Lake Garda is the main decoration of Northern Italy. Garda trail: what to see on an Italian lake? From lake garda to the nearest sea

A beach holiday on Lake Garda is not only a great chance to bask in the warm sun and swim in warm water, but also an opportunity to improve your health, enjoy beautiful nature and visit the best places. Why do we use the concept " the best places"? Because relaxation is often understood as the opportunity to sunbathe in the sun and swim in cool and clear waters. The swimming season opens in June and lasts until August; some zones are waiting for tourists in early May. During the tourist season, the air temperature rarely drops below + 25 ° C, the water warms up to + 26 ° C, which is an ideal indicator for increasing immunity and preventing many diseases, as well as preserving beauty and youth.

Depending on the location of the beach, the entrance to the lake can be sandy or pebble, and algae can be found in the water. In some places, where the entrance to the beach is pebbly, it is not very convenient to enter the water, because it is very slippery, or there are large stones at the bottom, because of which it is difficult to enter the water. Usually in the same place a few meters from the beach you can buy special rubber slippers. Therefore, before diving and frolicking in the water, first explore the area a little.

All public beaches offer special equipment for active water recreation, as well as inline skates and bicycles. In hotels near the tourist area, you can visit the spa. Thanks to this, many beaches have been created around the lake, which attract tourists not only from Italy, but also from other countries of the world.

Features of a beach holiday in Desenzano

Photo http://www.ilcorrieredelgarda.info

There are several options for spending a vacation, depending on the needs and capabilities of vacationers. For lovers of a more secluded and elite holiday, the Lonato del Garda beach is suitable Coco Beach... For visitors there is the opportunity to use comfortable sun loungers and dance at the party. On the beach there are kiosks with drinks and food, the entrance to the lake is partly sandy. Opening hours from 10 am to 7 pm, on weekends the beach opens to visitors an hour earlier.

Good and free you can relax on the beaches Desenzanino, it is located near the city center, the entry to this beach is sandy. Also not far from the center, towards the city of Sirmione, you can relax on a small beach. There are not many tourists there, mostly only locals know about its existence.

Beach Porto di Rivoltella and SpiaggiaD'oro are not so close to the city center. But do not let this confuse you, because there is an opportunity to take a sunbed and an umbrella, and relax all day, there is also a kiosk with food and drinks, a convenient toilet, in addition, there is a large parking lot next to the beach, and a trampoline park was recently opened for children. Spiaggia d'Oro beach is ideal for families with children, because the entrance to the beach is sandy and at the beginning it is not deep at all. To the beach La Dzattera dogs allowed. The exit to the water is sandy. A beach vacation is suitable for vacationers of any age and social status.

Beach holidays in Peschiera del Garda

Photo from the site http://www.nauticapioppi.it/images/gallery/spiaggia/spi16.jpg

A great vacation option for those who love variety and picturesque nature. There is a campsite here Ai pioppi, which hosts guests of the highest class and gave the name to one of the beaches. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a sandy, rocky or grassy exit to the water. Free showers and toilets are available everywhere.

The merit is its water slide, specially equipped for disabled people. In addition to the above advantages, there are small relaxation areas with drinks and delicious food.

The beach is also beautiful Lido cappucini with its comfortable sun loungers and parasols. For tourists who come by their own transport, there is the possibility of parking next to the beach. For children, there is a small playground with slides, swings and trampolines. Not far from this place is the BAU recreation area. Here you can spend the whole day with your dog. It offers guests 30 sun loungers and a free toilet.

Beach holidays in Sirmione

Local beaches are among the most visited. All of them are divided into three types: pebble-sand, calcareous and vegetable. Regardless of the type, all recreation areas are first class equipped and have everything you need for a quality vacation.

The largest beach in and in the northeast of the country is Lido delle Bionde. It is located in a romantic bay, surrounded by ancient Roman villas and age-old trees. The recreation area is completely sheltered from the winds, which provides maximum comfort for vacationers.

For use, comfortable sun loungers are provided, there is a toilet and shower cabins. For the hungry on the territory Lido delle bionde there are cafes and bars offering snacks and drinks at affordable prices. There is a parking lot.

Among the free beaches of Sirmione, the most interesting are: Grotte diCatullo and Santa maria di lugana... The first one can only be reached by boat. The secluded location and convenient access to the lake attracts tourists who just love to lie on the warm sand.

Tourist area Santa maria di lugana located near the center of Lugana di Sirmione and is famous for its picturesque meadows and playgrounds. In addition to a cafe and a toilet, there is an opportunity to rent a catamaran and swimming equipment on the beach. The entry to the beach is pebbly and sometimes small algae are found.

Beach Spiaggia brema located 3 km from the historic city center, in the direction of the city of Desenzano. The beach is free, but if you wish, you can rent a sun lounger, or a catamaran, play valleyball, or have a snack at a local restaurant. Pebble beach entry.

Pebble beach Spiaggia portoGaleazzi, located near the historic city center. This beach is also free, but if you wish, you can rent a sun lounger, catamaran, canoe, motor boat, windsurfing equipment, or take some lessons in this sport. Children can jump on the trampoline. There are several restaurants, cafes and pizzerias at the disposal of tourists.

Beach Spiaggia Punta Grò located between Sirmione and Peschiera. This beach is free, the entry to the beach is pebbly, but sometimes there are small algae. The beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms, catamarans and sun loungers for rent. Free parking is available near the beach.

Beach holidays in Riva del Garda

The most famous recreation area of \u200b\u200bthis area is Pine Beach, located at the end of the pine forest. For tourists there is an opportunity not only to bask in the rays of the hot sun, but also to hide in the shade and coolness of pine branches.

Most of the holidaymakers here are young people. Annual beach volleyball and football competitions are organized especially for them on Pine Beach. The exit to the lake is rocky.

Beach Sabbioni is one of the most comfortable and well equipped. The exit to the lake is covered with gravel. Next to the recreation area there is a hotel where you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas and equipment for outdoor activities.

There is also an indoor pool, basketball court, gym, showers, toilet and parking. There is a park next to the tourist area, there are play areas for children with a trampoline and attractions. In cozy cafes and restaurants, you can taste local and European cuisine.

Pebble beach Miralagolocated near Sabbioni is more suitable for a passive and relaxing holiday. It is surrounded by beautiful meadows and picturesque nature.

Enchanting Punta San Virgilio in the Bay of Sirens

One of the most beautiful and picturesque places in all of Italy. A wonderful park, a comfortable beach, excellent service attract tourists from all over the world. Within the territory of Punta san virgilio there are safe attractions for children, restaurants and disco bars. It is possible to rent equipment for surfing, scuba diving, as well as boats and catamarans.

