Lake Garda is undoubtedly one of Italy's most outstanding natural attractions. A visit to Lake Garda is the key to a most pleasant and endlessly interesting vacation, not only for tourists who have never been to these amazing lands, but even for those who live nearby. Shores immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, green vineyards where fragrant grapes ripen, which in the future will give Italian wine lovers an excellent “Bardolino”, famous cities and romantic borgos, equipped clean beaches where you can relax in the sun, tourist routes and breathtaking natural “panoramic views”. sites" - all this is Lake Garda, an ideal place to relax in Italy all year round!
The ancient Romans called this Lake Benaco, and the name Garda was assigned to it already in the Middle Ages, it comes from the town of the same name in the province of Verona, which is now home to about 4 thousand people. If you believe some documents from the 8th century, the name Garda comes from the German warda, that is, “guard,” “place of observation.”
The Verona part of the Garda coast, with its mild climate, is also called the “Riviera of Olives”, and the coast belonging to Brescia is famous for its lemon gardens, arranged in the form of terraces, for which it is called the “Riviera of Lemons”.
How to get to Lake Garda
By car
The lake is easily reached from the A4 motorway - Milano-Venezia, turning off at Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda, or from the A22 motorway - Brennero-Modena. You can rent a car using this link.
By train
The main railway stations are located in Verona and Peschiera del Garda, at the junction of the Milan-Venice and Rome-Brennero lines.
The name of the entire lake comes from the name of the city of Garda. In the city you can see many evidences of the ancient past, such as the remains of pile buildings from the Bronze Age and rock paintings on Mount Luppia depicting animals, horsemen, warriors, weapons and labyrinths. The historic center still retains the charm of a medieval fortress, with its small colorful houses lining the ancient narrow streets. In the north-west of the Gulf of Garda is Cape San Vigilio - one of the most charming places on the lake. It is a small peninsula with its own church, a small hotel, a modest port and the magnificent Bay of Sirens. The city has many beautiful villas and palaces, the most important of which is the Captains' Palace (Palazzo dei Capitani), located opposite the port.
Evening view of the bay from the town of Garda. Photofotocommunity.it
Lazise
Located 8 km south of the city of Garda and 24 km from Verona, about 7 thousand people live here. The name Lazise comes from the Latin word “lacus”, which means “lake village”. At this point Lake Garda reaches its maximum width - 17 km. Lazise can be proud of its ancient history. The remains of pile buildings indicate that in prehistoric times it was an important settlement. The historical center of the city is characterized by medieval streets and squares, among which stands out the famous Veneto customs house, which was of great importance in its time. Lazise has many beautiful villas, and the most famous and popular place is the thermal center of Colà.
Square V Lazise. Photoupload.wikimedia. org
Peschiera del Garda
Located on the southern side of Garda, in the place where the waters of the lake mix with the Mincio River flowing from it. A city with a population of about 10 thousand people. It is surrounded on all sides by canals, and its historical center is limited by fortress walls that have changed the natural flow of the river. The emergence and development of the city was initially determined by its geographical location. Findings of the remains of pile buildings and other artifacts (arrowheads, swords, etc.), dating back to the Bronze Age, indicate the importance of this settlement. Peschiera del Garda was built on the route connecting Bergamo and Brescia with Verona, specifically to facilitate trade exchanges between them. From Peschiera del Garda there begins a road for cyclists, about 40 km long, leading to Mantua along the Mincio River through the picturesque Mincio Park.
Peschiera del Garda. Photo: bur.regione.veneto.it
Desenzano
At this point, we have virtually completed an almost complete tour of Lake Garda, and if we look into the distance, we can see Sirmione visible on the horizon, where we started our journey. But before we say "Goodbye Lake Garda", we can't miss a visit to the elegant town of Desenzano.
Desenzano. Photo flickr.com
Various historical eras have left their mark on this city, the most prominent “representatives” of which are the Roman Villa, located in the old port, built around 1200, the Castle with a beautiful panoramic terrace and the Renaissance city cathedral, which houses a painting by Tiepolo depicting the “Secret supper."
Among travelers, Desenzano is prized for its romantic harbour, abundance of beaches and pedestrian area full of fashionable shops: you can say goodbye to Lake Garda with some shopping or dining in one of the excellent local restaurants.
Route "Road of wines and tastes of Garda"
The Garda Road of Wines and Flavors covers the entire Brescia coastline on the western side of the lake and is characterized by green hills surrounded by medieval fortified towns. From Sirmione to Limone sul Garda, the coastline has magnificent beaches.
Vittoriale complex
The Vittoriale complex (Vittoriale degli Italiani) in Gardone Riviera is a system of buildings, squares, an open theater, a park, and a museum, built in the first half of the 20th century around the mausoleum of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio.
Complex Vittoriale, Gardone Riviera. Photo it.wikipedia.org
Rocca di Manerba
Rocca di Manerba is a picturesque cape on the west coast, from which a magnificent panorama of the lake opens.
