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In a nation such as Italy, abundant with incredible tourist spots and stunning attractions, including iconic cities like Rome and Florence as well as breathtaking natural landscapes like the Dolomites and the Amalfi Coast, a location must truly be exceptional to shine among the rest.
However, Italy’s lakes successfully achieve this feat by being located in the picturesque northern region of the country. They offer a blend of historical structures, vibrant coastal shades, and breathtaking scenery – with Lake Garda arguably being the most charming among them. The surrounding area features rolling hills adorned with lush forests and verdant greenery, while numerous towns in soft pastel hues are scattered around the lake.
You can spend your day hiking, strolling, or participating in water activities. Alternatively, you can relax and embrace the sweet life among the olive groves, vineyards, and tree-lined paths.
There are numerous towns located on the lake, making it challenging to choose where to visit and what activities to participate in. However, we have compiled a list of the top things to do in order to make the most of your vacation on this Italian lake.
Please visit the main towns surrounding the lake.
Lake Garda has several prominent towns that are essential stops along its shoreline. Riva del Garda and Desenzano del Garda are two of the most notable, boasting charming Venetian and Baroque architecture with red roofs and soft-colored facades. Visitors can enjoy various water activities and dine at picturesque restaurants, while also taking in some historical sites such as Desenzano’s well-preserved Roman villa and Riva’s 13th-century Apponale clock tower.
To visit a tranquil town by the lake, go to Peschiera. The town is filled with colorful buildings and beautiful bridges, and it is a popular destination for ferry tours. In the western part of the lake, you can find the charming town of Salò. It used to be the unofficial capital of Italy during Mussolini’s rule and is now a vibrant mix of Italian heritage and customs. You can see a medieval cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria and a Baroque palace while strolling along one of the longest promenades in the country.
Learn more about traveling to Italy.
Explore the Isola del Garda for an afternoon.
The island of Garda has a rich and diverse past, which includes being utilized as a cemetery during the Roman era.
The largest island on the lake is Isola del Garda. Although it is owned by the Cavazza family, it has been accessible to the public since 2002. Currently, the island is lush with vegetation and features a neo-Gothic Venetian villa called Villa Borghese Cavazza. Visitors can take guided tours of the villa’s interior and explore the tropical plant-filled grounds.
The duration of tours is approximately two hours with a cost of €36 (£30) which includes round-trip ferry transportation from various towns such as Salo, Maderno, and Barbarano.
Go for a hike on Monte Baldo.
A cable car transports tourists to the top of Monte Baldo in only 15 minutes.
The name of the mountain range that overlooks the northeastern side of the lake is Monte Baldo. It consists of five very tall peaks, with the highest being Cima Valdritta at 2,218m, making it a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. To experience the most breathtaking views, take the cable car from Malcesine, which offers a panoramic outlook of the crystal blue waters, lush green hills, and olive groves. From there, a variety of hiking trails and biking paths lead back down to the lake’s shores.
Explore the quaint villages.
Malcesine provides convenient entry to Monte Baldo.
When you have the opportunity to visit Lake Garda, it is worth your while to explore some of the smaller towns and villages. Even though they have small populations, places like Malcesine are famous for their picturesque shorefronts with colorful buildings and medieval influences. Malcesine also offers convenient access to Monte Baldo and the impressive Scaliger castle ruins.
Limone, a smaller town, has a charming atmosphere. It is situated at the base of a mountain and adorned with the soft hues that have made the area’s towns renowned. It is also more genuine and less impacted by tourism. One of its main draws is a lemon grove that has been transformed into a museum, which has been in existence for centuries.
Sirmione is a popular destination on the Lake, renowned for its thermal springs, spa, charming Old Town, and the ancient Roman villa of Grotte di Catullo. Garda, the town after which the lake is named, offers a true Italian experience with its picturesque Venetian villas, quaint cafes, and abundant cypress trees. It is common to see locals leisurely strolling along the promenade and through the piazzas in the evenings.
Attempt water-based activities.
The lake is ideal for various water activities, with kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing being popular in multiple locations. In the northern part of the lake, two winds – the Peter and the Ora – create perfect windsurfing conditions in the morning and afternoon respectively. The Garda Trentino area is also a safe spot for these activities as motor boats are not allowed.
Malcesine, Riva, and Gargnano have ideal conditions for diving, with Gargnano boasting a boat wreck at a depth of approximately 40 meters. Additionally, most major towns offer a variety of sailing clubs to cater to different preferences. This is also the case for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing, with ample facilities available.
Take a trip on the Strada della Forra.
The Strada della Forra was originally planned in 1889 to connect the lake and Pieve di Tremosine sul Garda. It runs through a ravine and curves along steep cliffs, with many narrow sections and sharp turns that can be thrilling for those who travel on it. The road reaches a height of approximately 360 meters above the water. A pedestrian path also follows the route, as before the road was built, the only way to reach Pieve was by foot. However, cycling, motorcycling, and driving are still the preferred methods of experiencing this impressive route.
Please visit the Varone Waterfall Cascade.
The Cascata del Varone is an unusual waterfall as it flows through a limestone tunnel instead of cascading down a cliff. Visitors can explore the gorge and witness the falls through a network of pathways. The inside of the tunnel is illuminated by vibrant lights and there is also a botanical garden growing on the surrounding cliffs.
Take a look at our evaluations of the top hotels in Italy.
Source: independent.co.uk