Dogs are allowed here, but they are walked strictly on a leash. There is a paid entrance to the beach and there are good parking spaces for visitors. Tourists in this wonderful place are expected in mid-May. There is a free beach not far from here within walking distance Il Cornofamous for its gentle entrance to the lake and crystal clear water.

As you can see, it is no coincidence that Lake Garda is compared to paradise on earth. Once here, you will never want to leave. The gentle sun and friendly people will not let your vacation pass in vain, and pleasant emotions and memories will remain in your memory, as well as the desire to return here

Details Liya Usmanova, photo: Natalia Studenkova 02 March 2019 Garda

Lake Garda in northern Italy: how to make a route, where to swim and which cities to see - I will answer these and other questions and tell you where else to go if you stayed at this lake

I like Lake Garda at any time of the year - the views of the mountains and lakes are mesmerizing even in cloudy weather. Small cozy towns delight with old houses and castles. Germans, Austrians and Swiss like to rest here - it is easy for residents of these countries to get here. Russian speech is also heard often.

As in Como, people of different incomes rest here - both billionaires and European pensioners. Not far from expensive villas, you can rent a budget apartment or a room in a guest house.

Lake Garda in Italian - Lago di garda... The largest lakes in Italy are fed by the glacial waters of the Alps. The length of the lake is 52 km, the maximum width is 17 km. The northern part of the lake is narrow, like fjords: here the mountains rise to the very shore. In the southern part of Garda it is much wider, the relief is more flat, and the mountains are visible only in the distance.

When to go to Lake Garda and how to dress

The weather on Lake Garda is slightly different in the north and south. I will give you the average temperature and tell you how to dress, what to take with you. This information can be taken as a basis, but keep in mind that the weather is different every year.

June, July and August

Summer on the Garda.

Sirmione in August.

June is a beautiful month: the air temperature is up to 25 degrees, a lot of sun.
Most tourists are in July and August. Prices for hotels, dinners in restaurants at this time are high.
In the guidebooks they write that due to the proximity of the Alps, it is not as hot in Garda in summer as on the Adriatic or Mediterranean coasts. "Not hot" is relative here. The temperature in July-August is up to +30 degrees. This is not comfortable for those who do not like the heat.
There are thunderstorms in the summer. They are not long lasting, but they rumble a lot.
Unlike Lake Como, there are many beaches here. The swimming season is from June to August. The water in the southern part of the lake warms up to + 26-27 degrees. In the northern part, the water is a couple of degrees colder. An alternative to swimming in the lake is the thermal baths in the southern part of the lake. This is the name for pools with hot water from underground sources, usually at hotels.
Collect clothes like a resort. Warm things are worth taking for trips to the mountains. Slippers that fit the leg will come in handy for entering the water on pebbles.

September

In September, sunny and warm, temperatures up to +24. Thunderstorms thunder like in summer. Fewer tourists as the time of vacations and vacations is over. By the middle of the month, only a few bathe - the water cools quickly. You need summer clothes, something warm for the evening, a windbreaker for hiking in the mountains.

October and November

I love looking at the lake surrounded by gold and red leaves. Roses, pansies and something else are still blooming. There are still many days in October when the daytime temperature reaches +19. You need a light autumn jacket, jeans, a jacket.
By the end of the month it gets colder, usually abruptly. At this time, a warmer jacket is already needed.
In November - + 11-14 degrees, but it may snow. There are fewer and fewer leaves on the trees. I need an autumn jacket. It can be foggy in the afternoon. Heavy rains are rare, more often drizzle. It is worth taking an umbrella or a cape for clothes.

December and January

It's festive and beautiful on the lake at Christmas. But after the New Year, many restaurants and hotels close until Easter. There are supermarkets and restaurants for local residents. Sirmione, Riva and Desenzano remain more or less lively.
Rest for an amateur. Temperature - + 5-10 degrees, often humid and windy. Sometimes sleet. But there are also many sunny days. In winter, people at Garda dress like in Moscow or St. Petersburg in October or early November - a warm autumn jacket or a light winter down jacket, it depends on your cold resistance.

February March

In February, nature wakes up, spring is felt in the air. Sunny days alternate with cloudy, foggy days. Flowers are already blooming on the flower beds. You need an autumn jacket, jeans or trousers, low shoes or sneakers. Air temperature - + 8-10 degrees.
In early March, it is joyful, sunny, bushes and trees begin to bloom. Although the weather is unpredictable, it can snow. At the end of March up to +13 degrees, cold in the evenings. Fog and rain are possible.

April and May

In May, near Garda.

Great time to go to the lake. Warmth, joyful from the sun and greenery, few people. In April to +17, many sunny days, camellias and azaleas bloom. In May, the temperature on other days is up to +22. It's still cold to swim. The lake is deep and heats up slowly. Fog and rain are possible.


Where are the most beautiful views on Lake Garda

View of Riva del Garda.

From the city of Garda and above. The lake narrows to the north, the mountains rise to the water. The views are better from the east bank than from the west. Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda and Torbole are in the top 4 for scenic views.

What are the most beautiful roads?

Road from Riva del Garda.

East coast of Garda.

There is a 260 km road around the lake. The sections from Torbole to Malcesine and some sections from Malcesine to Bardolino are considered the most photogenic. The Riva-Torbole section runs partly along the coast. There are many tunnels from Riva to Limone.

What is the relief in the cities

All hotels are near the lake, but at different heights.

Peschiera and Sirmione are almost flat. In the rest, the relief is hilly to one degree or another. So, when choosing a hotel, look at how high you have to climb. On the map, the object is next to the lake, but in fact - on a hill.

Como or Garda: where to go

It depends on the route and purpose of the trip. Both lakes are wonderful.

  • From Venice and Verona it is easier to get to Garda, from Milan and Bergamo to Como.
  • Como is distinguished by old villas with botanical gardens, it is among the leaders in scenic views. On the Garda there are castles, the remains of Roman villas, in the south of the lake there are thermal springs.
  • If you want to see the villas that are owned by movie stars, then come on Como. Many stars from the Hollywood crowd have villas here, but rarely appear.
  • Prices are slightly lower on Garda than on Como.
  • Garda is more crowded in season than Como.
  • Where to swim on Lake Garda: beaches

    There are many beaches on Garda, most of them are pebbly and rocky, as well as grassy. There are sandy ones at the hotels.
    Paid beaches with sun loungers and sun loungers cost - from 3.5 to 12 € for 1 day. Trampolines and other activities are available on sandy beaches suitable for families with children. Paid parking near the beaches. Cost - 1.5 - 3 € per hour. There are many free beaches, this is not a problem.
    The peculiarity of the lake is that sometimes the water level in it suddenly rises by 20-30 cm. This is due to a drop in atmospheric pressure. The tide lasts from a few minutes to several hours, and sometimes the whole day.