Terrace trembling
The Trembling Terrace (La terrazza del brivido) in Tremosine is an observation deck located on the top of a cliff, 350 meters above the lake, located in the town of Tremosine on the west coast of Garda.
Trembling terrace, Tremosine. Photo s3amazonaws.com
Cape San Vigilio
Cape San Vigilio (Punta San Vigilio) is a peninsula between the cities of Garda and, on which there is a small port, bar, restaurant, beach with entertainment for children. It is easily accessible by boat from the lake.
Sigurtha Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Sigurta is located about 10 km south of Lake Garda, in the town of Valeggio sul Mincio (province of Verona). One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, covering about 50 hectares.
Artur Gruszka Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Arturo Hruska (Giardino Botanico Arturo Hruska) has existed in the town of Gardone Riviera on the western bank of Garda since 1906, and now about two thousand plants from all over the world are planted on its area of 10,000 sq.m.
Gardaland
The largest amusement park in Italy is located in the commune of Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona, on the southeastern coast of the lake.
Gardaland. Photo: fogliardi.it
Local kitchen
Once on Lake Garda, you can taste dishes prepared according to the traditions of Trentino - Alto Adige, Lombardy, Veneto, and the recipes for cooking can vary from one zone to another, they are united by the frequent use of freshwater fish, meat, olive oil.
Fish platter in one of the restaurants on the Garda coast. Photo flickr.com
Here you can try, for example, typical dishes of these places, such as polenta carbonera - a traditional Trentino dish, tasty and satisfying, based on corn flour and cheeses; trout fillet with citrus; fish with citrus and olive oil; “bro brusa” - a thick broth cooked with the addition of toasted flour and olive oil; tortellini Valeggio - with the thinnest dough and delicious meat filling; sardines with olive oil, parsley and garlic; spaghetti with salted fish sauce, bleak, and many other equally appetizing dishes.
Tortellini Valeggio in the process of cooking. Photo gardacolline.it
Luscious Italy with its emerald hills, blue mountain peaks and crystal waters is loved by many tourists. One of the best places for year-round holidays is the huge Lake Garda, surrounded by the majestic Alps, long lines of pristine beaches, pine forests and olive groves.
Roads from Verona, Venice and Milan lead to the lake. You can get to the towns scattered along the coast by buses and trains, and travel between them by ferries, which run from early spring to late autumn, or local buses.
Especially for our readers, we have prepared a list of noteworthy cities and attractions that are collected in them and in their surroundings.
Sirmione
Perhaps Sirmione is the main city of Garda. It is loved by tourists for its thermal waters, treatment centers and historical buildings. The symbol of the coastal town is the Scaliger Castle, the construction of which was completed in the 13th century. At one time, the stone giant served as the defender of Sirmione - this is evidenced by powerful towers and a heavy drawbridge. Time has not harmed it, and today an exhibition dedicated to the history of the place has opened in the castle, open to everyone.
Another important place is the Grottoes of Catullus. According to legend, in ancient times an ancient Roman poet lived here with his family. True, no one has yet been able to confirm or deny this fact. One way or another, the ancient ruins are one of the largest archaeological sites in the country.
In the center of Sirmione, two luxurious churches are hidden among the narrow streets - the Gothic Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the 15th century, and the graceful San Pietro with frescoes from the 12th century. It is impossible not to mention the thermal complexes of Sirmione: the Baths of Catullo are open in the heart of the city, and nearby is the luxurious Aquaria complex with three swimming pools - one of them overlooks the Garda.
Do you want to visit the homeland of lemons? Then be sure to include Limone sul Garda in your itinerary. Residents of the city are sure that this is where aromatic citrus fruits originated. As a sign of pride, they still decorate the doors of their houses with bells that look like lemons. And evergreen trees with yellow fruits grow everywhere here.
The city has preserved monuments of the Middle Ages - the 17th-century Cathedral of San Benedetto, the 16th-century Church of San Rocca and various palazzos. Last but not least, Limone sul Garda is popular due to its landscapes: rocky mountains literally hang over the city, and swans and ducks frolic on the shores covered with small pebbles.
In the very north of Garda, hidden among the massive mountains is the charming town of Riva del Garda, which tourists do not particularly favor with attention. The main attraction of the city is the La Rocca fortress. The stone giant of the 12th century is still surrounded by a moat full of water. Nowadays the History Museum is open in La Rocca.
Not far from the medieval fortress rises the 34-meter Torre Appolnale tower, preserved from the 13th century, on top of which there is an observation deck. There are also numerous palazzos in the city: Armani, Lutti, Martini and others.
One of the most beautiful places in the vicinity of Riva del Garda is the 73-meter gorge with the Cascata di Varone waterfall. The water wall does not freeze even in winter. There is an observation deck, to which a special tunnel leads.
Lively Peschiera del Garda is located at the southern end of the lake. In the central squares of the popular resort town there are numerous cafes serving traditional Italian cuisine. Their neighbors are old bastions and pavilions, the Porta Verona gate and the 16th-century fortress, which have survived to this day.
