Just a few kilometers from Venice, in the lush heart of the Veneto region,

unfolds one of Northern Italy’s most captivating cycle routes: the Girasile. This approximately 40-kilometer cycling and walking path follows the gentle bends of the Sile River, the longest resurgence river in Europe, offering an immersive journey through nature, fluvial culture, and the region’s rich history.

The Sile emerges quietly but steadily from numerous spring-fed sources near Casacorba, in the Treviso lowlands, at just 23 meters above sea level. From there, its clear waters flow through the province of Treviso before reaching the Venetian lagoon. With a steady flow and stunning natural surroundings, the river has long served as a vital waterway and economic lifeline for the communities along its banks.

A Scenic Cycling Route Through the Veneto Landscape

The Girasile connects the city of Treviso with the river village of Casale sul Sile, closely following the water’s edge. The entire route is flat and easily accessible by bike, suitable for both experienced cyclists and families. Along the way, travelers encounter nature reserves, protected wetlands, cultivated fields, and small towns that still embody the deep-rooted relationship between people and the river.

One of the most scenic sections lies between Treviso and Casier. Here, the path runs along the ancient towpaths (known as alzaie), once used for pulling boats upstream by oxen or people. Today, these paths are tranquil greenways, shaded by mature trees and dotted with old mills, small harbors, fishing huts, and peaceful rest areas.

The Burci Cemetery: A Place Suspended Between Water and Memory

Just past Casier lies one of the most iconic spots along the Girasile: the Burci Cemetery (Cimitero dei Burci). In this bend of the river, visitors can see the submerged remains of numerous wooden cargo boats—called burci—which were once used to transport goods along the Sile and into the lagoon. The decaying hulls of these vessels now create a hauntingly beautiful landscape, suspended between poetry and decay. The still waters, marsh vegetation, and presence of many bird species make this area ideal for photography, birdwatching, and slow travel.

Beyond Casale sul Sile: The Taglio del Sile and the Greenway to Jesolo

From Casale sul Sile, it’s possible to continue along the route toward the Taglio del Sile, a historic hydraulic project that altered the river’s course to improve drainage into the lagoon. This extension, known as the Greenway, leads all the way to the river’s mouth in Jesolo, where the Sile meets the Adriatic Sea. Along this stretch, the landscape begins to shift: farmland gives way to lagoon scenery, canals, locks, and wetlands rich with coastal flora and fauna.

Less well-known than the main route, this part of the itinerary offers deeply evocative views and is ideal for those wishing to extend their Girasile experience to the coast, crossing landscapes that grow increasingly rarefied, suspended between fresh and brackish water, between mainland and sea.

A Land to Experience at a Slow Pace

The Girasile is a perfect example of slow and sustainable tourism, bringing together natural beauty with cultural heritage and fluvial traditions. It encourages travelers to slow down, to listen to the rhythms of nature, to observe the often-overlooked details, and to rediscover the ancient bond between humans and rivers.

Along the path, one may encounter restored farmhouses, riverside gardens, wooden bridges, and old water mills that, though no longer in use, still exude their original charm. It becomes clear how the Sile once functioned as a true “water highway” connecting inland communities with the Venetian lagoon—facilitating trade, communication, and cultural exchange.

Today, the river and its banks form the green heart of a region increasingly dedicated to preserving and celebrating its environmental and historical identity through meaningful, nature-based experiences.