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Visit Lake Garda

Lake Garda is found north-west of Verona, on the border between the Veneto-Friuli region and the Lombardy-lakes region (to the south) and Trentino-Alto Adige (to the north). The lake is usually reached from its southern end, via Desenzano, while another common route arrives from the west at Salò.

The lake - proper name Lago di Garda - is surrounded by attractive scenery, especially to the northern end, and is the most popular of the Italian lakes with visitors. Garda Lake is referred to tongue-in-cheek as "The greatest of Germanys Lakes", because of the large number of tourists coming from Germany and Austria, ploughing the waves of the Garda Lake with their motor-boats.

Numerous water based activities are found at the lake, in addition to the opportunities to hike and explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy visiting the towns around the perimeter of the lake. Perhaps the best way to explore Lake Garda is on one of the many steamers and passenger ferries that regularly criss-cross the water between the towns. Note there is also a car ferry that crosses the centre of the lake between Torri del Benaco and Maderno.

South and West Lake Garda - a visitor's guide

The south and west coast is generally the most popular part of Lake Garda, with several resorts and places to visit.

Start perhaps with the town of Salo, a medieval cathedral city then continue through the Italianate countrsyide to reach Gardone and the well known Vittoriale and botanical gardens.

Head to Maderno, to admire the Church of St. Andrea Apostle (12th century) in a Romanesque style with three aisles; and then on to Toscolano, where inside the Cathedral there are many exceptional works of art by the painter Andrea Celesti (1637-1712). The landscape around this part of Lake Garda is spectacular with precipitous rocks and a luxuriant and fascinating natural environment.

Reaching Desenzano you enter into a quiet town where you can enjoy the splendid setting of the port and the artworks contained in the parish church, including a Last Supper by Giambattista Tiepolo (1696-1770). The highlight of your visit to Desenzano is the Fortress of Scaligeri which protected Desenzano from attacks from the mainland.

The forified town of Sirmione and the extensive Catullo Caves are another popular destination on this southern part of Lake Garda.

Salo

North and East Lake Garda

In the north visit Riva del Garda, one of the oldest resorts on the island, dating from the 19th century, that has an attractive old-town to explore; while to the east the places to visit include Torbole and Malcesine, the windsurfing centres of the lake. Malcesine also has a cable car that whisks you to the top of Monte Baldo. Visit also the town of Torri del Benaco.

Food and drink around Lake Garda

As well as the scenic highlights be sure to include tasting of the abundant lake fish specialities in your tour of Lake Garda. A fishery based in Desenzano supplies many of the local fish specialities based on locally caught carps, trouts, pikes, eels, molluscs and crustaceans

To go with that, sir? Of course; the local food goes best with the wines produced in the local vineyards. Try, for example, the white wine from Lugana.

Related article: For a brief history of the Lake Garda region, which dates back to prehistoric times, see Lake Garda history.

Note: main picture shows Desenzano on the banks of Lake Garda.