Another attraction of Peschiera del Garda is its pebble beaches - perhaps the best on the entire lake. The swimming season is open from June to August, but often there is no free space here.
Garda's main amusement park, Gardaland, is 3 km from the city. Its territory contains a variety of attractions - land and water - as well as an aquarium.
Bardolino
Do you like unusual museums? There are two of them in Bardolino: the first is dedicated to the favorite drink of the Mediterranean inhabitants, wine, and olive oil, the second is dedicated to bird hunting and fishing.
In the center of the town, surrounded by the ruins of defensive walls, many religious monuments have been preserved: the churches of San Nicolo, San Vito and San Zeno, the monastery of San Colombano and, of course, the Romanesque church of San Severo, which became famous for its frescoes with scenes from the Apocalypse.
The city beaches have everything you need to relax and sunbathe. In addition, from Bardolino it is easy to get to Gardaland.
Malcesine
This small town on the eastern side of the lake amazes with the number of architectural monuments. The most striking of them are the Palace of the Captains, the Church of the Madonna del Rosario and the Scaliger Fortress - a favorite place for Italian newlyweds. The medieval fortress stands on a stone promontory. It has survived to this day in its original form and now houses several museums within its walls.
Another interesting place is Monte Baldo, the highest point in Garda. In winter there is a ski resort here, but regardless of the time of year, you can climb to the top by cable car.
The city on the southern coast of Garda was known as a popular resort back in the 4th century BC - this is confirmed by excavations carried out on the territory of the local Archaeological Museum, because during them it was possible to find an ancient Roman villa that had previously been located here.
In the upper part of the city there is a medieval tower - the only surviving part of the former fortress, of which not a trace remains. It offers amazing views of Garda and its surroundings.
In Desenzano del Garda there are also religious monuments like the Church of San Giovanni Decollato and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Magdalena, and secular mansions-palazzos, and excellent beaches, such as Desenzano Beach.
The resort on the western shore of the lake is surrounded on three sides by coniferous forest. One of the main attractions of the town is the Andre Heller Botanical Garden with an impressive collection of plants - from alpine to Mediterranean. Hidden among the lush greenery are sculptures of famous Italian masters.
Right on the shore of the lake rises the San Marco Tower with a functioning observation deck. In the vicinity of the city there is a luxurious Vittoriale palace and park complex with a huge yellow amber palace, an amphitheater and a garden.
Arco
Arco, surrounded by olive groves, originates on the banks of the Sacra River and stretches all the way to Garda. Scientists have found traces of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements on its territory. In the historical center, among centuries-old buildings, there is a park with a monument to the local artist Segantini. Next to it is Palazzo Marcabruni with frescoes from the 16th century.
The most remarkable place in the city is the ruins of an old castle. During the restoration, frescoes from the 14th century were found in it, depicting knights and court ladies, hunters and a dragon defeated by St. George the Victorious.
Arco also has entertainment for athletes: with the arrival of winter, ski slopes open on Mount Monte Stivo.
Salo
A small town in the province of Brescia formerly served as a Roman necropolis. On its streets, impressive medieval churches have been preserved: the Cathedral, which contains works of Italian masters, the Church of the Apparition of Christ, the Temple of the Capuchin Order.
Salo will appeal to fans of archeology - the local museum displays a collection of exhibits from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Another significant museum, the Historical Museum, stores documents from the Second World War, as well as the Napoleonic Wars.
Even the north of Italy remains the sunny south for tourists!
Over the course of hundreds of years, melting mountain glaciers and rivers, including the Sarka River, hollowed out a tectonic depression in the Alpine landscape, which was filled with mountain water. This is how Lake Garda was formed with a basin area of 370 square meters. km.
Lake Garda is unique in its silent grandeur, where the world seems to have just been born!
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy(346 m depth, 55 km length, 4-12 km width).
Holidays on Lake Garda are famous for its architectural monuments, Mediterranean atmosphere, unique nature and children's theme parks, idyllic landscapes, a typical Italian easy-going attitude to life and special local cuisine with an amazingly delicious dessert - sweet ice cream "Gilato"!
Open spaces Lake Garda can be roughly divided into two parts according to climatic conditions:
- The northern part, located at the foot of the Alpine mountains, is windier and harsher - an ideal place for surfers;
- The southern part is a Mediterranean paradise.
Spring comes to the northern part of Lake Garda at the end of May - beginning of June and then everything is covered with pink petals of flowering peach, lemon and orange trees, adjacent to the white peaks of the mountains. The Alpine landscape is combined here with meadows, olive groves and greenery of vineyards, with the Mediterranean flavor of sand and pebble beaches and the healing power of thermal mineral springs.
In summer, the sun, with its hot and life-giving rays, falling on the cliffs and hills, gives them its warmth: the meadows are covered with a carpet of flowers and herbs; thousands of grasshoppers, green as emeralds, and lizards find their refuge in them.
Cypress groves signify the Southern Mediterranean region with villas, country residences and hotels. Lake Garda is a piece of sunny Italy!
