Lake Garda- the perfect getaway for all tastes

20.05.2019.

Lago di Garda, how many times I’ve been in the surroundings of Verona but have never visited the lake. There’s just something in the air that tells you that Garda lake is the perfect blend of romantic streets and charmant towns, that it’s just beautiful. Even Gardaland is here. Who wouldn’t be curious to wonder what’s around there? Just count how many castles are at the lake, even mountain lovers will be more than satisfied by Monte Baldo.

What to see?

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.

Sirmione

For most people the starting point because of its location at the south and nearness to Verona. It is said to be the most beautiful place at the lake as it brings together beaches, lovely streets and the castle. Though it’s neighbour Peschiera del Garda belongs to the province of Verona, Sirmione is linked to the province of Brescia. Sirmione is part of peninsula it lies at and characterised by the castle on the water, the Scagliero Castle from 13th century. As the castle opens the entrance to the old town, the magic appears. The entrance fee is 6 e and at the end of peninsula the Caves of Catullo is located but I haven’t noticed them. These are the remains of ancient roman vila and its price is 8 e, in combination with Scagliero Castle 12 e.

The importance of roman poet Gaius Valerius Catulus who was born in Verona and lived in Sirmione is underlined in the name of this archeological site which dates from 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 and the practical swimming pools are at the hotel Aquaria Spa.

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

Peschiera del Garda

Another town that is reachable by train after Desenzano, Peschiera is the great starting point for the free bus service to Gardaland, Canavaworls and Movieland which are all at the same place. 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 special beach but the fortress at the river Mincio is impressive monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peschiera is definitely worth a visit.

Lasize

Lasize welcomes you with its fortress which stretches along the town and the long promenade where you can stop to watch the swans walking on the streets. Six towers characterize the castle, when they disappear they appear again. But why Lasize? In Latin it means the village on the lake.

Desenzano

Desenzano lies in the region of Lombardy connecting the major cities with the train. Rich with ancient heritage like castle, Roman villa which shows the way of life in the roman time with its ruins and mosaics and archeological museum Desenzano offers picturesque opportunities to capture. To the castle lead various paths, once it existed as the small village serving the defensive purposes and today holds lectures, concerts and expositions. The exposition about mountain bikes was held during my visit. Near Desenzano it’s worth to visit Lonato del Garda which is only 5km away and holds an imposant castle, village San Martino della Battaglia with its tower and Solferino with its museum and fortress. Some nice beaches also find its place in Desenzano which represents the real local life in comparison with Sirmione.

Garda

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 to capture some fantastic views over the lake (not only of the lake but also some caves) or even some longer routes to monastery Eremo dei Calmadolesi which goes circular way.

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.

Malcesine

If I said these all are fantastic places, well oh.. Malcesine is super fantastic. There’s not touristic pressure, the labyrinth of cobblestone streets finds itself under the protection of Monte Baldo mountain. 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 take some hiking 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 when at Monte Baldo, not only the views will be gifted to you but a vast panorama of particular botanic treasury. It’s also called the Garden or Europe 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.

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.

Riva del Garda

If you’re in the surroundings, don’t skip Riva del Garda. Just 3 km away the natural wonder of the cave and waterfall Varone finds its place. But not only that, between two caves the botanical Garden spreads in the beauty.

All in all

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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