In the north of Italy, where the foothills of the Alps merge into the Po Valley near Verona, lies a dream destination for many Europeans, the blue Lake Garda. The largest Italian lake stretches for almost 70 kilometers from Riva del Garda in the north to Sirmione in the south. The lake is lined in the west and east by mountains up to 2300 meters high, which slowly descend to the south and open the gate to the Po Valley. On both sides of the lake, a drivable road with many tunnels, the Gardesana, is carved into the rock and connects the shore villages.
The north around Riva del Garda
If you come down the slopes to Riva del Garda from the north, you will be greeted by a magnificent panoramic view of the lake. This is where the dominance of Mediterranean plants begins. Riva, however, is characterized by the south winds “Ora” and the north wind “Pelér”, which make the waters on the north shore a surfer’s paradise.
The western shore of Lake Garda – from Limone to Desenzano
The shore in the west of Lake Garda shines with palaces, wonderful mountain tours and fine lakeside villages. During his stay, Goethe spoke enthusiastically of the “land where the lemons bloom”. Even today, lemon farms can be visited on the shores of the lake at Gargagnao in the west and Limone in the east. The houses nestle romantically against the mountains on Limone’s narrow strip of shore. The old town, harbour and market square are filled with lively life. Mountain bikes are available for rent in the village, which tempt you to take a tour up the mountain to Tremosine with fantastic views. The cycle path to Pregasina is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Campione del Garda, accessible only by water or through a tunnel, seems spectacularly glued to the almost vertical rock walls resting on a small headland. The place guarantees sailors, kite surfers and surfers the best wind conditions and a large beach.
Gargnano stretches along the shore with its ancient alleys. Some magnificent palaces enchant visitors. The church, originally built by Francis of Assisi, shines with a richly decorated cloister. The fairytale Villa Feltrinelli, owned by the 19th-century family of paper manufacturers, is now a luxury hotel. In the neighboring village of Gardone Riviera, a museum resides in the former, huge residence of the poet D’Annunzio. Andre Heller invites you to the large botanical garden he helped design.
Salo presents a variety of shopping experiences in its old alleys in characteristic small Italian shops. The large cathedral delights with its floor mosaics and the port of Salo is bursting with life. The long waterfront promenade leads past numerous palaces and arcades. A good place to shop is the Saturday market.
Desenzano has a beautiful old town with wonderfully restored merchant houses. Here you can shop elegantly. The town’s large marina is also classy. The place is known for its nightlife with discos and bars. Piazza Malvezzi at the Old Port is a center of city life. In the ruins of a Roman villa, magnificent mosaics can be seen.
Uniquely situated on a peninsula jutting deep into the lake, Sirmione, where Maria Callas already lived during her performances in nearby Verona , has remained a picturesque and partly sophisticated place. In the village with its narrow, old streets, fascinating remains of a Scaliger castle and the Roman baths of Catullo can be visited.
The eastern shore of Lake Garda – from Nago-Torbole to Peschiera del Garda
The eastern shore is strongly influenced by water sports, bathing and adventurous mountain tours. From Torbole you can access the large natural park around the towering Monte Baldo. The Busatte Adventure Park near Torbole offers sports facilities from the high ropes course and the climbing park to mountain bike trails.
Malescine is both a water sports and bathing resort and offers access to the ski areas by cable car in winter. In the Arena Monte Baldo there are all winter sports possibilities, from downhill skiing to ski mountaineering, snowboarding and snowshoeing. In summer, the athletes take mountain bike trails down to the valley. On Monte Baldo, paragliding is offered, also as a tandem flight. At the bay of Val di Sogno, a little south of the village, the trend sport of ultra-fast cat sailing is practiced and taught on two hulls. In nearby Lazise, the water sports enthusiast flies over the water with jet propulsion at Gardawake. In Torri del Benaco, the outdoor planet allows climbing, trekking and canyoning.
Garda shines with lush Mediterranean vegetation. Visitors and locals stroll along the lakeside promenade. At the harbour you can see the Palazzo dei Capitani from the time of Venetian rule. Near Garda, the beautiful Punta San Vigilio promontory juts out into the lake with villas and a small harbour, where you can drink a cappuccino. The Bay of the Sirens on the north side of the headland is probably the most beautiful bathing bay on the lake.
Bardolino breathes the wine culture of the wine of the same name. Winegrowers invite you to wine tasting, a wine museum tells of the ancient culture of viticulture.
The fishing village of Peschiera del Garda in the far south is dominated by a Venetian fortress. Near the village are the amusement parks Movieland Park and Gardaland.
Holidays on Lake Garda: The best tips
Journey
- Airports:
- Verona (VRN): About 30 km from the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda.
- Bergamo (BGY): About 80 km west of the lake.
- Milan (MXP, LIN): About 100-150 km from Lake Garda.
- Train: Good train connections to Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.
- Car: Easily accessible via the A4 (Milan-Venice) and A22 (Brenner-Modena) motorways.
Best time to visit
- Spring (April to June): Mild weather and blooming landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Summer (July to August): Warm temperatures, perfect for water sports and swimming.
- Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists and harvest time in the vineyards.
Activities and sights
- Water sports: Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are particularly popular in the northern part of the lake, around Riva del Garda.
- Hiking and cycling: Numerous hiking and cycling trails offer spectacular views, such as Monte Baldo and the Ponale road.
- Wine tastings: Visit wineries in the Valpolicella region and sample local wines such as Bardolino and Lugana.
- Thermal Springs: Relax in the thermal baths of Sirmione, known for their healing properties.
- Culture and history: Explore historic cities such as Verona, with the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet, and the Scaliger castles in Malcesine and Sirmione.
- Amusement parks: Gardaland, one of the largest amusement parks in Italy, offers fun for the whole family.
Places to visit
- Sirmione: Famous for its thermal springs, the Scaliger Castle and the Caves of Catullus.
- Riva del Garda: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with numerous water sports and hiking trails.
- Malcesine: A picturesque town with a well-preserved Scaliger castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo.
- Limone sul Garda: Known for its lemon groves and charming old town.
- Bardolino: A center of wine production with beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Accommodation
- Luxury hotels: Many five-star hotels offer breathtaking views of the lake, such as the Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda.
- Mid-range hotels and guesthouses: Numerous family-run hotels and guesthouses offer comfortable and affordable accommodation.
- Campsites: Lake Garda is also a popular destination for campers, with many well-equipped campsites right on the water.
- Vacation rentals: Ideal for families or longer stays, numerous apartments and villas are available for rent.
Culinary tips
- Regional cuisine: Try dishes such as risotto with lake fish, polenta and fresh pasta.
- Wine: Taste local wines such as Bardolino, Valpolicella, and Lugana.
- Olive oil: The region is known for high-quality olive oil, which you can buy directly from the producers.
- Markets: Visit local markets to discover fresh produce and regional specialties.
Practical tips
- Rental car: A car gives you the flexibility to explore the different places around Lake Garda.
- Ferries: Regular ferry services allow you to easily get from one place to another and enjoy the scenery from the water.
- Currency: The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.
- Language: Italian is the official language, but English and German are often spoken in tourist areas.
Safety
- Crime: Lake Garda is considered safe. Usual precautions as in any tourist region are advisable.
- Health: There are numerous pharmacies and medical facilities around the lake. Travel insurance is recommended.