Pebble beaches in the south are wider than in the north. No special permit is required for sailing on the water surface of Lake Garda, therefore, starting in June, a huge flotilla of tourist yachtsmen is transferred here from behind the Alps.
Swift and graceful yachts glide through the sapphire-blue water, and it seems as if they are white swans floating with their wings spread. Especially here there are many Riva yachts with chocolate-colored hulls.
The attractions of Lake Garda are a variety of natural landscape parks.
- "Sigurta Park" in Valeggio spreads over 50 hectares. “Sigurta Park” is a true example of landscape architecture: 80 artificial lakes with tropical fish and water lilies, grottoes, the Great Lawn, a giant oak, labyrinths of evergreen bushes, its own Hermitage, a horizontal sundial, a Garden of medicinal plants. 30 thousand tulips, 25 thousand roses and 500 thousand irises bloom here! “Sigurtha Park” is a kind of botanical garden, the fourth largest of its kind in the world, where you can ride by car or explore the beauty of the park on a bicycle. 12 km away is the resort of Peschiera del Garda;
- "Waterfall Park" is surrounded by cedar trees, forests and alpine meadows near Verona.
Holidays with children on Lake Garda will delight you with a visit to Gardaland Park.
Theme park "Gardaland"- an analogue of the Spanish Port Aventura and the famous Disney park. Gardaland Park is a haven of entertainment and attractions that cannot be explored in three days. It has been delighting adults and children since 1972. Reality and fairy tales come together on the territory of the Gardaland park: the Mayan pyramids, the mysterious treasure island, the castle of the wizard Merlin, battles of pirate caravels, horse and foot knightly tournaments, ice ballet, all kinds of performances, carnivals and fireworks, American races, airplane flights, canoe trip (rafting) on mountain rivers - more than 40 attractions in total!
During peak summer months (July-August) The park is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00, and at other times from 10:00 to 19:00.
The cost of a 1-day ticket for adults is 35 euros (from 19:00 in the evening 15 euros); For children 29 euros, children under 1 meter tall are free.
Park address:Loc. Ronchi – 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda (VR).
Peschiera del Garda – train station (free shuttles will take you from the station to the park and back).
Attractions of Lake Garda in the Amusement Park:
- "Park Bay of Sirens";
- “Game Park” (children under 10 years old);
- "Kaneva World" - water park;
- “Natura Viva Park” - 1,500 animals of more than 200 species, including a Zoo (on foot) and a Safari Park (by car), where you can see up close rare little-known breeds of animals living in free enclosures.
- "Dinosaur Park", Aquarium, Dolphin Show, Tropical Plant Greenhouse;
- "MovieStudios Park" - a world cinema park in Lozese;
- “The Spectacular 4 D Adventure” is a new stereoscopic “performance-expedition” attraction into the world of science fiction using “movie technologies.”
Holidays on Lake Garda- these are endless expanses of water surrounded by giant mountains, the sights of the towns of the rural foothills and, of course, the resorts of Lake Garda: Benaco, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Lotsesa, Desenzano, Salo, Pieve, Porte Portese.
Wandering around these towns and viewing their sights is a pleasure! In the mornings, when nature is just waking up, on their embankments you can only hear the splash of water, which tickles the sand as it runs onto the shore. Small fishing boats tied to the pier bounce on the water and, hitting the pilings, add a soft drumbeat to the splashing of the water.
The local beauty was first glorified by Johann Wolfgang Goethe in 1786, who was on an Italian voyage that began from the town of Torbole. The 14th century Scalighieri Castle, which is reached by a steep staircase, dominates the town. The castle's 78-meter observation tower offers stunning views of Lake Garda! Fascinated by the Scalighieri Castle, Goette captured it in his drawing. The Capitano Palace looks mysterious, but inside it reveals its beauty and frescoes by Giotto's students.
The sights of Lake Garda can rightfully be called Monte Baldo and Grotte di Catullo. The summit of Monte Baldo (more than 1800 meters above sea level) can be reached by a modern cable car, which is located near the town of Malcesine. The feeling of freedom and wind is a haven for paragliders.
Ordinary tourists, for whom the beauty of Lake Garda is clearly visible from here, should shout:
“I want to hug all this - with my eyes, my heart and my hands...
Why should we look for paradise somewhere when it’s right in front of us?!”
Resort towns on Lake Garda.
The towns located along the shores of Lake Garda are wonderful places where God, according to legend, lit his beacons.
Pieve town resembles an eagle's nest on top of a cliff and ends with a 450-meter slope on the south side of Monte Baldo. Behind it begins the Veneto region.
Town of Sirmione The region of Lombardy in the province of Brescia is famous for its castle, which rises directly from the water surface of Lake Garda, ancient Roman ruins, an ancient Christian temple, rocky mountains, olive trees and thermal springs with warm mineral water.
Grotte di Catullo Sirmione can be visited on foot or by electric train.
Grotte di Catullo is the remains of an ancient Greek villa (167*105 meters), which is located on the top of a cape that protrudes far into the water surface. There is a museum with frescoes and artifacts found during archaeological excavations.
