The Garda Lake is undoubtedly included among the most extraordinary features of our country. And for those who has never visited before, both for those who live around here, there are many places to explore, to discover towns, beaches to relax in the sun: there proproniamo a guide to attractions and must-see cities of more each bank of the lake, hoping that it can be helpful to plan your summer trips!

The countries of Upper Lake

Riva del Garda, Limone and Malcesine are within walking distance of each other, and are the most beautiful cities of the northern area of ​​the Lake: if you get the chance visit them all, even in a single day.

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda is located on the banks belonging to the province of Trento and is the perfect starting point: from here you can reach Limone in just 40 minutes by boat. Taking a stroll downtown, you will notice the symbol of the country’s attractions, such as the Apponale Tower, built in the thirteenth century as a watchtower to defend the port and the square, and the Rocca Scaligera and the Church Inviolata, the most majestic monument of city. Riva is one of the leading tourist centers on Lake Garda since mid-nineteenth century, in fact, many celebrities have visited it, including Nietzsche, DH Lawrence, Kafka and the Mann brothers.

Limone and Malcesine

Limone is a beautiful bustling village on the shore of the Lake. It is a must visit to lemon groves, or the remains of lemon gardens, which also spoke Goethe in his Travels in Italy: historical and architectural heritage of great importance, the gardens- greenhouses are surrounded on three sides by high walls clinging to the mountains, built in the eighteenth century to protect the plants from winter winds, and many of them have been recently restored by the municipal administrations. Lemon is just 20 minutes from Malcesine: here is worth visiting the Medieval Castle, situated in the old town, overlooking the sea: climbing the steps to the top of the highest tower you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the lake, and all ‘inside you you can visit the museum dedicated to the flora and fauna of the lake, as well as the house where Goethe lodged. From Malcesine part also the chair lift to Monte Baldo: even from up there, of course, you will enjoy a breathtaking view, and you can also enjoy some of the most delicious dishes in the restaurant of the lodge atop Mount.

Lower Lake

Sirmione

Sirmione is one of the most popular cities of the lake since ancient times, and was much loved by the poet Catullus, who belonged to a rich Roman families who came here on holiday. In Catullo are titled in fact the remains of the largest Roman villa in northern Italy that apparently belonged to the poet’s own family, and which is now known as the Grotte di Catullo. Located on the tip of the peninsula on a hill overlooking the lake, the architectural remains seem to suggest the grandeur of the original building, and are rightly considered the most attractive location in Sirmione. Even the fortress of La Scala era worth visiting. The dock, once the refuge of the fleet, is perfectly preserved, and going up to the tower from here you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the city and lake. But probably one of the best things to do in Sirmione, since the times of the ancient Romans, is relaxing at the beach, and here there are eight: the largest is the Lido of Blondes, and is located near the Grotte di Catullo ; its location, surrounded by the lake with a beautiful view, but two minutes from the old town, as well as services offered, make that this beach is the most popular; if you prefer something more peaceful and unique, choose instead the Jamaica Beach, reachable only by boat or on foot during low tide.

Peschiera del Garda

In Peschiera del Garda, guests will find one of the most known and visited monuments in the area: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ash. The sanctuary was built in 1510 when a farmer, after being bitten by a snake while working in the fields, he invoked the Virgin Mary, who appeared to him in a vision, wrapped in light in the vicinity of an ash tree. The chapel was built on the site of the miracle, and it is attached to a convent and a hotel and restaurant area. The history and the spirit of the community of friars who guards the sanctuary and peace that inspire both the chapel that the magnificent cloister mean that the place is well loved and often frequented by the inhabitants of the area. Among the various beaches of Peschiera, the most original is the Bracco Baldo Beach, opened in 2011 and equipped to accommodate your four-legged friends, fenced on all sides and with three accesses to the lake.

The East Side

Lazise and Bardolino

Lazise will captivate you with its colorful harbor full of restaurants overlooking the canal, its ancient Scaliger walls, the streets full of shops, the castle overlooking the town and the beautiful lakeside promenade, where you can go shopping at the night market and also take long walks : following the pedestrian and cycle track along the lakeside in fact you can walk – or cycle – up to Bardolino and Garda! And if you arrive in Bardolino in time for an aperitif, be sure to pay a visit to Zeni and Wine Museum Cellar: participating in the tour, you will not only visit the museum but taste the wines of its production and tasting of local foods really tasty and interesting combinations.

The West Side

The Italian Vittoriale in Gardone Riviera

If there is can not miss a visit to the West Side, and specifically in Gardone, if only to visit the Italian Vittoriale, a complex of buildings and gardens built by Gabriele D’Annunzio and dedicated to the Italian victories at war . It is important to remember to book a visit to access the Priory, the real home of D’Annunzio, where you can take a trip into the personality of the poet admiring the eclectic and bizarre objects that belonged, his studio, and the room where she died. Other buildings worth visiting are the War Museum and D’Annunzio Hero, and of course the Mausoleum with the tomb of D’Annunzio, which reach through the beautiful garden.

Manerba

Last leg of our journey is Manerba, where we invite you to head to the Archaeological Park of the Rock overlooking the lake: beautiful both as a point of truly spectacular observation from which to admire the lake, both as an opportunity for a beautiful walk among the historic ruins or picnic in the park: the good reasons to visit the fortress there, and if we had to choose only one place to advise you to go for a panoramic view of the lake, would no doubt, because less touristy than many other more popular resorts like Lasize or Sirmione.

We just have to wish bon voyage to all the lucky ones who are planning a holiday to Lake Garda this summer!

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