Lake Garda or Lake Benaco is the largest lake in Italy, located in the north of the country between the provinces of Brescia and Verona. The northernmost tip is in Tyrol.
Like many of the other large mountain lakes in northern Italy, Lake Garda was formed during the last ice age. It is 52 kilometers long and has a width of between 4 and 18 kilometers. The greatest depth is 346 meters. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, including Monte Baldo, 2,218 meters on its northeastern side.
The best way to get to Lake Garda is by car. Either you can drive all the way from Sweden or a rental car from for example Bergamo Airport or Verona Airport is only an hour away.
Cable car to Monte Baldo
At the foot of Monte Baldo is the town of Malcesine, whose medieval Palazzo dei Capitani and Scaliger Castle make it a worthwhile place to visit. From the town, a cable car goes up to 1,800 meters on the mountain, where it is possible to go hiking and cycling.
From Monte Baldo, the view of Lake Garda is stunning. The mountain is sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe" for its rich plant and animal life. Over 60 species of orchids can be seen in flower between March and August on the slopes of Monte Baldo. Edelweiss and wild peony also grow here.
The area also has many wild animals, such as pheasant, chamois, heron, badger, golden eagle, marten, fox, red woodpecker and weasel. It is also possible to ski in the area during the winter.
To the south, Lake Garda is located on the northern Italian plain and the shoreline is therefore flat and densely populated. The further north towards the Alps, the steeper the shores become.
Wine in the region
Grapes have been grown on Lake Garda since prehistoric times. Large quantities of grape seeds have been found in archaeological excavations around Bardolino, Cisano, Pacengo and Peschiera.
Ancient Romans produced wine at the villas whose remains have been found on Lake Garda. The first written records of wine making on the lake also date back to the Middle Ages.
Valpolicella - District of Amarone wines
Some of the most prominent places along the lake where wine is produced today are around the town of Riva del Garda in the north and Bardolino in the east, which is located 30 kilometers north of the provincial capital Verona. A significant wine-making area on Lake Garda is the Valpolicella region, with the prominent red wines Amarone and Recioto. The area is located northwest of Verona.
Other nearby wine districts
Southwest of Verona is Custoza, famous for its white wine. Between the towns of Sirmione and Peschiera, at the southernmost tip of Lake Garda, on the border between two regions and two provinces: Lombardy and Veneto, Brescia and Verona, Lugano wine is produced.
West of Lake Garda, wine is also produced in the municipality of Puegnago sul Garda, located 20 kilometers east-northeast of the city of Brescia.
Towns along Lake Garda
The towns along the shores of the lake include: Brenzone, Desenzano, Garda, Gargnano, Gardone Riviera, Lazise, Limone sul Garda, Lonato, Moniga, Nago-Torbole, Padenghe sul Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Salò, Toscolano-Maderno, Torri del Benaco, so there are many options for travelers to choose interesting places to visit along the lake.
Sights around Lake Garda
Parco Alto Garda Bresciano
A large protected area west of Lake Garda is the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano. A visitor center is located in Prabione di Tignale. Tignale consists of the six neighboring municipalities of Gardola, Piovere, Prabione, Aer, Olzano and Oldesio, which are connected by a panoramic road.
The property is located in the heart of the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano protected area, in a fantastic mountainous landscape, overlooking Lake Garda, amidst idyllic woods.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, olives are grown on the terraces along the slopes. Numerous trails and cycle paths (also for e-bikes) make the area easily accessible. In addition, those who are interested can join guided nature walks with "nordic walking", i.e. walks using poles.
Boat trips on Lake Garda
When visiting Lake Garda, day trips by boat on the water are ideal. One possible route is to go from Malcesine, via Limone sur Gardao and Riva del Garda and then return to Malcesine.
It is important to remember to buy the boat tickets an hour before departure, as there is a queue and it gets quite hectic at the ticket office before departure, so don't leave it to the last minute. The tickets are valid for the whole of the chosen route, which means you don't have to time it to a particular departure.
The appeal of the cruise is both the boat trip itself and the places that travelers have the opportunity to visit. Lake Garda is extremely beautiful and the boats are really charming.
Cycling around Lake Garda
Construction of a 1.3-kilometer bike path, which will connect to the existing 14-mile bike path along Lake Garda, is underway, with breathtaking passages across the lake. The bike path is 2.5 meters wide and will also serve as a pedestrian walkway. The new section is expected to be completed in May this year, coinciding with the start of the tourist season.
Garda by Bike project
This cycle and pedestrian path offers a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Garda, which is not only a highlight for cyclists, but also for pedestrians. The entire Garda by Bike project is expected to be completed in 2021 and is estimated to cost around €102 million, a sum that will probably be quickly repaid by the rising number of tourists.
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