Town of Garda (Benaco) has only 3.5 thousand inhabitants, and the rest are tourists. The dominant feature of Benaco is the 13th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore, reconstructed in the 15th century with the addition of Baroque elements, and the baptistery (baptistery). Along the embankment, where the air heats up to +35C in the hot summer months, there are a number of cafes and hotels. The main decoration of the town is Villa Albertini.
Lotseza– a town of changing historical eras: a prehistoric settlement, a Roman village, a medieval fortress. The slopes of the mountain were filled with urban buildings. Previously, fishing and boat manufacturing flourished in the town.
Limone It is notable for the fact that it hosts the World Cup among professional windsurfing. Cruise ships, which travel at a speed of 30 miles per hour between the coastal towns and from which it is good to explore the beauty and attractions of Lake Garda, are adjacent to the fishing port. The harbor channel is surrounded by a colorful mosaic of old houses. Limone has a large market and lemon groves on the hillsides.
Desenzano del Garda– business and shopping center, port. It is located at the intersection of ancient trade routes connecting the southern part of continental Italy with the trans-Alpine countries. The medieval castle of the Mercenary Knights sits majestically next to dozens of city buildings.
Porte Portese- a real relic of Lake Garda. If you get used to the noise of motor boats, this is the quietest and most inexpensive vacation spot on the lake.
The usual concept of a lake as applied to Garda somewhat limited, since it is the largest lake in Italy by area with surface 370 sq. km. The name of the sea, hidden among the mountains, would be more suitable for it. This is exactly the first impression when you see it: no matter where you look, your gaze cannot completely cover the lake. The lake bathes three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, offering a magnificent variety of landscapes. Snow-capped mountains, soft contours of the hills, small villages on the shores, a number of islands in the center - a lake Garda able to satisfy any requests all year round.
...for its 158.4 kilometers of coastline, which is full of beautiful beaches;
... for its most famous places such as Sirmione, Desenzano, Gardine;
... because of the rich history of the lake, with its islands, castles, churches and palaces;
... for the sake of the traditions of Italian cuisine and local products: wine, olive oil, cheese;
... for the sake of an unlimited number of parks;
...for entertainment and relaxation in the best tourist structures.
Below we will tell you in more detail about the top ten places that are worth seeing if you are going to spend some time on the lake Garda.
Sirmione Castle on Lake Garda (Il Castello di Sirmione)
Sirmione Castle dates back to 1250 and is one of the best preserved castles in Italy. Today it is in excellent condition: we can see two crenellated towers commanding the lake, which is guarded by a Roman goldsmith.
Sirmione Castle is a majestic rock facing the lake, to which it is connected by a drawbridge. 146 steps lead to the bypass routes, from where you can admire the surrounding area. Entering the castle is also the only way to get into the center of Sirmione, touch its history and observe the defensive system of the lake.
Built during the time of Mastino I Della Scala, Sirmione Castle is surrounded by many legends. Among them there is one about Ebengardo and his beloved Aricha. According to legend, one night a traveler arrived at the castle and asked for an overnight stay. He was struck by Ariche's beauty and forced his way into her chambers. When Ariche rejected him, he stabbed her with a dagger. In turn, Ebengardo killed the scoundrel, and now on stormy nights his ghost wanders around the castle in search of his beloved.
Caves of Catullus in Sirmione (Le Grotte di Catullo)
"Caves" are well-preserved ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD. They are regarded today as one of the finest examples of a Roman villa in northern Italy. A thousand years ago, this complex had no equal and stretched over an area of about 2 hectares: the original building had 3 floors and long terraces, which offered a wonderful view of the lake.
Hidden in the dungeons of the villa was a pool with thermal waters, known back in the days of the Empire. Today the villa and its museum and olive grove are open to the public. Thanks to restoration work, today 1,500 olive trees produce the highest quality oil, and the museum contains archaeological finds from this and several other Roman villas on the lake Garda, not to mention various documents preserving the detailed history of the lake from ancient times to the Middle Ages.
Garda Island
Island Garda, or Bourgeois Island- the largest on the lake and located 200 m from the shore on the territory of San Felice Del Benaco. Today it can be reached by boat owned by the Cavazzas, who have been organizing excursions to the enchanting park and villa Ferrari, an admirable example of a villa built in the early 20th century. and the only example of Venetian neo-Gothic style on the lake.
In addition to the villa with gardens, the island is famous for its history. This place was inhabited back in the era of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by burials and ruins of temples, for some time it served as a refuge for pirates, and then became an important religious center, thanks to St. Francesco of Assisi, who built a hermitage on the island. Over the centuries, through successive rulers, the island has been home to such famous figures as Dante Alighieri, Sant'Antonio of Padua and Adelaide Malanotte, the main translator of Rossini's works.
Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda in Trentino is located north of the lake and deserves special attention. At this point the lake narrows and wedges itself between the steep cliffs of Mount Rocchetta: here the water is colder and clearer, in which the Dolomites are reflected, and the silence is more rarefied, because movement on motor boats is prohibited.