    How to choose a beach

    The beaches on Lake Garde are different, so you need to decide what is important to you.

    1. Is it necessary quiet deserted beach, a beach equipped for families with children, or beach with bars and restaurants, from where the music is constantly pouring.

    2. The water is clear where beaches are pebbly or rocky. On sandy waters, the water is often cloudy. Sometimes algae is carried to the beaches, and reeds grow along the banks.

    3. Water temperature... In the north of the lake, the water is colder, but the scenery is more picturesque. The southern part is attractive because the water here is 2-3 degrees warmer, there are also thermal baths - pools with thermal water.

    1. Spiaggia Tifu beach in Limone sul Garda

    A pleasant place for a family vacation.

    2. Parco Baia delle Sirene near the town of Corno

    Paid beach in the park area. Restaurants, gelateria (ice cream shops), tennis tables, children's entertainment, etc. A ticket for 1 day in the summer of 2018 cost 12 euros.

    3. Salo

    A pebble beach with piers that are great to jump from. The place is liked by both people with children and young people. Sun loungers - at Mokai Beach Bar.

    4. Desenzano

    Beach in Desenzano.

    Pebble and rocky beaches. There are many young people, music is constantly playing in the bars.

    5. Malcesine

    Not a bad place if you combine beach vacations and cultural tourism.

    6. Sabbioni Beach in Riva del Garda

    An option for those with a passion for water sports including windsurfing and kayaking. Along the beach there is a path with bars, cafes, gelateria.

    7. Lazise

    Sandy beach in Lazise handsome. Part of the beach, however, is occupied by a camping, but there are also free places.

    8. Sirmione

    Coast in Sirmione

    There are several beaches in Sirmione. Jamaica Beach ( Giamaica Beach) small, crowded in season. The beach is rocky, with slabs near the shore, on which people like to walk - cool, but slippery. This beach has an area with free thermal mineral water... Thermal water is poured here, more on that below.

    How to get to Lake Garda

    Ferry on Lake Garda.

    From Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Verona, take the train to the town Desenzano del Garda... Schedule at trenitalia.com.
    From Verona it is 20 minutes by train, ticket 4.5 €. From Milano ( Milano centrale) - from 1 h 20 min, ticket from 9 €. From Bergamo - with a transfer to Rovato or Treviglioand also (more expensive) through Brescia.
    From Desenzano del Garda boats go in different directions. For example, a ferry takes 20 minutes to get to Sirmione, a ticket costs 5 €.
    There are many other options, see the schedules:
    - buses from Brescia, Trento, Verona and along the western coast of Garda.
    - buses on the eastern part of Lake Garda.
    Schedule of boats on the lines Desenzano - Peschiera - Riva del Garda and Maderno - Torri on the website of the shipping company.
    There are also small boats that do not run on schedule, but when they are full. They are often cheaper than large ones.
    Please note that buses and trains are late from time to time.

    Where to stay, hotel prices

    If you are going to Garda, then you need to look for a hotel or guesthouse in advance. Moreover, the sooner, the more chances of finding something decent for an adequate amount. The place is popular, and Europeans plan their vacation sometimes a year in advance. True, sometimes it is possible to grab an inexpensive rejection number literally on the eve of the trip. From the second half of July to August, prices are high everywhere in Garda and many good places busy.

    You can see hotel prices on the map:

    Where to stay closer to Verona

    Sirmione, Lazise

    Amusement parks on Garda

    In the southern part of Lake Garda, there is the most popular amusement park in Italy, Gardaland, with attractions for visitors of all ages, next to the oceanarium. Gardaland is a very popular destination with 2.8 million visitors in 2018.
    A little to the north is Movieland, a theme park with attractions based on popular films, and there are also attractions for kids.

    Restaurants and supermarkets

    Restaurant on the shores of Lake Garda.

    The resort towns have many trattorias and pizzerias with colorful interiors and a variety of dishes. Prices are slightly above average for European tourists. Lunch time starts from 13:00, dinner - from 19:00. At this time, everyone rushes to restaurants, there are queues in popular places.

    I advise you to search for specific addresses by the names of supermarkets on Google maps: type in the search Conad limone sul garda or COOP Sirniome and find the address. Here are the names of the supermarkets on the lake: COOP, Carrefour, Conad, Lidl, EuroSpar... Or search without a name, just supermercato, but a lot of unnecessary things will jump out.
    Do not forget about the markets, prices are lower there, and the locals shop in the markets.
    There are many shops with gifts and souvenirs, clothes and accessories in the central streets. Ceramics and forged items are sold in souvenir shops, but the workmanship does not always correspond to the price. Ceramics is suitable only for kitchen decor, and it is unlikely to be able to use it for its intended purpose.

    Is it safe to relax on Garda

    It's a safe place. You can safely walk around the neighborhood, relax, go to bars. Within reason, of course. Criminal cases are everywhere.
    Natural hazards: bears and poisonous snakes live in the mountains. There are very few chances of meeting them, but you need to know about them. There are ticks, below - mosquitoes. Anti-mosquito products are more expensive than in Russia.
    Caution on the roads - Italians often break the rules.

    Which cities on the Garda are worth visiting

    Southern part of the lake

    Sirmione

    Scaliger Castle.

    Archaeological zone.

    A popular tourist town on the Garda is Sirmione (8 thousand inhabitants). It is located at the end of a promontory that goes far into the lake

    Tall pine trees and old villas, to which water rises from both sides - such a picture opens up when you enter the cape. On the coast and at the beginning of the cape, in front of Sirmione, there is the village of Colombare, where you can also rent apartments and villas, there are cafes and shops.
    After driving along a narrow isthmus, you find yourself in a parking lot in front of Sirmione, which is actually an island, because it is separated from the cape by a moat with water.

    The area is very green with oleanders, pines, shrubs, palms and olive trees growing along the alleys. The embankment offers a stunning view of the lake, the opposite shore with houses above the water and the Alps in the haze in the distance. Swans and ducks swim near the shore, and even go out to walk on the steps, which delights tourists. It's even more beautiful in the evening. The sunset in the sky and the lights of the buildings create a dreamlike view.
    Sirmione itself begins with a well fortified castle Castello dei Scaligeri, built in the 13th century by the Scaliger family of Verona, who owned the city at that time. Later the city came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. Back in the era of the Roman Empire, there was a resort here, the wealthy inhabitants of Verona had villas here.

