8 pretty towns at the Lake Garda- the perfect getaway for all tastes

20.05.2019.

Lake Garda, if you’re in the surroundings of Verona don’t miss the chance to visit this fantastic lake. How many times I missed to visit the lake, but have been so close to the charming Verona. There’s just something in the air that tells you that Garda lake is the perfect blend of romantic streets and charmant towns.

Not only it’s so pretty, but offers a perfect harmony for all tastes and ages- just think that Gardaland is not the only wonderpark. Who wouldn’t be curious to wonder what’s to explore? You would be surprised to discove how many castles exist at the lake. Even the mountain lovers will be more than satisfied by Monte Baldo.

See also: Lake Como- glamurous towns and hiking adventures

Lake Maggiore- the fabulous flower treasure at the largest Italian lake

Amazing lakes in Europe

Pretty towns at lake Garda

With Garda Lake you cannot go wrong, just don’t go in the summer when there’s the highest traffic. I chose mid April but still the weather didn’t permeat me to enjoy smoothly, even to see the view from Monte Baldo.

1. Sirmione- the most famous town at Lake Garda

For most people Sirmione is the starting point because of its location at the south and nearness to Verona. It’s known as the prettiest town at the lake as it unites beaches, lovely streets and the awesome castle. Though the adjacent town Peschiera del Garda belongs to the province of Verona, Sirmione is linked to the province of Brescia.

Sirmione lies on the peninsula where the castle on the water characterises this pretty town- the Scagliero Castle from the 13th century. As the castle opens the entrance to the old town, the magic appears. The entrance fee is 6€ and be surprised to visit the Caves of Catullo at the end of peninsula. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice it. These are the remains of ancient roman vila having the price 8€, in combination with Scagliero Castle 12 e.

Ice-creams in Sirmione have plenty unusual tastes (black vanilla!), it’s so easy to get relaxed in Sirmione.

Archeological sites & thermal waters in Sirmione, lake Garda

The importance of roman poet Gaius Valerius Catulus emphasize the name of this archeological site. The famous citizen of Sirmione was born in Verona and the site itself dates in 15th century.

One of the biggest Roman poets and his statue in the centre of Sirmione make the place even more significant and charmant.

I have noticed people taking bath during the winter in the natural pools at the shores of the lake which confirms the existence of warm thermal water due to my wonderings. It’s fun to know that the actual swimming pools are at the hotel Aquaria Spa.

2. Peschiera del Garda- the welcoming town of Lake Garda

Another town that is reachable by train after Desenzano, Peschiera del Garda is a fantastic basis to discover the lake. Right from the train station take advantage of the free bus service to Gardaland, Canavaworls and Movieland which are all at the same location.

Malcesine and other towns can be reached by bus from Peschiera. Ferry service connecting all lake towns is available from Peschiera and Desenzano but it’s not very practical as it takes 5h from Desenzano to Malcesine.

The only hostel at the lake is situated at Peschiera. Peschiera itself doesn’t offer a particular beach. The most impressive monument is fortress at the river Mincio, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peschiera is definitely worth a visit.

3. Lasize- the fortified town of Lake Garda

Lasize unveils the first steps to this pretty town with the loely fortress. Stretching along the town and the fantastic promenade you can admire the swans. Six towers characterize the castle, which disappear and appear again. But why Lasize? In Latin it means the village on the lake.

4. Desenzano- ancient Roman traces at Lake Garda

Desenzano lies in the region of Lombardy connecting Italian cities with the train. The stunning castle and Roman villa enriches the ancient heritage of Desenzano. The Roman villa describes the way of life as it was once by its ruins and mosaics, leading to the archeological museum. Various paths connect the hill where castle lies and pretty Desenzano.

Once Desenzano fortress was a small village itself for the defensive purposes and today holds lectures, concerts and expositions. The exposition about mountain bikes was held during my visit.

Lonato del Garda with impressive castle is very worth visiting, only 5 km from Desenzano. You should also include to your itinerary the village San Martino della Battaglia with its tower. The lovely Solferino holds the stunning museum and fortress.

If you’re about the beaches at lake Garda, Desenzano is the perfect place. That’s why it represents the real local life in comparison with Sirmione.

5. Garda town- pretty promenade and awesome views

What a lovely place! Not only you will enjoy a nice floral promenade here or relax in the cozy streets and caffes, but you can hike short way to Rocca. Capture the fantastic views over the lake (not only of the lake but also some caves) will blow your mind. Some longer routes include the monastery Eremo dei Calmadolesi, which goes a circular way.

6. Torri de Benaco

The name says all, the place is located 7 km from Garda town towards Malcesine. This picturesque town is the home to some beautiful beaches.

7. Malcesine- the prettiest town of Lake Garda

All the towns at Lake Garda are simply gorgeous, but oh.. Malcesine is super fantastic. There’s not touristic pressure, the labyrinth of cobblestone streets stretches peacefully under the protection of Monte Baldo mountain.

Castle Scagliero at Malcesine is another heritage of Scala family of Verona just like the one in Sirmione. Museum of natural history of Lake Garda is situated inside this marveous building.

About Monte Baldo

The Monte Baldo is reachable by cable car, which is 10 minutes by foot from the bus station. The middle station is San Michele so you can hike from here to 1780m height to Tratto Spino at Monte Baldo. The highest point of Monte Baldo is 2218m at the Valdritta summit.

All in all, it’s 11 km from Malcesine to Monte Baldo which is rather requiring route. But once at Monte Baldo, not only the views will reward you, but a vast panorama of particular botanic treasury. The Garden or Europe is its official name, which can be done by Ventrar trekking. There are sixty different species of orchids, various chestnuts and walnuts. Unfortunaltely, I couldn’t do anything of Monte Baldo as the weather was pretty unstable, but next time I’ll do the dedicated post about the mountain paths.

8. Riva del Garda

If you’re nearby, don’t skip Riva del Garda. Just 3 km away you’ll be delighted with Varone, the natural wonder with the cave and waterfall. But not only that, between two caves, another botanical Garden spreads in the simply beauty.

Final thoughts

I have no other word but to say that lake Garda is a wonderful pearl of Italy. If it wouldn’t be there, it should be invented. I have more to explore but this place deserves attention of all tastes which doesn’t get exhausted. Gardaland, Monte Baldo for mountain and botanic lovers, people who just want to relax at the beach or explore historic monuments or people who want to get lost at romantic streets of Garda Lake. There are so many places to visit that will blow up your inspiration or make you move if you just want to go somewhere else on the lake. This lake is just gorgeous. To be continued..

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