Riva del Garda, as the name implies, is connected to the lake and carries its waters far into the mountains. This area is well protected so that tourists can look at numerous evidence of Roman and Medieval times.
In the center is 3 November Square And Apponale Tower, dating back to 1220, Palace of the Comune, reconstructed in the 15th century. And Municipal Palace, built in 1375 by order of the Della Scala family. A walk through the square will help you feel the Austro-Hungarian spirit of the river. Also worth a visit Church of the Virgin Mary made in Baroque style in 1603, medieval Morocco quarter(from “morokke” - shapeless swells of landslides on which palaces stand) and the lake embankment with balustrades facing the water.
Italian Vittoriale on Lake Garda
Italian Vittoriale is burial place of Gabriele D'Annunzio and the real citadel, built by him together with the architect Giancarlo Maroni between 1921 and 1938.
Here the poet wrote his literary works about the war, imbued with patriotism. The Vittoriale houses a museum with objects and reconstructions of that era, a park with statues, ponds and a garden, an auditorium for 200 people where exhibitions, meetings and other events are held, and an amphitheater.
Among the most exciting places - D'Annunzio's personal museum, where Vate’s everyday things are stored: clothes, shoes, his dog’s collars. One of the museum's attractions is the ship donated by D'Annunzio in 1923 and now located in the park, with its bow towards the Adriatic Sea. Vittoriale is not only a historical place, but also a wonderful point from which you can enjoy an ideal view of the local landscape.
Limone
Limone is one of the oldest and best preserved places on the shores of the lake. Garda. The origin of the name is not exactly known: perhaps it comes from the Latin “limes”, but, most likely, it still comes from lemons. Limone is famous precisely for the citrus fruits grown here, which, due to the warm wind from the lake and the unique microclimate, always produce an excellent harvest. The protected terraces are home to picturesque citrus groves, the most famous being the Castel Limonarium, which dates back to 1700 and is today open to the public.
In addition to the mentioned lemons, you will find citrons, tangerines, oranges, and kumquats here. In the historical center of Limone you can stroll along narrow alleys, look at old squares and fishermen's houses.
These houses have now been reconstructed and are open to visitors during the holidays. Don't miss it either Church of St. Pietro in Oliveto. It was built in the 9th century and is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the region. Thanks to the restoration in 1989, the original frescoes can be seen today.
It is worth coming to the 20 September Square, the ancient Market Square, with Visconti tower(XVI century), Basilica of St. Nicholas, today – to the city Cathedral, the Municipality of the 19th century. ( Palace of Bovar) And Azzone Visconti bridge with its arched spans. Built during the Renaissance, the bridge connected Lecco with the Duchy of Milan. Today you can use it to get into the city from Milan or Garda.
Gardaland and other parks on Lake Garda
In addition to unforgettable landscapes, untouched nature and cities frozen in time, the lake has several modern theme parks for the whole family. Most of them are located a few kilometers from the shores of the lake in the province of Verona. Typically the parks are open from April to the end of October, with occasional weekends and Christmas.
Let's start with the famous Gardaland park, the largest in Italy, with more than 35 themed attractions (and this number is growing every year) for adults and children. It is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona.
Adventure lovers will love the Kaneva World theme parks. Movieland, dedicated to the world of cinema, and Waterpark Kaneva, a real paradise of large and small pools, water slides, attractions and games. Both parks are located in Lazise, in the province of Verona.
Wildlife Park in Pastrengo, all in the same province of Verona, is a zoo with 1,500 animals of 200 species from all continents of the Earth. This is a good opportunity for children to observe and learn about animals from all over the world. However, this is not just a zoo, but a center for animal protection and research. It includes a Safari Park with African mammals and birds, an aquaterrarium and an area dedicated to dinosaurs.
Cathedral of Salò (Duomo di Salò) on Lake Garda
The Cathedral of Salo in the province of Brescia is an example of the late Gothic style, as if transporting the visitor back to 1453, when its first stone was laid.
Its facade, simple, with a touch of incompleteness, is made of ordinary brick, and only in 1509 was a marble portal in the Renaissance style added to it. Inside the cathedral you will find works by Paolo Veneziano, Romanino and Moretto. The Cathedral of Salo is the most important place of worship in the city, dedicated to St. Mary Annunzio. This is evidenced by a wooden icon sheathed in gold, found on a spade behind the main altar. The icon dates back to the 15th century, with openwork carvings, representing an excellent example of Brescia art from this area. In the center of the church there is a large wooden crucifix from 1493 by Giovanni Teutonica. To the left of which is a large, rich organ, made in 1489 and placed under the protection of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage in 1957.
Giant cauldrons on Lake Garda
The Giant's Cauldrons are a true natural miracle; they are unique because they are perfectly preserved. Imagine huge basins 5 m in diameter and up to 12 m deep, rounded into a canyon shape on a landscape similar to Lunar.
This name was generated by human imagination, unable to explain the origin of these giant wells. In fact, they were formed from a glacier that passed here 130 thousand years ago. In summer, glaciers melted at high speed, forming streams. They, accelerating, broke into the valleys with a stormy stream of water along with stones. Which destroyed the rock and created the pools that we still see today.