    To get to the castle, you need to cross the bridge. The moat that surrounds the castle also serves as a marina - motor boats and boats are moored here. The fortress in Sirmione is the coolest on Lake Garda. For 6 € you can walk around the walls and climb the towers. With a combined ticket for 12 €, you can also see the Catullus grottoes, about them below.
    Behind the castle begin the quarters of Sirmione, typical of Italian cities, with stone houses with tiled roofs and palm trees. But the streets end on the shore, near the water. Life is in full swing until nightfall - there are dozens of hotels, restaurants, bars. The shops Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace side by side with souvenir shops that sell trinkets, T-shirts and beach towels.

    If you step aside, you will find yourself on quiet medieval stone streets. Then begins a calm green area, where the spa complex, hotels and villas, Lido del Biondi beach are located. At the end of the cape there is an archaeological site and the Catulla grotto. These are the remains of a villa that supposedly belonged to the ancient Roman poet Catulla. Near on via Catullo, 9 lived the famous opera singer Maria Callas. Now here is a hotel Villa Callas Diana Sirmione.

    The rapid development of tourism in Sirmione began after the discovery of the healing properties of the local thermal spring. The water, rich in minerals, helps with joint diseases, rheumatism, psoriasis, etc. Some hotels have pools with thermal water, and guests can freely swim in them. Or live elsewhere, and buy a ticket to the thermal baths. This is not a cheap pleasure.
    There are several spa hotels in Sirmione and several dozen cheaper hotels and apartments. You can see the prices, for example, on the Hotellook website.
    You can sit in the thermal water for free. On the beach Giamaica Beach next to the grotto of Catulla we were in the spring, still in warm jackets, and were surprised that there were people sitting and lying there. An excess of mineral water flows here from the pipe, and locals and tourists use this - they have fenced off the site with stones. Hot spring water and cold lake water mix. The water temperature, depending on the season, is + 30-35 degrees. The beach smells like rotten chicken eggs - the smell of hydrogen sulfide. It takes 15 minutes to walk from the Scaliger castle.

    Peschiera del Garda

    Sunrise in Peschiera del Garda

    The city of Peschiera del Garda (11 thousand inhabitants) is not so popular as a resort, however, as many as two objects in it are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - this is the historical center inside the defensive walls and the remains of prehistoric pile settlements in the Alps

    The city is quite small and surrounded by fortress walls.
    IN Tourism Peschiera InfoPoint - tourist information office - at Piazza Cesare Betteloni, 15 there are employees with knowledge of the Russian language. At the office, you can buy tickets for transport, take a schedule, book an excursion. During low season, it only operates on weekends. On Mondays, there is a large market near the office, there are supermarkets in the city Lidl and Eurospar.
    Peschiera is convenient in terms of logistics. There is a ferry port, a railway station, regular buses, it is located next to the motorway. From here to Verona - 20 minutes by train, it is also easy and convenient to get to Milan, Venice and the cities on the lake. This is a great advantage, as not all the towns on Garda have good connections to other towns. It is also close to Gardaland, Movieland and other attractions, so that families with children planning to visit these parks will find it convenient to live here.

    Sigurta

    Sigurta Park.

    August in the park.

    8 km from Peschiera is the most beautiful park of Sigurta - Parco Giardino Sigurta in Valeggio sul Mincio

    They walk around the park, drive golf carts, and have a sightseeing train. You can dine in the village of Borghetto, although it is a tourist place, but everyone really likes it. And also take a walk to the ruins of the Scaliger castle (visible from the park). In 2019, the operating schedule of Sigurta Park is as follows: from March 8 to November 10: from 9:00 to 19:00, in early March, October and November - from 9:00 to 18:00. The ticket office closes an hour earlier. The ticket costs 14 €.

    Desenzano del Garda

    Embankment in Desenzano.

    Castello in Desenzano.

    Desenzano del Garda (29 thousand inhabitants) - the largest city on the lake and a mecca for lovers of shopping and restaurants

    This city comes alive in the afternoon. Vacationers walk along the embankments past numerous boats and yachts. At night - a paradise for party and nightclub lovers. People come here to have fun from the surrounding towns.
    This is an expensive place. Therefore, there is a reason to stay elsewhere and come here for half a day. Desenzano is a beautiful city and is well worth a stroll through its winding streets.
    I would recommend walking to the castle Castello di Desenzano, from there a wonderful view of the city and the lake. Only big lovers of castles should go inside - there is mostly a remake. The masonry of the former walls of the castle remains from antiquity, which is visible under the glass on the floor.
    Excavation of the ruins of a Roman villa ( Villa Romana ed Antiquarium) is another attraction of Desenzano. The villa has restored mosaics on the floor and the remains of an ancient underground heating system. Combined ticket entitles you to visit Villa Romana and fortress.
    The city also has a train station with trains to Verona, Venice and Milan. It takes 1.5 hours to get to Venice by high-speed train, and less than an hour to Milan. The station is located 1 km from the lake - go uphill or take a local bus.

    Padenghe sul garda

    Castle in Padenghe.

    Medieval festival in Padenghe.

    Padenghe sul Garda (4.6 thousand inhabitants) - a small town with a medieval castle on the mountain

    IN Castello (castle) people still live. In the second half of August, a two-day Medieval Festival is held here - a market for ancient crafts is open, knightly tournaments, a costume procession, etc. are held.

    Gardone riviera

    Gardone.

    Residential building in Gardone.

    Gardone Riviera (2.6 thousand people) on the western shore of the lake - a small tourist town

    In Gardone, it is pleasant to stroll along the promenade, enjoying the amazing views. Sometimes it seems that you are at sea.
    Villa Fiordaliso, where Mussolini once lived, is located 1 km from the city center. Now this is an expensive hotel Villa Fiordaliso... Below are the main attractions of this city.

    Villa Vittoriale

    It takes several hours to visit Villa Vittoriale.

    The most famous attraction in Gardone is Villa Vittoriale ( Il Vittoriale degli Italiani), in which the famous Italian poet, politician and pilot Gabriele d "Annunzio (1863-1938) lived.
    Honestly, I did not know anything about this lean man with a mustache Salvador Dali before. And the personality is outstanding. He proclaimed and for 16 months headed the Fiume republic, which no one in the world, except the USSR and Catalonia, recognized. Its constitution stipulated that every citizen of Fiume should receive a musical education. So Villa d "Annunzio is something. Here among the cypress trees all sorts of things are exhibited - from old shells and an amphitheater to a blue horse and a torpedo boat. Half a day fly by instantly. The house itself is also worth going. Inside is only allowed with a tour in English and Italian. , but they give printouts in Russian.A ticket to the garden and the house in 2019 costs 16 €.

    Andre Heller Botanical Garden

    In the botanical garden Andre Heller collected 3 thousand species of plants.

    A visit to the garden takes at least 1 hour.

