Lake Garda is one of Italy’sbest loved holiday destinations, known for its incredible natural beauty andrich culture. The lake’s northern shores attract water sport fanatics lookingto windsurf or those looking to traverse its rugged terrain. The south drawsvisitors looking for a relaxing break with its laid-back resorts, beautifulbeaches, traditional vineyards and picturesque villages.
Thanks to the lake’s size and the local windpatterns, temperatures are milder and sunnier compared to the rest of theregion. The landscape is peppered with citrus orchards, vineyards and olivegroves, all of which give the lake a unmistakable Mediterraneanfeeling.
Visit the lake’s northernmost town, Rivadel Garda, and enjoy some of the best windsurfing conditions in allof Europe. Take a stroll along the lake, people-watch and meet locals andfellow tourists alike, and watch expert windsurfers do their thing.
Soak in the natural hot springs in Sirmione. Thesenatural attractions have made this town a popular holiday destination forcenturies, being something of a holiday sport since Roman times. Make sure yousavour a creamy gelato while wandering along cobblestone streets where – afterall, eating good food is a massive part of a trip to Italy.
Don’t miss Grotte di Catullo, one of NorthernItaly’s best-preserved Roman buildings. Spread across terraced hillsides andsurrounded by cypress and olive trees, its crumbling stone arches and walls aretruly something to behold. Stop and enjoy the breathtaking views across thelake or take a look inside the museum, and study it great collection of Romanartefacts.
Need more culture? Then delve into the eccentricworld of 19th-century writer, Gabriele d'Annunzio at Il Vittoriale degliItaliani. Even though he’s deemed one of Italy’s greatest writers, d’Annunzioleft his legacy has been tainted by his support for Mussolini and, to a lesserextent, wild lifestyle. Still, his flamboyant residence, which is decoratedwith leopard skins and black velvet drapes, is something to behold.
Explore the evergreen forests and orchid meadows ofParco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba by bike or foot. T his reserve is home tosome of the lake’s best beaches, a popular spot for swimming, and is a UNESCOprotected site.
Located midway between Milan and Venice, LakeGarda can easily be reached by train. Visit outside of thepopular summer season, when there are many festivals and events, if you want toavoid the crowds. But if you’re not too fussed about fellow travellers, be sureto check out the Il Festival del Garda, with its music competitions, beautypageants, and the boat races.
