Explore Lake Garda’s historic towns, hike through its picturesque parks or simply relax at its lakeside beaches and hot springs in this beautiful region surrounding Italy’s largest lake.
Lake Garda is one of Italy’s best loved holiday destinations, known for its incredible natural beauty and rich culture. The lake’s northern shores attract water sport fanatics looking to windsurf or those looking to traverse its rugged terrain. The south draws visitors looking for a relaxing break with its laid-back resorts, beautiful beaches, traditional vineyards and picturesque villages.
Thanks to the lake’s size and the local wind patterns, temperatures are milder and sunnier compared to the rest of the region. The landscape is peppered with citrus orchards, vineyards and olive groves, all of which give the lake a unmistakable Mediterranean feeling.
Visit the lake’s northernmost town, Riva del Garda, and enjoy some of the best windsurfing conditions in all of Europe. Take a stroll along the lake, people-watch and meet locals and fellow tourists alike, and watch expert windsurfers do their thing.
Soak in the natural hot springs in Sirmione. These natural attractions have made this town a popular holiday destination for centuries, being something of a holiday sport since Roman times. Make sure you savour a creamy gelato while wandering along cobblestone streets where – after all, eating good food is a massive part of a trip to Italy.
Don’t miss Grotte di Catullo, one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman buildings. Spread across terraced hillsides and surrounded by cypress and olive trees, its crumbling stone arches and walls are truly something to behold. Stop and enjoy the breathtaking views across the lake or take a look inside the museum, and study it great collection of Roman artefacts.
Need more culture? Then delve into the eccentric world of 19th-century writer, Gabriele d'Annunzio at Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. Even though he’s deemed one of Italy’s greatest writers, d’Annunzio left his legacy has been tainted by his support for Mussolini and, to a lesser extent, wild lifestyle. Still, his flamboyant residence, which is decorated with leopard skins and black velvet drapes, is something to behold.
Explore the evergreen forests and orchid meadows of Parco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba by bike or foot. T his reserve is home to some of the lake’s best beaches, a popular spot for swimming, and is a UNESCO protected site.
Located midway between Milan and Venice, Lake Garda can easily be reached by train. Visit outside of the popular summer season, when there are many festivals and events, if you want to avoid the crowds. But if you’re not too fussed about fellow travellers, be sure to check out the Il Festival del Garda, with its music competitions, beauty pageants, and the boat races.