    Botanical Garden Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Hellerfounded by the dentist Arthur Grushka, who treated Nicholas II. He was fond of botany and collected a collection of exotic plants - he brought here magnolias, primroses, irises from the Himalayas, Australia, New Zealand. I collected 3 thousand plants on 1.5 hectares. Artificial ponds, gorges, waterfalls give charm. In 1988 the garden was acquired by the Austrian artist Andre Heller and is now managed by his foundation. Entrance - 12 €.

    Saló del Garda

    Salo has the longest embankment in Garda.

    Salo is a calm town.

    The city of Salo (10 thousand inhabitants) on the southwestern shore of the lake in the shadow of the Monte Bartolomeo mountain is not as popular as others, but deserves attention

    This city has the longest promenade on Lake Garda Lungolago - with scenic views, yachts, cafes and restaurants. Salo is also suitable for sports and fishing. On Saturdays, there is a market popular with the locals.

    Portese

    Portese is a tiny quiet town with three hundred inhabitants

    The easiest way to get here without a car is by ferry, since the railway station is far away. An ideal place if you don't like the hustle and bustle of the crowd. The beach is pebbly, but there are large stones from which people jump into the water. The beach is never crowded.

    Northern part of the lake

    Malcesine

    Malcesine (4 thousand inhabitants) is considered the most beautiful in the Garda. Mountain landscapes, tiled roofs, resort atmosphere - this is what attracts tourists

    The city is small, but densely built up. The sights are located compactly, within a 5-10 minute walk. There is also a Scaliger fortress here ( Castello scaligero), its history begins in the 6th century A.D. It was destroyed, restored, changed many owners.
    There are many shops in the center. On the outskirts of Malcesine, north of the city, there are sandy beaches, but they are small. And the sand is coarse.
    Malcesine - starting point for the cable car climb up the mountain Monte Baldo (1700 m). The view of the lake from a height of 2 thousand meters is magical, and this must see!
    Look for the cable car following the signs for Funivia Malcesine. The address - Malcesine, Via Navene Vecchia, 12... From the pier - 10 minutes on foot. The trailers can accommodate 30 people, the ascent takes 20 minutes. During the season - queues, sometimes for 2 hours: first at the cashier, then at the lift. It is optimal to come to the opening at 8 o'clock. If you have time, you can go down the trails on foot. Schedule and cost on the cable car website, you can also buy a ticket here. On the same site - routes for walking in the mountains. It is more profitable to buy a combined ticket lock + funicular. Monte Baldo popular with cyclists and paragliders. There is a farm of alpacas, artiodactyls from South America... Don't forget warm clothes, it is windy and cool at the top.

    Riva del Garda

    Center of Riva del Garda.

    Riva del Garda promenade.

    Riva del Garda (17.5 thousand inhabitants) is the northernmost and second largest city on Lake Garda. A favorite place for those who love mountains and hiking.

    This town was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. The beaches here are mostly rocky.
    A city museum operates in a medieval fortress (1508) MAG Museo Alto Garda with paintings from different eras, weapons and clothing, ancient tools. The symbol of the city is the Apponal Tower ( Torre apponale), which is depicted on postcards. 2 €, 165 steps up - and admire the view of the lake.
    Recommend going up to the chapel Santa barbara... The trail is beautiful, although in places it is steep and rocky. Not very prepared people spend 1.5-2 hours on the rise. The chapel is tiny, in front of it is a two-level recreation area. In the evening, the church is illuminated.
    A popular 11 km hiking trail to the waterfall Ponale... It goes from Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley, the climb is 600 meters. The route is wonderful and does not require any special preparation. Cyclists love this route.
    From Riva you can go to Villa Canale, an authentic medieval village protected by UNESCO. Everything here has been preserved as it was 300-400 years ago. The village is 12 km away, but along mountain roads.

    Limone sul garda

    Limone sul Garda (1.2 thousand inhabitants) - a picturesque mountain town on the opposite coast from Malcesine

    Dishes, ceramics, textiles - everything is painted with lemon. And of course, everywhere they sell limoncello, a liqueur infused with lemon zest, although it is produced mostly in southern Italy.
    The indigenous inhabitants of this city are carriers of the longevity gene. They are less likely to suffer from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
    Several small beaches are pebbly. Remember the car chase along the lake in the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace? This part was filmed right here.

    Where else to go if staying at Garda

    Isola del garda

    Tiny island Isola del garda located in the commune of San Felice del Benaco / San Felice del Benaco in the southwest of the lake.
    The length of the island is 1 km, width is up to 600 m. This is a private territory, which belongs to an aristocratic family. The place is curious: here is a villa in a non-Gothic Venetian style, reminiscent of the Doge's Palace in Venice, and a luxurious garden with a collection of roses.
    How to get to the island of Garda: take an excursion, the schedule is published on the official website of the island of Garda. You need to select the city of departure and reserve the excursion (in English, Italian or German). You can get to the island only at certain hours. Allow three hours for the trip, including the road to the island.

    Parco Natura Viva Zoo and Safari Park

    The park consists of two zones: a safari park (viewing by car) and a wildlife park (on foot). An adult ticket in both directions in 2019 costs 22 €. The best time to visit is during feeding, around noon, when the animals go to the feeders. The park is crowded on holidays and weekends. The address: Bussolengo 40, Località Figara.
    The park is closed from January 7 to March 7.

    Parco Grotta Cascata Varone

    Near Riva del Garda there are small lakes Ledro and Tenno. On the way to Tenno, don't miss Parco Grotta Cascata Varone from a beautiful waterfall... Although on the map it is next to Riva del Garda, it's difficult to walk, you have to go up the serpentine. You can take a taxi. The ticket costs 6 €.
    Park opening hours:
    january-February from 10:00 to 17:00,
    march - from 9:00 to 17:00,
    april - from 9:00 to 18:00,
    may, June, July, August - from 9:00 to 19:00,
    september - from 9:00 to 18:00,
    october - from 9:00 to 17:00,
    november and December - from 10:00 to 17:00.
    The ticket office closes an hour earlier.

    Parco delle Cascate di Molina

    Waterfalls Park in Molina - for a visit to lay at least 3 hours, and preferably a whole day. There are two hiking trails in the park: the shorter one is marked in red, the longer one - in black. The views are more beautiful on the “black” route. There are queues for tickets in high season. The ticket costs 6 €.
    Park opening hours in 2019:
    from March 31 to September 30 - daily from 9.00 to 19.30 (last entry at 17.30),
    from October 1 to November 4 - daily from 10.00 to 18.00 (last entry at 16.00),
    from 5 November to 30 March open on Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 to 15.30 (last entry at 14.00). The park is closed from December 21 to January 5. Closes in winter in unfavorable weather.

