GARDA LAKE

Garda lake is a very interesting area to discover, rich in beautiful landscapes but also in history and culture.The lake and its costeline are divided between the provinces of Verona, Brescia and Trento, in northern Italy, and each town has something special to offer: from old monuments and pristine beaches to delicious local food, you will be amazed by this magnificent lake, considered one of the most stunning lakes in all Europe.  

Beautiful panorama at Desenzano del Garda ©Minchael Pezzaioli

 

 

 

WHAT TO SEE AT SIRMIONE

Sirmione is located on the Lombard shore of Lake Garda. It has gained the title of "Pearl of Garda" thanks to the beauty of the surrounding landscape and for the harmony of the houses, streets and squares that have absorbed the charm of past centuries.

Today Sirmione is one of the most important tourist resorts on Lake Garda: it offers sports and recreational facilities for practicing water sports and international standard hotel which can satisfy the requests of every kind of tourist, even the most exigent one.

 

The Scaligero Castle

 This castle is a stunning building that looks as if it is floating above Lake Garda.  Built in the 13th-century, it's the access point to the historic center of Sirmione. It's one of the most complete and best preserved castles in Italy, as well as a rare example of lake fortification. The castle had a defensive function, since the city of Sirmione, being in a border position, was often exposed to aggression by enemies.

From the top of the castle you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the lake.

 

Scaligero Castle at Sirmione ©Michael Pezzaioli

 

Grotte di Catullo

The term "Grotte di Catullo" identifies a Roman villa built between the end of the 1st century BC
and the 1st century AD in Sirmione, on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The archaeological
complex has been the subject of visits and speculations since the 15th century and today it can be
considered the most important testimony of the Roman period in this territory.
It's one of the most impressive example of a Roman villa in northern Italy.

Rest of an ancient Roman Villa at Sirmione ©Carlotta Rossi

 

Jamaica Beach

Located right next to Grotte di Catullo, this is the perfect place for beach lovers. Definitely the highlight of Sirmione!
With a lovely bar selling great cocktails, you absolutely have to enjoy fresh turquoise water and sit down to admire the distant mountains. 

Jamaica Beach, a paradise for sunset lover ©@jamaicabeachsirmione

 

WHAT TO SEE AT MANERBA

Manerba del Garda is located in the cove between Punta Belvedere and Punta Portese, on the west coast of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia. It is located in the heart of the Valtenesi, a green stunning area very famous for wine, cheese and oil production.

It’s  one of the favorite destination thanks to its magnificent beaches and the historical, artistic, naturalistic and gastronomical itineraries it offers.

 

La Rocca

Manerba's Rocca is a rocky promontory overlooking the town of Manerba. It's part of a fascinating natural reserve rich in flora and fauna and with important historical findings. The Rocca was first property of the Scala family, then the Visconti, and lastly of the Republic of Venice, who decided to destroy the medieval fortification in 1574 since it had become a bandit cove. Reach the top and you will have the possibility to visit the remains of the medieval castle, one of the most important medieval fortress of the whole Lake Garda. From here, you will  enjoy a beautiful panorama on the lake.

 

The few rests of the fortress of Manerba del Garda ©Michael Pezzaioli

 

Island of San Biagio

The small and graceful Island of Saint Biagio, also known as Rabbit Island, is a peaceful place with a stunning landscape made up with green fields, cypresses, bushes, crystal water and a big number of wild rabbits that roam free on the island. In the summer, when the water levels are low, it is possible to reach the island on foot on a small strip of land that connects it to the mainland, but it can be easily reached also by boat from Port Torchio. It's a really exciting experience, perfect for every kind of tourists, expecially families with children. 

The Island of Saint Biagio is very popular with people who want to relax on blisfull beaches, but also scuba diving lovers reach this place, as close to the island there is the famous Altar's cliff, one of the best known spots for diving on the Lake.

 

Little Island of San Biagio surrounded by crystal clear water ©Michael Pezzaioli

 

The beaches

Manerba's shoreline is a 11km line filled with beaches, so this is the perfect destination for visitors who want to relax, have fun and enjoy water sports. The beaches are well equipped: bars, restaurants, pedal boat and canoe rentals make Manerba an ideal place for recreation and fun. The most beautiful beaches in Manerba are the Baia Bianca and the Romantica Beach. Another beautiful beach is the Rocca beach, often frequented by nudists. It's a little bit difficult to reach but worth it.

Beautiful beaches at Manerba del Garda where to relax and have fun. ©Alice Vergombello

 

WHAT TO SEE AT GARDONE RIVIERA

Manerba del Garda is located in the cove between Punta Belvedere and Punta Portese, on the west coast of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia. It is located in the heart of the Valtenesi, a green stunning area very famous for wine, cheese and oil production. It’s  one of the favorite destination thanks to its magnificent beaches and the historical, artistic, naturalistic and gastronomical itineraries it offers.

 

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

This interesting site was the residence of the famous italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio from 1921 to 1938, the year of his death. The Vittoriale is not only a house, but a complex made of buildings, streets, squares, theaters, gardens, parks and rivers built by the poet with the help of the architect Giancarlo Maroni. It made the town famous all over the world, becoming the most visited house-museum of all Europe. It contains relics, souvenirs, keepsakes and reminders of the inimitable lifestyle of the great poet-soldier. 

 

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the residence of a great italian poet. ©Alice Vergombello

 

The André Heller Botanical Garden

The André Heller Botanical Garden is a peaceful garden founded by Arturo Hruska; in this magical place is possible to admire plants from all over the world and from all climatic zones, for a total of over 3,000 different species that live in harmony, forming a unique and precious “ensemble”.

