Our guide to Lake Garda


Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. The magnificent lake and its shoreline are divided among the provinces of Verona (to the southeast), Brescia (southwest), and Trento (north) and due to its location, it enjoys a true Mediterranean climate.  The lake and mountain views, wonderful restaurants, wide choice of shops and activities, makes it a great holiday destination.

The resorts

The northern part of the lake is very pretty and surrounded by mountains.  Here you can visit the towns of Riva del Garda and Torbole both very popular among those who love sailing and windsurfing.

On this east side of the lake, beautiful towns like Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino and Lazise welcome you, for relaxing strolls on the lakes side, sunbathing on the lovely little beaches.

In the south, Peschiera, Desenzano and Sirmione are the most popular villages. In this area you can find the liveliest nightlife of Lake Garda, with bars on the beaches where you can enjoy an aperitivo or a night out in the resorts themselves. In the picturesque peninsula of Sirmione, the Scaliger castle dominates the scene and gives the landscape a magical touch.

The western shore is called Riviera dei Limoni (Riviera of the lemons), due to the important presence of its lemon tree cultivation, with beautiful villages like Limone, Tremosine, Tignale, Gargnano, Salò, San Felice del Benaco and Manerba.

What to do?

You will be spoilt for choice on Lake Garda and it can be as relaxing or as energetic as you make it.  There are plenty of fabulous lakeside promenades perfect for strolling, on the lake itself you can take a boat between most of the resorts or to one of the islands to look at the beautiful villas or gardens.  For the more energetic, you can rent bikes easily and you are spoilt for choice in terms of watersports. The Funivia del Monte Baldo is a cableway that connects the town to the Monte Baldo, with cabins on the second section that rotates on itself to give passengers a 360° spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings.  For family fun, the lake is within easy reach of amusement parks like Gardaland, Caneva and Movieland or a day trip to nearby cities of Verona or Venice.

How to get there?

Lake Garda is blessed with being centrally located which means you will be spoilt for choice in terms of airports.  The main airports Milan Bergamo, Verona (Catullo airport) or Milan Malpensa are the most convenient but you can also use Venice or Treviso.

Where to stay?

There is a large range of property available around the lake, many with breath-taking views, from villas with swimming pools to apartments overlooking either the lake or the many resort piazzas. You will also find some lovely 'residences', which are great family-friendly properties hosting a selection of apartment types, with the benefit of having an on-site reception, bar and a range of activities and services. Visit www.holidayhomesinitaly.co.uk

What to eat?

Garda is influenced by its three neighbouring regions, so expect to see plenty of fish, meat and polenta! The lemons of Lake Garda, are an important ingredient in many local recipes, including Limoncino liqueur and lemon cream of the Riviera dei Limoni, a citron-flavored beverage, and many desserts. Thanks to Lake Garda's temperate climate vines and olive trees dominate the landscape of the eastern shore of the lake, called Riviera degli Olivi (Olives Riviera), where excellent wine and oil are produced. Here famous wines like Bardolino, Valpolicella, Bianco di Custoza, Lugana, Soave are produced.

Why Garda?

Lake Garda is the place to go if you are looking for a relaxing holiday, for those who love relaxing on the beaches, sightseeing or also walking in the mountains and the surrounding hills. A holiday that can meet everybody's needs!

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