Interesting fact: ceramics and arrowheads found near the Giant's Cauldrons in Torbole indicate that the valley was inhabited in prehistoric times.
Where to stay overnight on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a major international resort, beloved by representatives of different segments of the population from all over the world.
Celebrities prefer to buy houses in this area and spend some part of their holidays here. The flow of tourists is very intense, even taking into account more than 2,100 recreational structures. In spring and summer there are a lot of people who want to stay near the lake, so it is advisable to book hotels in advance. In autumn it is not so warm and therefore not so crowded. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the beauty of the lake Garda calmly and slowly - it is worth visiting it at this time.
After visiting the lake Garda you can also continue your holiday around the region. Of course, you can hear or read 100 times, but the best thing is to see these beautiful cities once with our positive team of local guides from.
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Why go and what to see on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the largest lakes in Europe, a popular beach and excursion resort with many attractions and entertainment. Atmospheric resort towns are scattered along the coast of the lake like pearls; they offer tourists developed infrastructure and rich history. In addition, Lake Garda is framed by beautiful mountains, climbing which you can see Garda in full view. The swimming season lasts on the lake from June to September; the rest of the time the resort is also popular. In the off-season, tourists often come here for excursion purposes, since the cities of Garda have preserved many historical and architectural monuments, and the nature of the lake is famous for its beauty all year round.
In the summer, on the lake you can engage in various types of water sports (including such extreme ones as windsurfing, for example), ride on excursion boats and, of course, swim and swim; for this there are well-equipped beaches in almost every lake town. On the eastern shore of the lake there is the Gardaland water park for the whole family. While on Lake Garda, you can also take day trips to larger cities in northern Italy, such as Verona or Brescia. The resort's infrastructure is quite diverse, you can choose accommodation options for different budgets, the same applies to food (cafes, restaurants, bars of different price ranges).
Michael Bertulat/Desenzano
Climate and weather on Lake Garda
The climate of Lake Garda is mild continental. From the north, the region is sheltered from the winds by the Alps, so sudden weather changes are not typical for Garda, and this applies to any time of the year. In summer, the weather on Lake Garda is sunny, precipitation is insignificant, the air temperature ranges from +22 to +26 degrees, rarely higher. Temperatures may drop as you ascend into the mountains; it is recommended to wear long sleeves. The swimming season opens in June and gradually ends in September. September and May are ideal months for active hiking and excursions. April and October can be quite rainy here, but this is perhaps the only period when the weather on Lake Garda is characterized by precipitation.
Son of Groucho/Limone sul Garda How to get to Lake Garda
The cities closest to Garda with international arrival airports are Milan and Verona (120 and 45 km respectively). There are direct flights from Moscow to both Milan and Verona, the travel time is no more than 3-3.5 hours. Flights are operated by Aeroflot and Alitalia. You can also fly on this route with a transfer using European airlines, then the travel time will increase in proportion to the time spent on the transfer. To get from other Russian cities, you will need a connection in Moscow. You can check the flight schedule and book tickets on special search engine sites:
You can also get to Garda by ordering a taxi or renting a car. Both methods are relevant, since high-speed routes are laid between cities, making them as convenient and fast as possible for movement. You can order a taxi in advance using transfer services:
– the city is purely historical. The number of architectural and historical monuments here is simply off the charts. Among the main buildings of the city are the Duomo Vecchio Cathedral, the Duomo Nova Cathedral, the ancient Roman Pantheon, the Broletto Palace, the Brescia Castle, the Monastery of St. Julia, the Pinacoteca Martinengo and much more. This list is quite extensive, but the historical center of the city is compact, therefore, with the exception of the Brescia Castle, everything else can be seen by moving from one attraction to another.
Pedro/Verona, city view Thermal springs on Lake Garda
On Lake Garda, contrary to popular belief, not only a beach holiday is possible. On the southern coast of Garda there are several useful sources of thermal waters. They are focused on . You can get to Sirmione with a short transfer to Desenzano from almost any major city in Italy. The most famous thermal spring in Sirmione is the Baiola spring, which has a whole range of beneficial properties. The waters of this particular source are used in the thermal complexes of Catullo, Virgilio and Aquaria. Also, using these waters, spa treatments are carried out in some 4* and 5* hotels in Sirmione.
The Baths of Catullo and the Baths of Virgilio are known for their preventive procedures, including inhalations, hydromassages, and mud baths. The Aquaria Thermae is more of a spa area with 3 swimming pools, a sauna, a relaxation room, and massage treatments. All Sirmione baths are open year-round, so you can use the services of thermal complexes regardless of the season. Many tourists specifically come to Sirmione during the “low” season (from November to March inclusive) precisely for this type of recreation.