    Sanctuary of the Mountain Madonna

    In the mountains of the eastern part of the lake - a church Santuario Madonna della Coronacarved into the rock. You can get there from the village of Spiazzi on foot or by bus. Stop at a trattoria Speranza... Round-trip ticket 3 €.

    Viewpoint at Santuario Di Montecastello

    Church Santuario Di Montecastello next to Gardola on the western shore of the lake - people come here for views of the lake.

    Thermal Park del Garda in Cola

    The thermal park in Cola in the mountains (see on the map near Lazise) is an artificial lake with a grotto and a jacuzzi. The water temperature in different parts of it is + 35-39 degrees. From the building where the cafe, sauna, bar is located, to the entrance to the water in the cold season, transparent plastic curtains are installed.

    Trento and Rovereto

    The city of Garda is a small town on the east coast. My story will go about him today.

    Let me remind you that in the afternoon you left Verona, and walked to the city of Garda. Upon reaching the city, we realized that this is the place for a slightly more budget holiday. Here people are in a hurry, there is a crowd around, although the tables on the summer verandas are also almost all occupied. The town itself is quite small - it is inhabited by only 4 thousand people, but tourists create a certain atmosphere and sometimes it seems that you are in the center of Moscow.

    How to get to the city of Garda

    Suppose you have booked a hotel in the city of Garda and bought a plane ticket to Verona. How do you get to the hotel?

    For general information, see my article on local transport -.

    Let me just remind you that you have two real budget options to get to the hotel:

    1. By bus from Verona. On the way, you will spend about an hour and find yourself in the city center. Such a trip will cost you 4 euros.
    2. By car directly from the airport. The management of hotels on Lake Garda understands that getting to them is quite difficult, so many (but not all!) Offer a transfer service from / to Verona airport. The cost must be specified directly at the hotel, perhaps in hotels of the corresponding level, the transfer from the hotel will even be included in the room price. At least this option will be several times more comfortable and convenient.

    Attractions of the city of Garda

    Garda is a small town set in a romantic landscape of villas and olives and is therefore considered one of the best Italian lake resorts.

    In the city you can see the Gothic Palazzo of the Captains of the Venetian Republic, the Renaissance Palazzo Fregoso and the beautiful Loggia Sanmicheli (16th century). And of course, there are also many beautiful villas and churches here: the Church of St. Stephen, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Palace of the Captains, the Palazzo Fregoso, the Church of St. Bernardo. And then there is Villa Albertini with a beautiful park and a medieval castle and Villa Canossa.

    And between the city of Garda and Torri del Benaco there is a very a nice place - Villa Guarienti, located on a promontory protruding above the water. Now this is a private property and you won't be able to walk around the territory of the villa, but the ancient church of St. Vigil stands nearby. There is also a small bay where you can rent a boat, and the beginning of the famous Siren Bay - one of the most beautiful bays of the lake.

    Our walk through the city of Garda

    In general, we did not have much time to look at the city, because we immediately went deep into the streets to find a bus stop and go to our next city - Malcesine, where we had a hotel booked. We were looking for her not for long, but very tense. The stop - the local bus station - is located in the store's parking lot and is nothing more than a pole with a small timetable. Honestly, we found it only by a large crowd of people, which simply surprised us. Why would they just stand in the parking lot?

    And only then did we notice the ATV office in the store building. By the way, it was closed, but outside there was a working machine, where we bought bus tickets to Malcesine using a bank card without any problems.

    In the meantime, we got on the bus and in about an hour reached Malcesine. And, of course, the first thing we did was to look for our hotel. It was called simply - Malcesine, in honor of the city itself. You can read the hotel report, but here I want to add that the location of the hotel and the hospitality of the staff did their job - now, if I have the opportunity, I would never trade this beauty for any "Turkey and Egypt".

    After checking into the hotel and taking a shower, we went to dinner on the hotel terrace. It became too windy and cold for the Italians, so we found a table by the water without any problems. By the way, did I say that the restaurant's terrace hangs over the water? It reminded us very much of Venice.

    It was a quiet and beautiful evening, enjoying the local wine from the Bardolino plantations and watching the sun hide behind the mountains on the other side of the lake. Outlandish streets and swans settled down under our feet, here we tasted the freshest seafood. And when it became completely dark and cold, we went for a night walk around the city. Narrow streets, a few bright spots of open bars full of Italians and tourists, the Scaliger castle lit by bright spotlights and local cats - these are the memories that will be with me for a long time.

    Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and other popular cities in Italy are overflowing with tourists from all over the world and their number does not decrease from year to year. But in this country, in addition to its rich architectural and historical heritage, there is still something to see - there are many incredibly beautiful and amazing places and in this article we will tell you about one of them.

    Lake Garda


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    Garda is the largest and most picturesque lake in Italy, located at the foot of the Alpine mountains. The lakeside is a favorite vacation spot for Italians and is becoming more and more popular with tourists.

    There are many towns and villages around the lake. The most famous are Sirmione, Gardone Riviera, Limone, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Malcesine, Bardolino. There is a very small distance between the cities, sometimes up to several hundred meters, therefore, stopping in one place, you can easily explore the neighboring ones.

    The easiest way to get here is from Verona, the distance between the city and the lake is only 44 kilometers, and the road will take half an hour.

    Leisure

    Windsurfing


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    Windsurfing is very popular in the small town of Riva del Garda, where geese, ducks and swans roam freely in the streets, which are not at all afraid of people. And it is here to go and ride a board with a sail. Rental companies provide all sports equipment. A set of equipment will cost about 100 euros per day, and classes with instructors will add another 40 euros to the cost.

    On the waterfront of Riva del Garda, there are a large number of bars and cafes, where windsurfers and young people relax. Therefore, for the drive and party - here.

    Tracking


    Photo: unsplash.com / @barchpou

    Mountain hikers have a great opportunity to trek through the Alps here. There are a huge number of routes in the mountains, from one-day to multi-day, from simple to very difficult. The route map can be downloaded both in advance on the Internet (for example), or purchased at the reception of any hotel located on the coast of the lake.

    A large number of trekking routes start in the village of Musaga, located a few kilometers from the lake shore. All routes are marked with signs, so it will be extremely difficult to get lost. The routes go through chestnut groves, where you can collect delicious chestnuts, and lead to alpine meadows, where cows graze, as if they came from Milka advertisements. And in the mountain villages you can buy real Alpine milk and honey.

    Cycling


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    Mountain biking is very popular with tourists here. Depending on the level of physical fitness, you can go to the mountains with a fair amount of weight on your legs, or slowly ride along the coast, bypassing medieval towns and small villages with cypress and olive groves.

    As with trekking routes, there are a huge number of cycling routes that can be purchased at any hotel.

    Bicycle rental price: for an hour - 3 euros, for a half day - 10 euros, and for a whole day - 15 euros.

