You\u2019ll encounter fairytale castles, peaceful canals, and timeless countryside \u2013 all within reach of the city. Perfect for a relaxed half-day outing away from the GP buzz.<\/p>\n
Lake Como Ring tour with the Wall of Sormano<\/p>\n
Why do it? This is a bucket-list ride for serious cyclists. The Wall of Sormano is one of cycling\u2019s most notorious climbs, featured in the Giro di Lombardia, with gradients up to 27%. Beyond the challenge, you\u2019ll be rewarded with breathtaking (literally!) views of Lake Como, charming hill towns, and a sense of riding in the tyre tracks of legends.<\/p>\n
Bellagio peninsula loop<\/p>\n
Why do it? This loop captures the magic of Lake Como without being extreme. You\u2019ll pass through charming villages, climb just enough to get panoramic views, and enjoy descents back toward the infamous lake. It\u2019s a route that mixes effort with relaxation \u2013 perfect if you want a taste of the local terrain without tackling the Sormano wall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the most iconic weekends on the Formula 1 calendar.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":399161,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4104],"tags":[4230,79,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-399160","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling","8":"tag-cycling","9":"tag-sports","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115150050055609881","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=399160"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399160\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=399160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=399160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=399160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}