A realm of delights – explore Lake Garda
The biggest of the italian lakes
Picture a slice of the Mediterranean surrounded by Alpine scenery, the light changing as the day goes by, enveloping ancient fortresses, villages perched on a hill and the widest speck of water in Italy: welcome to lake Garda. This charming place, loved ever since the clever Romans, knows no boundaries when it comes to its appeal and stuns all visitors for its many resources. Gourmet travellers will revel in its wine and culinary delights – including Europe’s most northernly-produced olive oil – cultural folks will trace the steps of Catullus or visit the legacy of the eclectic soldier, poet and politician Gabriele d’Annunzio, while active souls are spoilt for choice with endless hiking, biking, sailing, even climbing options!
With its mix of adrenaline-filled activities and beautiful surroundings, Lake Garda is an ideal destination for an active holiday.
Indulge in the cooler autumn temperatures, catching a glimpse of lovely auburn colours and choose the trip of a lifetime.
How to get to Lake Garda
Spanning over three Italian regions, you will have plenty of opportunities if you want to fly to this idyllic place.
Considering Desenzano sul Garda as your starting point, in the southern part of the lake, here are your many airport options:
- Brescia Gabriele d’Annunzio 21 km
- Verona Villafranca 22 km
- Bergamo Orio al Serio 79 km
- Milan Linate 110 km
- Milan Malpensa 163 km
- Venice Marco Polo 161 km
- Innsbruck 330 km
If you hire a car, once landed, you could easily enrich your trip with delightful stopovers such as Milan and its incredible art scene, glitzy shops and trendy restaurants, Mantua and its frescoed Camera degli Sposi by Mantegna, Padua and the mesmerizing Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto and of course romantic Verona with the splendid Roman Amphitheatre or unforgettable Venice.
Surprises keep on coming, it’s time you started exploring!
Sailing a dream on the lake
Spanning across three Italian regions, Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, a cruise or boat trip on Lake Garda means unravelling the jewels that dot the shoreline. Make the most of the sublime games of light and shade in the autumn season and see famous sights from a diverse viewpoint.
The impressive and picturesque Rocca Scaligera in Sirmione will look even more evocative, the vineyards that produce Bardolino, Marzemino or Lugana wines, among the many, will shine in golden-brown colours, while lovely villages such as Lazise, Malcesine and Riva del Garda to the far north will look even more appealing. The shoulder season is perhaps the best time to capture all the beauty that exudes from the lake: make this an exclusive tour and enjoy the many fabulous touring options.
- Sailing & Windsurfing: The northern part of the lake, especially around towns like Riva del Garda and Torbole, is famous for its consistent winds, making it a top spot for sailing and windsurfing.
- Kitesurfing: You can try kitesurfing in several areas, particularly near Malcesine and Campione del Garda.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Calm waters in the morning make SUP an enjoyable and relaxing activity on the lake.
- Kayaking: Explore the shores and hidden coves of the lake by kayak.
Hiking, Climbing and Via Ferrata
Lake Garda is ideal for autumn walks: you can also take a cable car to Monte Baldo and the view from there is beyond belief. The walk linking Busatte to Tempesta, staring in Torbole, is mostly enjoyable for its sweeping vista. The sentiero del sole starts in Limone sul Garda and goes along an impressive suspended footbridge over the lake. Alternatively, reach Rocca di Manerba, in the southern part of the lake, for lovely views: this two-hour walk from the centre of Manerba is splendid. Punta Larici from Pregasina is also a popular destination for early risers as the sunrise from here is unforgettable. Wherever you’ll be, Italy’s largest lake always has an ace up its sleeve!
It's very important to enjoy the experience with a professional mountain guide.
Monte Baldo: Known as the "Garden of Europe," Monte Baldo offers a wide range of trails with breathtaking views over Lake Garda.
- Sentiero della Ponale: This scenic trail starting from Riva del Garda offers beautiful views over the lake and is suitable for both hikers and cyclists.
- Garda Trek: A series of three circular routes around the lake, offering options for all levels of hikers.
- Arco: Known as the climbing capital of Italy, Arco is located near the northern end of Lake Garda and offers numerous climbing routes for all levels. There are also several via ferrata routes in the surrounding area: the most famous are Colodri, Via dell 'Amicizia or Che Guevara.
- Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni: One of the most popular via ferrata routes in the area, this trail winds through a canyon and is suitable for intermediate climbers.
Cycling your way towards happiness
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore a region, combining a healthy habit with the curiosity that allows us to see what may lie ahead. Lake Garda and its surroundings offer so many cycling options that can be enjoyed well into the autumn. Follow the Garda Trentino cycle path from Riva del Garda to Torbole and then on to Mori for marvellous views: this stretch on the northern side of the lake is much loved and simply unforgettable.
The Ponale Trail in Riva del Garda is a spectacular loop route that goes over an 1847 trail, initially designed for cars and now the dream of cyclists and walkers: enjoy its lovely sights and serene atmosphere. The Limone sul Garda bike path is one of the most spectacular in Europe: a short stretch connecting Limone with Capo Reamol that is unforgettable, feeling like you are suspended over water, with longer sections opening in the future. Pick your trail and start cycling!
