Today’s destination is Lake Garda, or Lago di Garda in Italian. In this video
you will see 27 of the most spectacular places to visit, on or near the largest lake in Italy,
starting near Brescia, then on to Verona, and finally, passing through Trento.
In northern Italy, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda are surrounded by spectacular
mountains and hillsides, with olive groves and vineyards providing breathtaking views from nearly
every vantage point. The towns and villages that line the shores offer a rich cultural history,
with their ancient castles, charming churches, and of course, many winding streets to explore.
Only an hour east of Milan, the town of Brescia provides easy access to
Lake Garda’s western shoreline, and the first 17 places on our list.
1. Limone Sul Garda: On the northwestern shore, this quaint little town is known
for its narrow streets, lemon tree orchard, and lakeside promenade,
providing visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains in a relaxing environment.
2. Campione del Garda: Only ten minutes south of Limone Sul Garda, this small town
is surrounded by steep cliffs that help create dependable wind patterns, providing excellent
windsurfing and sailing conditions. 3. Tremosine: High above the lake,
on the rocky slopes, this area is known for its stunning panoramic views, charming atmosphere,
and wide range outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
4. Tignale: This picturesque village, located in the hills just to the south of Campione,
offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, as well as
providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and many other outdoor activities.
5. Gargnano: Known for its rich history, this lakeside town, including its port and
beautiful natural surroundings, create a charming atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike . It
is also home to the Palazzo Feltrinelli, a stunning historic villa-turned-luxury hotel.
6. Toscolano Maderno: With its beautiful lakeside promenade, historic churches,
and rich cultural heritage, this town of 8,000 residents is an oasis, complete with
enticing pebble beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. 7. Gardone Riviera: A charming town, known for its
beautiful gardens and historic villas, including the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former home of
poet and writer Gabriele D'Annunzio. 8. Salò: With 11,000 residents, this
lively town is known for its rich cultural heritage, wonderful lakeside promenade,
and great shopping and dining options. 9. San Felice: Just to the south of Salò, this
charming village has a medieval castle, plenty of space, and fantastic panoramic views from nearly
every area, including its large pebble beach. 10. Puegnago del Garda: This village is located
inland from the lake, and along with its medieval castle, has captivating views of the surrounding
countryside, along with a pleasant atmosphere. 11. Manerba del Garda: Located on a peninsula,
this town of 5,000 residents has a beautiful lakeside beach,
ancient ruins, and stunning panoramic views. 12. Moniga del Garda: This small village is
known for its wine production, historic medieval castle, and charming atmosphere.
13. Padenghe del Garda: A relaxing town with its large medieval castle, vineyards,
terraced views, and plenty of pebble beaches. 14. Soiano: Located inland, this small village
of less than 2,000 residents has a small medieval castle, olive groves,
and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 15. Desenzano del Garda: This lively resort town
on the southern shore of the lake is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, historic
landmarks, and great shopping and dining options. 16. Lonato del Garda: A few kilometers inland
from Desenzano del Garda, this historic town is known for its medieval castle,
rich cultural heritage, and hillside views. 17. Sirmione: A popular tourist destination
located on a narrow peninsula on the southern shore of the lake, Sermione has a picturesque
historic center, stunning medieval castle, and an enchanting lakeside promenade.
We continue our journey around Lake Garda with 8 locations on the southeastern shoreline,
starting with Peschiera del Garda, only a short 30-minute drive from the city of Verona.
1. Peschiera del Garda: This historic resort town, known for its ancient fortifications, charming old
town, and picturesque harbor is a great place to enjoy some time on the water, and visitors can
also relax by birdwatching in the countryside, near the nature reserve at Lago del Frassino.
2. Castelnuovo del Garda: Have an adventure at the Gardaland
Amusement Park, situated between Peschiera del Garda and this historic town near the
southern end of the lake. Its thriving agricultural community helps create a
picturesque landscape throughout the area. 3. Lazise: This charming town, with a small
harbor, medieval walls, and historic old town, is a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation,
go wine tasting, or visit nearby amusement parks like Canevaworld or Movieland.
4. Bardolino: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Bardolino is known for its delicious wine
and picturesque old town. It's a great place to relax, take a stroll along the lakeside promenade,
or visit the local churches and museums. 5. Garda: With its towering medieval castle, this
town of 4,000 residents has a lively waterfront, and is a great place to enjoy water sports,
go shopping, or explore the countryside. 6. Torri del Benaco: A medieval castle,
charming old town, and picturesque harbor make this town a delightful stop for tourists,
and is a wonderful place to enjoy water sports, go hiking,
or simply relax and soak up the scenery. 7. Brenzone: Farther up the eastern coastline,
this historic town has a quiet atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake and mountains.
It's also a great place for hiking, biking, and enjoying water sports.
8. Malcesine: Known for its towering castle overlooking the lake, this town sits below
stunning mountain scenery, and is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and windsurfers.
Our last two stops are on the northern Trentino shoreline,
over 51 kilometers from the southernmost side of the lake.
1. Nago Torbole: Its stunning mountain scenery, beautiful beaches, and excellent wind conditions,
make this town a popular destination for windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, and other
water-based activities. The town also has a rich cultural heritage, with several historic buildings
and monuments to explore. 2. Riva del Garda:
A bustling town with over 17,000 residents, visitors will find a quaint old town, stunning
lakefront promenade, and excellent shopping and dining options. It's also a popular destination
for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. The town
also has several cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic churches.
Both Nago Torbole and Riva del Garda offer easy access to the mountains and
the beautiful natural surroundings from the north side of the lake.
They are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, families,
and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Lake Garda.
Visitors to Lake Garda can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking and cycling to watersports
and boat trips. There are also many excellent restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine
and numerous wineries producing some of Italy's best wines. Whether you are looking for a relaxing
vacation or an action-packed adventure, Lake Garda has something for everyone.
It is an excellent destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike and
offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
For more details about what to do on Lake Garda, click here and watch this video:
12 Things to Do in Lake Garda | Cycling, Hiking, Boat Tours & MORE.