Holidays in Lake Garda
Magnificent Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Our beautiful Lake Garda resorts lie at the northern end, where the lake narrows and rugged mountains give a fjord-like feel. The Lake Garda resorts region is famous for olive and citrus groves (try the local aperitif, limoncello). There’s plenty to do in the Lake Garda resort, including ferry trips and swimming, but on your holiday in Lake Garda you’ll also enjoy just sitting by the lakeshore, watching the world go by...
Our holidays in Lake Garda include Malcesine with its cobbled medieval centre; take a cable car up Monte Baldo for breathtaking views. Limone has rocky cliffs and tiny, winding lanes. Our other favourite Lake Garda resorts are Riva Del Garda, with its moated castle, and pretty Torbole.
LIMONE A quaint and colourful town nestling on the west shore of Lake Garda, Limone is famously known for its olive groves, citrus greenhouses and exotic array of plants and flowers. During the day you can wander along the narrow cobbled shopping streets that add a touch of medieval atmosphere to this quaint town, and stop to gaze at the delightful harbour bustling with the ferryboats. By evening, Limone boasts an excellent choice of bars and restaurants offering mouth watering local specialities, whilst in high season, it plays host to lively open-air musical evenings on the lakefront.
MALCESINE On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, at the foot of Monte Baldo, Malcesine is dominated by the 14th century Scaliger Castle which rises sheer out of the lake. It is a picturesque resort with a small harbour and a pretty old town, which teems with shops, cafés and restaurants. There's a choice of pebble beaches and plenty of scenic walks nearby. To make the most of the stunning scenery, try the rotating panoramic cable car to the top of Monte Baldo, a great starting point for a walk, with amazing views across neighbouring valleys.
RIVA Set amongst beautiful mountain scenery, Riva boasts a 12th century fortress and clock tower in the centre of its old town. There are narrow streets lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. Boats and pedalos can be hired to take a trip out on the lake.
Transfer time to Lake Garda from Verona: Up to 2 hrs.
Out & About
Places to visit from Lake Garda include the magnificent Dolomites, Bolzano with its 'Iceman' and of course delightful Verona.
Activities
Apart from enjoying the delights of the lake and its surroundings, like swimming and walking (excellent walking can be found at the top of Monte Baldo via the cable car), you can take a boat trip across or around the lake (a daily service goes from top to bottom and vice versa, stopping off at the resorts enroute). You'll find waterskiing and windsurfing are available in Riva and Malcesine, whilst Torbole is a magnet for sailing.
Shopping
Most resorts have the usual tourist-type shops, offering olive oils, ceramics, postcards, leather goods, t-shirts and jewellery, most of which are reasonably priced. Garda itself has the widest choice being the largest town, with Riva probably the next 'best' in terms of variety.
Food & Drink
A marvellous array of food awaits, from deliciously tempting ice-creams (a speciality of Italy) to fresh pasta, seafood and of course pizza. Favourite tipples include Prosecco, a sparkling wine, Limoncello, a sweet aperitif best served chilled, and the local wine of the region, red Bardolino which is very well-known and widely available. You'll also find Valpolicella and Valdadige as red alternatives and the very well respected Soave, if you prefer white.
Beaches
There are no sandy beaches around the lake, but you will find good pebble ones in all the key resorts as well as some grassy areas from which to swim.
Optional Excursions
MALCESINE On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, at the foot of Monte Baldo, Malcesine is dominated by the 14th century Scaliger Castle which rises sheer out of the lake. It is a picturesque resort with a small harbour and a pretty old town, which teems with shops, cafés and restaurants. There's a choice of pebble beaches and plenty of scenic walks nearby. To make the most of the stunning scenery, try the rotating panoramic cable car to the top of Monte Baldo, a great starting point for a walk, with amazing views across neighbouring valleys.
TORBOLE Once a quiet fishing village, Torbole is now a splendid resort offering excellent bathing and windsurfing. Its little harbour, narrow cobbled streets with inviting cafés and bars, bask in a colourful array of bougainvillaea, and a lovely paved lakeside walk links it with Riva.
Weather
There's a marked contrast in temperatures between north and south, with Garda being around 5 degrees hotter than Riva. If you venture up Monte Baldo, it is wise to take a long-sleeved item, as even in the middle of summer, it can be chilly and in the clouds.
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