- Mountain Biking: The area around Lake Garda has many challenging mountain biking trails, especially in the northern region near Torbole and Riva del Garda. The Monte Baldo area is also a favorite for mountain bikers.
- Road Cycling: The roads around the lake attract cyclists for both long-distance rides and more relaxed routes. The route between Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda is particularly scenic.
- E-Biking: Many places offer e-bikes, which make exploring the hills and trails around Lake Garda more accessible to all fitness levels.
Canyoning
For thrill-seekers, canyoning is a popular activity around Lake Garda, especially in the northern part near Riva del Garda and Torbole and the Ledro Valley. You'll explore gorges, slide down natural rock slides, and jump into clear pools of water. The most popular tours include Canyoning Palvico, Canyoning Rio Nero (Integral) and Canyoning Vione.
It's very important to enjoy the experience with a professional mountain guide.
Popular canyoning spots include:
- Vione Canyon: A perfect option for beginners and families, this route features gentle slides, jumps, and easy rappelsthrough crystal-clear pools.
- Rio Nero Canyon: This intermediate-level canyon provides a more challenging experience, with thrilling rappels, including one through a waterfall, offering a heart-racing experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
- Palvico Canyon: One of the most exciting canyons in the area, Palvico is known for its higher jumps and technical rappels, making it perfect for seasoned adventurers.
A pilgrim’s progress: the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary
Spectacularly located at 774 m above sea level and nestled among the rocks, the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary is a famous sight that offers spellbinding views onto the lake. A site of pilgrimage, devoted souls come here in search of peace and quiet, to meditate and contemplate, praying for the Virgin Mary. Originally dating back to the 14th c., the current site is officially known as starting in 1522, when the order of the Knights of Saint John established the sanctuary and owned it until the early Ottocento. Over the centuries, changes were made to the main structure, with a new sanctuary opening in 1978.
The ideal starting point for excursions and panoramic paths towards Monte Baldo, the 200 steps leading to the sanctuary are a fabulous warm up and bring on a sensational experience in a unique setting.
Autumn foliage on and around Lake Garda
Autumn colours and fall foliage never disappoint, the sweet, nostalgic feel brought by shorter days enlivened by a triumph of gorgeous shades. You can enjoy such wondrous sights in many locations that make this period even more intriguing: visit the 60-hectare Sigurtà Gardens, open until November, with its panoramic walk and labyrinth, the Giusti Garden in Verona, or the Brentonico chestnut woods, off the north-eastern coast of the lake.
The latter offer a splendid nature trail that reaches the medieval town of Castione, famous for its chestnut festival. San Zeno di montagna also offers DOP chestnuts and its coloured chestnut woods are well worth exploring. Whatever you’ll do, enjoy lovely surroundings with a glimpse onto a watery landscape.
Tasting liquid gold: Lake Garda olive oil
Incredibly delicate and tasty, Lake Garda olive oil is a work of art: the olive trees are located at the most extreme latitude in the world for olive oil production (the 46th parallel) and its fruity, delicate scent bring an explosion of sublime taste. Autumn is harvest season and now is the time to taste this delicious variety.
Casaliva, Raza, Favarol and Rossanel olives are the local varieties employed for this unique delicacy that knows no mass production: the small quantities mean you will be tasting something extraordinary. Get lured into a tasting session and learn the secrets of a unique product.
An incredible wine destination
Lake Garda is more than just a scenic getaway—it’s an incredible wine destination. The region’s unique microclimate, with warm breezes and cooling lake waters, creates the perfect conditions for growing exceptional grapes. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of wines that reflect the richness of the land and the care of generations of vintners.
Whether you're exploring boutique vineyards, enjoying a wine tasting tour with a view of the glistening lake, or dining al fresco with a local bottle, Lake Garda offers an immersive experience into the world of Italian wine. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about the atmosphere, the culture, and the breathtaking beauty that make Lake Garda a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
- The eastern shore is home to the renowned Bardolino wines. For red wine lovers, the nearby Valpolicella region, famous for Amarone and Ripasso, is just a short drive away, adding a bold and rich contrast to the lighter wines of Lake Garda. Each sip tells a story of the land's ancient history, where winemaking has been perfected over centuries.
- In the south you will discover Lugana. A crisp white wine produced near the lake’s southern tip. It’s known for its vibrant citrus notes and mineral undertones, making it ideal for pairing with the region’s local cuisine.
- On the west side the famous area of Franciacorta: Italy’s Sparkling Jewel in the World of Wine. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sometimes Pinot Blanc, Franciacorta wines are crafted using the traditional method, where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. The result is a wine that is fine, delicate, and richly textured, with notes of citrus, almonds, white flowers, and a toasty brioche finish.
Raise a glass to Lake Garda, a wine lover's paradise!
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