Yilmaz Oevuenc/Scaliger Castle Beach holiday on Lake Garda
Almost every resort town on the coast of Lake Garda has at least small beach areas, let alone recognized resorts that mainly specialize in beach holidays. The beaches of Lake Garda are different - sandy, small pebbles or large pebbles and rocky, it all depends on the specific resort and its distance from the mountains. In some places, instead of beaches, you can find special bridges and stairs with which you can plunge into the lake.
The swimming season on Lake Garda lasts from June to September, the water warms up quite well in the summer months (+23, +25 degrees), even though Garda is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Europe. However, on the coast, in places equipped for swimming, there is usually a gentle entrance into the water, so you can relax here with children, for example, without any hindrance.
Popular beaches are Desenzano Beach, Spiaggia d'Oro and Porta Rivoltella Beach. The advantages of these beaches are that they are sandy. IN Sirmione The beaches are mostly small-pebble, but also suitable for family holidays. The beaches of Santa Maria di Lugana and Spiaggia Porto Galeazzi are in demand here. Between Sirmione And Peschiera del Garda there is an equally popular holiday destination - Spiaggia Punto Gro beach (pebble surface). Spiaggia Punto Gro is equipped with everything you need and there is also free parking.
As for the northern coast, the local beaches are surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, which adds additional flavor to the area. One of the most picturesque beaches in this sense is the so-called pine beach in Riva del Garda. It got its name because a few meters away from it there begins a pine mountain and a magnificent series of mountain landscapes. Also popular in Riva del Garda are the beaches of Sabbioni and Miralago.
There are also several small beach areas (Spiaggia Tifu, for example), but you need to understand that the town is located at the very foot of the mountain, so the beaches here are pebbly. But there are no beaches in the usual sense as such, there are only bridges and rocky areas. Tourists also swim here, but entering the water itself is not always convenient. As for, a few kilometers from the resort there is a wonderful equipped beach of Lido di Fasano. This beach is public.
Dan Kamminga/Beaches of Peschiera del Garda Sights of Lake Garda
In addition to architectural and natural attractions, Lake Garda also offers a variety of entertainment options for the whole family. Next, we present amusement parks and water parks that will diversify your stay on vacation:
- perhaps the largest amusement park in the Garda area. Local attractions are divided into different categories from the simplest to the truly extreme! The place is perfect for a family holiday. The trick of Gardaland is that you are unlikely to find the attractions here in any other parks in the world; each of the attractions is unique;
OceanariumSeeLife– right there, not far from Gardaland, you can also find an aquarium, in which not the inhabitants of the lake live, but real sea animals and fish. The aquarium is quite extensive; tourists often combine visits to Gardaland and the aquarium;
Movieland Studios- This is also an amusement park, but based on famous action films. Here you can learn about the “kitchen” of filming: how stuntmen perform stunts, what sometimes lies behind action scenes. The park is so interesting that you could spend the whole day here! By the way, it’s definitely worth staying here until the evening, because... you can see a beautiful fireworks show;
A parkJungleAdventure is a now popular ropes course in a wooded area that allows you to feel the true spirit of adventure. Obstacle routes are available for both adults and children;
Sigurta Park and Natura Viva Safari Park- These are mostly walking parks with amazing nature and local inhabitants. You can walk here all day long, and you still won’t be able to cover the entire territory. In Sigurta Park you can also travel on excursion trains, and in Natura Viva Park on special off-road vehicles like a “safari tour”. In Natura Viva Park, in addition to the zoo, there is also a botanical garden and a dino park;
Kaneva Park is one of the largest water parks on Lake Garda. It is located near Movieland (you can buy a common ticket for entry to both amusement parks). Here you can find rides such as Splash, Kamikaze, Wind Lagoon, Raging River, Typhoon, Twin Peaks, Black Hole and much more. The attractions are divided into children's and adult areas.
Spencer Wright/Gardaland Hotels on Lake Garda, Italy
Accommodation on Lake Garda is very varied - these can be standard hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments (or apart-hotels), guest houses, and holiday homes. The price range also varies greatly depending on the star rating of the hotel and the services offered. It should be noted that there are virtually no all-inclusive hotels on Garda; food options are most often only breakfast, but this is typical for all of Italy, and not just specifically for holidays on Lake Garda.
Since the resorts of Lake Garda are usually small towns, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance, so you can find the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. Early booking is best made 2-3 months before the start of the high season. You can find a suitable hotel/apartment in the resorts of Lake Garda, as well as check availability for specific dates, using specialized services for searching hotel offers:
Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;
Roomguru – the best deals from thousands of hotel booking sites.
When choosing a hotel, pay attention to such parameters as location, availability of a private beach area, type of food, availability of parking (if traveling by car).
David Blaikie/Gardone Riviera Travel insurance
When going on a trip to Lake Garda or any other part of Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:
- online insurance for people traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;
- O online service for selecting and purchasing travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;
You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to your visa documents, and you must also have it with you when going through passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to Schengen countries (including Italy) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Italy is paid and quite expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity. If you plan to engage in active sports, it is better to include this option in your insurance.
Romtomtom/View from Monte Baldo We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!
Photo at the beginning of the article: Antonangelo De Martini