    What to visit

    Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    20 kilometers from Garda in the village of Spiazzi, in the depression of Monte Baldo on a steep cliff, there is a temple - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown. The temple was built in the 15th century on the site where the monastic skete was previously located. Pilgrims from all over the world come here and it is believed that here, in exchange for a promise or vow, the saints will help fulfill your desire. But, if you break the vow, then misfortune will pursue the offender all his life.

    Inside the sanctuary, there is an exact copy of the Holy Staircase, along which Jesus climbed to the court in the palace of Pontius Pilate, and on the path leading to the temple there are 14 halts, symbolizing the stops of Christ on the Way of the Cross.

    Under the temple there is a corridor pasted over with millions of photographs of people who have gone to another world. There is a belief that the Mother of God herself grieves over the souls of these people.

    Scaliger Castle


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    The Scaliger Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Italy, built by the Scaliger dynasty who ruled Verona from 1260 to 1387. During the years of their reign, more than 40 castles were erected to protect their possessions, but no more than ten have survived to our time.

    The Scaliger castle is surrounded by a moat and high walls with battlements. The 47-meter high medieval tower inside is a favorite spot for tourists and also serves as an excellent observation deck... The fortress was the most important strategic point - the Scaligers kept their fleet on the lake, the base of which was in this castle. Now ships and boats also come here, fortunately, not military, but those on which tourists make cruises on the lake.

    Gardaland Park


    The fabulous country of Gardaland, the most famous park in Italy, was built by the Italian millionaire Livio Farini after he visited American Disneyland in 1975 and was so impressed that he decided to build something similar in Italy.

    The Garda coast was chosen as the site for the construction, and just six months later the park received its first visitors. Over time, the park became larger, modernized, and now there are 40 attractions in six thematic zones: Sunken Atlantis, Ancient Egypt, Knightly Middle Ages, Hawaiian Islands, Outer space, Country of cartoons.

    Thermal springs


    Photo: pointbreak / Shutterstock.com

    There are several thermal springs on Lake Garda, which in many ways adds to the attractiveness of this place. The most famous are in Sirmione and Lazise.

    The first, in Sirmione, at a depth of 20 meters, was accidentally discovered in 1889 by a Venetian diver. Ten years later, the Aquaria thermal center was built on this site, which is still operating and is popular with tourists. Later, several more thermal centers appeared in the city, most of which work at hotels. An adult ticket for the whole day costs 53 euros.

    The second, in Lazise, \u200b\u200bon the territory of the luxurious Villa Chedri, was discovered in 1989, when the owners of the mansion decided to dig a well. Hot thermal springs were discovered at a depth of 160 meters, after which the owners of the villa decided to turn this place into a thermal resort. Now, on the territory of the park with an area of \u200b\u200b16 hectares, surrounded by century-old cedars, palms and flowers, there are 2 pools with thermal water, a grotto has been built and fountains work. You can drink the water from the springs. A full day adult ticket costs € 22.

    Olive Oil Museum


    Photo: Shutterstock.com

    Oddly enough, but the first olive oil museum appeared relatively recently - in 1988. It was opened by the owners of a small olive processing plant in the town of Bardolino, which stands on the shores of Lake Garda.

    Oil on the shores of the lake has been mined for 2000 years: people were one of the first to cultivate olive trees. In the museum, in 9 rooms, the entire process of extracting oil from olives from antiquity to the present day is presented. But what tourists like most is that in the museum you can finally understand the intricacies of the taste of different varieties of olive oil - there is a tasting room here, and they also sell cosmetics with the addition of olive oil.

    And we also have


    The usual concept of a lake as applied to Garda somewhat limited, as it is the largest lake in Italy with with a surface of 370 sq. km... It would be better called the sea, hidden among the mountains. This is the first impression when you see it: wherever you look, the gaze cannot cover the lake completely. The lake is washed by three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, with a magnificent variety of landscapes. Snow-capped mountains, soft hills, small villages on the shores, a number of islands in the center - a lake Garda able to satisfy any requests all year round.

    ... behind its 158.4 kilometers of coastline, which are full of beautiful beaches;

    … For its most famous places such as Sirmione, Desenzano, Gardine;

    ... because of the rich history of the lake, with its islands, castles, churches and palaces;

    … For the traditions of Italian cuisine and local products: wine, olive oil, cheese;

    ... for the sake of an unlimited number of parks;

    … For entertainment and relaxation in the best tourist facilities.

    Below we will tell you in more detail about the top ten places that you should see if you are going to spend some time on the lake Garda.

    Sirmione Castle on Lake Garda (Il Castello di Sirmione)

    Sirmione Castle dates back to 1250 and is one of the best preserved castles in Italy. Today it is in excellent condition: we can see two crenellated towers that dominate the lake, which is guarded by a jeweler from the Roman era.

    Sirmione Castle is a majestic rock facing the lake, with which it is connected by a drawbridge. 146 steps lead to bypass routes, from where it is possible to admire the surrounding area. The entrance to the castle is also the only way to enter the center of Sirmione, touch its history and observe the defensive system of the lake.

    Built during the time of Mastino I Della Scala, Sirmione Castle is surrounded by many legends. Among them there is one about Ebengardo and his beloved Aricha. According to legend, one night a traveler arrived at the castle and asked for an overnight stay. He was struck by the beauty of Arice and forcefully burst into her chambers. When Arice rejected him, he stabbed her with a dagger. In turn, Ebengardo killed the villain, and now on stormy nights his ghost wanders around the castle in search of his beloved.

    Catullus Caves in Sirmione (Le Grotte di Catullo)

    Well-preserved ruins of a villa dating back to the 1st century AD from the Roman Empire... They are regarded today as one of the finest examples of a Roman villa in northern Italy. A thousand years ago, this complex was unmatched and stretched over an area of \u200b\u200babout 2 hectares: the original building had 3 floors and long terraces, from which a wonderful view of the lake opened up.

    The undergrounds of the villa hid a pool with thermal waters, known since the time of the Empire. Today the villa and its museum and olive grove are open to the public. Thanks to restoration work today, 1,500 olive trees yield the highest quality oil, and the museum contains archaeological finds from this and several other Roman villas on the lake. Garda, not to mention various documents that store the detailed history of the lake from ancient times to the Middle Ages.

    Garda island

    Isle Garda, or Bourgeois island - the largest on the lake and is located 200 m from the coast in the territory of San Felice Del Benaco. Today it can be reached by boat belonging to the Cavazza, who have been organizing excursions to the enchanting park and villa Ferrari, an admirable example of a villa built in the early 20th century. and the only example of Venetian neo-gothic style on the lake.

