The experiences not to be missed on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake. Divided between the provinces of Brescia, Trento and Verona (and the respective regions of Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto), especially in the summer months its beaches and nature trails become a favorite destination for tourists, arriving on its shores from Italy, but also from nearby Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Among varied flora, picturesque villages, spas and amusement parks, the variety of its offer makes it a destination that really pleases anyone: but what are the experiences not to be missed on Lake Garda?
Windsurfing
On Lake Garda the wind blows strong all year round, and it’s not uncommon to see sports who practice windsurfing and kitesurfing on its waters. It happens especially in summer, because from November to March cold temperatures make excursions difficult, but there are many operators who organize activities and experiences on the lake. And if adrenaline scares you, why not start with a boat or speedboat tour?
The Garda cycle path
The Garda cycle path is the longest cycle path in Europe. Inaugurated in 2018, it is a 140 km walk that flanks the shores of the lake, starting from Limone and touching 19 locations. The bike path is accessible by bike or on foot and offers one of the best views overlooking Lake Garda, crossing slopes, rivers, nature reserves and alpine landscapes.
Happy hour on the lakeside promenade
Happy hour, or aperitivo, a tradition of both Italy and its holidays. Salò, Desenzano, Sirmione, Bardolino, Padenghe: the coast is full of bars and chiringuitos in which to end a day with a spritz and a privileged view of the lake.
The wine tasting in Bardolino
Bardolino is a village nestled between the lake and the hills in the province of Verona, famous for the production of oil and wine, a red that takes the name of the town. Between the picturesque old town full of flowers and the visit to the fishermen’s houses, you can’t say you were in Bardolino without having had a tasting of its wine in a vineyard or a local winery. Cheers!
A day at an amusement park
Caneva Aquapark is a water park in the province of Lazise, dating back to the 60s, and in its more than 200,000 square meters there are water slides, swimming pools, roller coasters and paths for adults and children. Movieland Park is a theme park of more recent construction: it’s located right next to Caneva and is the first Italian amusement park dedicated to the world of cinema. Gardaland is the most famous park in Northern Italy and among the best in the world: organized in thematic areas, from its highest attractions you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Garda. You’re spoilt for choice.
Relax at the spa
It’s not difficult to find spa hotels and wellness centers on Lake Garda, but the most famous spas are undoubtedly those of Sirmione, whose thermal waters are born over 2000 meters deep, in the basin of Monte Baldo. In Pescantina, in the province of Verona, there’s also Aquardens, the largest spa in Italy.
A day at the beach
Lake Garda has over 158 km of beaches: do not expect fine sand, rather gravel and pebbles, so it’s useful to bring with you suitable footwear. Some are free beaches but still equipped, others more wild, many are paid. They also often host bars, restaurants and nightlife spots.
A visit to the most picturesque towns of the lake
Lazise, Limone, Malcesine, passing through the characteristic village of Valeggio sul Mincio, Riva del Garda on the north tip, and Salò: Garda doesn’t only mean freshwater and pebble beaches, even the villages and small towns that surround us are worth a visit. Not far from the coast are Verona, Brescia and Trento, the provinces that compete for the territory of the lake.
Trekking on the Monte Baldo
The lake makes everyone agree because it’s able to offer a meeting point between water lovers, who would spend the day soaking in Lake Garda, and land lovers, who between hills and mountains are allowed trips and excursions. Monte Baldo, between the provinces of Trento and Verona, is one of the privileged destinations for sports because it offers a variety of hiking trails, but also walking paths overlooking the lake. To get to the top there’s also a cable car, called Funivia Malcesine from the name of the town that connects to the Mount.
The day trip to the Vittoriale degli Italiani
The Vittoriale degli Italiani is a monumental complex dating back to the 1920s. It’s located in Gardone Riviera, on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, and was commissioned by Gabriele d'Annunzio to commemorate the Italian soldiers of the First World War. The Vittoriale ended up becoming the home of the poet, whose extravagance, eclecticism and aesthetic taste can be breathed into every room. The complex, overlooking Lake Garda, is a real city made of green areas, streets and waterways, an amphitheater, a library, a plane and a ship, a museum dedicated to the figure of d'Annunzio and the mausoleum where the latter rests.
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