Take a walk and you will also be surrounded by lot of works of contemporary sculpture, streams, water lilies, artificial lakes.. everything is beautiful, also thanks to  the climate and beauty of Garda, which play a fundamental role.

Enchanting botanic garden with rare flowers, plants and stunning works of art. © Alice Vergombello

 

Villa Alba

Villa Alba was built at the beginning of the last century under the name Villa Ruhland, which means "peace in the landscape", a perfect name if you want to describe the magnificent atmosphere of this magical place. Set in a vast and luxuriant garden, this secular temple of beauty is really fantastic: a majestic facade with colonnade and pediment decorated with bas-reliefs offering us a fragment of the Parthenon. During German occupation, between 1943 - 45, the rooms were converted into a military transmission centre and radio station. Enriched with artistic fountains and a sumptuous staircase, today this palace can be the ideal place if you want to organize every kind of event or celebration.

The magnificent setting of Villa Alba in Gardone Riviera © @villa.alba.gardone

 

WHAT TO SEE AT TREMOSINE

Located on a natural terrace overlooking Lake Garda from the top, Tremosine sul Garda has become one of the most beautiful villages in Italy thanks to its structural and landscape characteristics. Made up of eighteen small hamlets surrounded by nature, it offers visitors a special atmosphere that will remain forever in your heart. 

 

Strada della Forra

Strada della Forra is one of the most scenic drives in the world: Winston Churchill defined it as the eighth wonder of the world. This Italian road located on lake Garda makes its way through the mountain in the ravine formed by the river Brasa. The drive is known by motorcyclists from all over Europe, as it is really impressive and everyone remains amazed by its stunning views.

It was designed in 1913 by Arturo Cozzagli, so this was a truly phenomenal engineering gem for that specific historical period. The road is nestled in the depths of the mountain and it literally carved out of the cliff with hairpin turns, blind corners, adverse camber and low tunnels. It’s dangerously beautiful but you have to be absolutely confidend in driving your car. The part of the gorge is now in great demand as a film set. In fact, in recent years, its breathtaking views and verdant scenery have made it a location for  the 22nd 007 movie, in which James Bond drives his Aston Martin, running away from his pursuers.

The Strada della Forra, a real jewel set in the rock. ©@gardaoutdoors

 

Terrazza del Brivido

The so-called “terrace of shudder” is part of Hotel Paradiso in Pieve di Tremosine and is accessible for both hotel guests and restaurant guests. It is one of the most famous viewpoints on Lake Garda, an architectural "overhanging" structure considered an essential stop for those traveling in this area. The terrace looks like a concrete platform suspended over 350 meters high! Surrounded by an iron railing, the platform juts out over the promontory on which it was built, and allows you to admire the Garda almost suspended in the air. In the hall there is a restaurant and an aperitif bar, where you can stop to eat or sip something with this unique panorama.

Breath-taking view from the top of Tremosine ©@terrazzadelbrivido

 

WHAT TO SEE AT LIMONE SUL GARDA

Limone is one of the most popular tourist resorts on Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia. Here you can savor the atmosphere of a lively and well-preserved ancient village.

Limone is famous for the cultivation of citrus fruits, especially lemons.Although it is believed that its name derives from the tradition of growing lemons, the origin of the name comes from the Latin "limen", meaning border, referring to the line between the province of Brescia and Trento. The village was called Limone San Giovanni until 1863 while the current name was given at the town in 1904.

 

San Benedetto church

This parish church of Limone sul Garda was restored in 1961 by Andrea Pernici, on the ruins of an ancient romanesque church dating back to the eleventh century. Inside it hosts numerous important works of art such as the deposition of Battista D‘Angolo, also called "il moro", and other two large paintings: The dinner in the house of Simone Fariseo and The adoration of the magi by Andrea Celesti. In the interior it has a baroque style.

Old Baroque church wonderfully peaceful at Limone © @limone_sul_garda_e_dintorni

 

The Old Port

Among the streets of the center you can breathe the authentic atmosphere of a village with a millenary history, among old houses, alleys, shops, taverns, bars and restaurants. The small village was built around the picturesque harbour and has the typical charm of a fishing village. The beautiful palaces and the small alleys in the old town centre, which clamber up the steep slopes of the Dosso dei Roveri, enchanted famous men as Goethe, Lawrence and Ibsen.

The Old Port, the heart of the old town of Limone © @limone_sul_garda_e_dintorni

 

Limonaia del Castel

Lemons have had an important role in Limone’s heritage, and this museum gives the opportunity to find outmore about it, as well as the cultivation of other fruits such as oranges, mandarins and grapefruits. It’s believed that lemons were first imported to Lake Garda from Genoa in the 13th century, while Limone’s first lemon houses were built in the 17th century to protect the fruits from the cold, in winter. 

La Limonaia del Castel has revived this heritage by planting over 100 citrus plants, and reconstructing old ledges, tool sheds and irrigation systems. Here you can explore the different levels of this spot, learning about the different techniques to grow the lemons over the years. From the top of the museum you’ll also enjoy a magnificent panorama over Lake Garda.

 

 

Interesting tour at Limonaia del Castel, while tasting a delicious limonata © @limone_sul_garda_e_dintorni

 

Limone's cycle and pedestrian path

This unique and extraordinary work allows you to travel, either by bike or on foot, a really great walkway suspended between the sky andthe lake, while enjoying a breathtaking view. This excellent work, opened in 2018, is part of a big great project: GARDA BY BIKE. A very interesting cycle path which one day will allow you to travel by bike the entire perimeter of the largest Italian lake, passing throught 19 different towns. It will be the longest cycle path in all Europe.

Romantic walk along Limone's pedestrian and cycle walkway ©@limone_sul_garda_e_dintorni

 

 

ENJOY YOUR STAY AT GARDA LAKE!!!!!