    Apart from the villa with gardens, the island is famous for its history. This place was inhabited in the era of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the burials and ruins of temples, for some time served as a refuge for pirates, and then became an important religious center, thanks to St. Francesco Assisi, who built a skete on the island. Over the centuries, with successive rulers, the island has been home to such famous characters as Dante Alighieri, Sant'Antonio of Padua and Adelaide Malanotte, the main translator of Rossini's works.

    Riva del Garda

    Riva del Garda in Trentino is located north of the lake and deserves special attention. At this point, the lake narrows and wedges between the sheer cliffs of Mount Rocchetta: here the water is colder and transparent, in which the Dolomites are reflected, and the silence is thinner, because movement on motor boats is prohibited.

    Riva del Garda, as the name implies, is associated with the lake and carries its waters far into the mountains. The area is well guarded so that tourists can look at the numerous evidences from Roman and Medieval times.

    In the center is November 3 Square and Apponale Towerdating back to 1220, Palace of Komuna, reconstructed in the 15th century. and Municipal Palace, built in 1375 by order of the Della Scala family. Walking around the square will help you feel the Austro-Hungarian spirit of the river. Also worth a visit church of the Virgin Marybaroque in 1603, medieval quarter of morocco (from the "mark" - formless influx of landslides, on which there are palaces) and the embankment of the lake with balustrades overlooking the water.

    Italian Vittoriale on Lake Garda

    Italian Vittoriale is burial place of Gabriele D'Annunzio and a real citadel, built by him together with the architect Giancarlo Maroni between 1921 and 1938.

    Here the poet wrote his literary works about the war, imbued with patriotism. Vittoriale houses a museum with objects and reconstructions of that era, a park with statues, ponds and a garden, an auditorium for 200 people, where exhibitions, meetings and other events are held, an amphitheater.

    Among the most exciting places - d'Annunzio's personal museumwhere Vate's everyday things are kept: clothes, shoes, collars of his dogs. One of the museum's attractions is a ship donated by D'Annunzio in 1923 and is now located in the park, with its bow towards the Adriatic Sea. Vittoriale is not only a historical place, but also a wonderful point from which you can enjoy the perfect view of the local landscape.

    Limone

    Limone is one of the oldest and best preserved to this day places near the lake Garda... The origin of the name is not exactly known: perhaps it comes from the Latin "limes", but, most likely, still from lemons. Limone is known precisely for the citrus fruits grown here, which, due to the warm wind from the lake and the unique microclimate, have always yielded an excellent harvest. The protected terraces are lined with picturesque citrus groves, the most famous being the Castel lemonarium, which dates back to 1700 and is now open to the public.

    In addition to the lemons mentioned, you will find citrons, tangerines, oranges, kumquats here. In the historic center of Limone, you can walk along narrow alleys, look at the old squares and houses of fishermen.

    Now these houses have been reconstructed and are open to visitors during the holidays. Don't miss also church of St. Pietro in Oliveto. It was built in the 9th century and is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the region. Thanks to the 1989 restoration, today it allows you to contemplate the originals of the frescoes.

    It is also worth coming to the 20 September Square, the antique Market Square, with the visconti tower (XVI century), Basilica of St. Nicholas, today - the city Cathedral, the Municipality of the 19th century. ( Bovar Palace) and the Azzone Visconti bridge with its arched spans. Built during the Renaissance, the bridge connected Lecco with the Duchy of Milan. Today, it can be used to get to the city from Milan or Garda.

    Gardaland and other parks on Lake Garda

    In addition to unforgettable landscapes, unspoiled nature and cities frozen in time, the lake has several modern theme parks for the whole family. Most of them are located a few kilometers from the shores of the lake in the province of Verona. As a rule, the parks are open from April to the end of October, and sometimes on weekends and Christmas.

    Let's start with the famous gardaland park, the largest in Italy, with over 35 themed attractions (and this number is growing every year) for adults and children. It is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona.

    Adventure lovers will love the Caneva World theme parks. Moviland, dedicated to the world of cinema, and Aquapark Kaneva, a real paradise of large and small pools, water slides, attractions and games. Both parks are located in Lazise, \u200b\u200bin the province of Verona.

    Wildlife Park in Pastrengo, all in the same province of Verona, is a zoo with 1500 animals of 200 species from all continents of the Earth. This is a good opportunity for children to observe and learn about animals from all over the world. However, this is not just a zoo, but a center for the protection and research of animals. It includes a Safari Park with African mammals and birds, an aquaterrarium and an area dedicated to dinosaurs.

    Cathedral of Salò (Duomo di Salò) on Lake Garda

    The Salo Cathedral in the province of Brescia is an example of the late Gothic style, as if taking the visitor to 1453, when his first stone was laid.

    Its façade, simple, with a tinge of incompleteness, is made of ordinary brick, and it was not until 1509 that a marble portal in the Renaissance style was added to it. Inside the cathedral, you will find works by Paolo Veneziano, Romanino and Moretto. Salo Cathedral is the most important place of worship in the city, dedicated to St. Mary Annunzio. This is evidenced by a wooden icon trimmed with gold, found on the spade behind the main altar. The icon belongs to the 15th century, with openwork carving, which is a fine example of the Brescian art of this area. In the center of the church there is a large wooden crucifix made in 1493 by Giovanni Teutonic. To the left of which is a large ornate organ, made in 1489 and placed under the protection of the head office of cultural heritage in 1957.

    Giant boilers on Lake Garda

    The Boilers of the Giants are a true natural wonder; they are unique as they are perfectly preserved. Imagine huge hollows with a diameter of 5 m and up to 12 m deep, rounded in the form of a canyon in a landscape similar to the Moon.

    This name was given to human imagination, unable to explain the origin of these giant wells. In fact, they were formed from a glacier that passed here 130 thousand years ago. In the summer, the glaciers melted with great speed, forming streams. They, accelerating, broke into the valleys in a stormy stream of water together with stones. Which destroyed the rock and created the pools that we still see.

    Interesting fact: pottery and arrowheads found near the Giant's Cauldrons in Torbole indicate that the valley was inhabited in prehistoric times.

    Where to spend the night on Lake Garda

    Lake Garda - a large international resort, loved by representatives of different segments of the population from around the world.

    Celebrities prefer to buy houses in this area and spend some part of their vacation here. The flow of tourists is very intense, even with over 2,100 recreational facilities. In spring and summer, there are a lot of people who want to stay near the lake, so it is advisable to book hotels in advance. In autumn it is not so warm and therefore not so crowded. Hence, if you want to enjoy the beauty of the lake Garda calmly and slowly - it is worth visiting at this time.

    After visiting the lake Garda you can also continue your holiday in the region. Of course, you can hear or read 100 times, but it is best to see these beautiful cities once with our positive team of local guides from.