A romantic journey through four villages of Lake Garda that you shouldn't miss.
Welcome to the largest lake of Italy. The lake of Garda, located on the edges of the Dolomites, is one of the top Italian destinations for lake lovers. From relaxing stay in a hotel to camping in nature, Lake Garda has something to offer for every taste ! The lake is especially famous for a wide range of sports activities. Water sports enthusiasts get to enjoy the best spots in Europe because of the constant winds. They can go for options like wind or kite surfing or paragliding. Mediterranean cypresses, olive and lemon trees are seen in abundance everywhere. Not to forget, there are a number of villages scattered along the 158 km long shoreline of Lake Garda. If you are not yet sure where you should stay at Lake Garda, then this article is just the right for you. So, come grab your sunglasses and get ready to hop between iconic villages.
Jump Ahead
Where is Lake Garda
The term Garda means "a place of guard". The lake of Garda is situated in North Italy. The nearest big cities are Venice, Verona and Milan. Verona is the nearest airport to Lake Garda. The lake is shared by the provinces of Verona (to the south-east), Brescia (south-west), and Trentino (north). Rugged mountain landscapes and multiple harbour towns line the banks of the narrower, northern part of Lake Garda. Riva del Garda is the northernmost town on the lake. The southern end of Lake Garda is flat and broader with Peschiera del Garda being the southernmost town.
When to visit Lake Garda
The best time to visit Lake Garda is from June until September. During this time, the warm summer temperatures allow a wide range of activities. You'll find both locals and visitors indulging in intensive sunbathing and swimming. With up to 10 hours of daily sunshine, one may start off the day relaxed and undertake as many activities throughout the day as wished. May is milder than the rest of the summer in northern Italy. June, July and August are the peak months. So, travelling in May means travelling before the summer rush - the popular spots are less busy and you can stroll through pretty streets of the iconic villages at your own pace.
Four Must-See Villages of Lake Garda
Lake Garda is surrounded by many medieval villages. Each village has its own personality: stone houses, cobbled streets, unique architecture, rustic atmosphere and much more. With picturesque villages against the breathtakingly mountain panorama, the scenery will leave you just speechless. I recommend taking an accommodation at the lake for a minimum of three nights. All villages are easily accessible by car. Or you may take ferries that dock on many important villages around the lake. Following, I will show you four of my favourite villages which will give you an impression about what to expect when planning a trip to the lake. Since these villages are quite popular among tourists, make sure you look for parking spots outside each village.
1. Riva del Garda
I booked my apartment in Riva del Garda. All other villages that I planned to visit were not far away from Riva. So I didn't need to switch accomodations. One of the most popular landmarks of Riva del Garda is the 13th century 35 m high clock tower called as the Apponale tower. It rises high above the old port of Riva del Garda and is surrounded by many beautiful buildings as seen in the image below. On the eastern side of the tower is another attraction Rocca di Riva, a castle that dates back to the 12th century. Today it is a municipal museum, called the Museo Civico, which exhibits many archaeological findings. I appreciated the views over Riva as I strolled along its banks with a glass of some local wine.
2. Limone sul Garda
Citrus orchards on terraced slopes: that's what you observe first upon arrival in Limone sul Garda. Limone's harbour was loud and lively. It was full of locals and foreigners who hanged out at many inviting taverns. To me the village looked like a total shopping paradise. Cozy shops offered products made from lemon. Of course, I did indulge myself. Since I am a huge fan of Italian pasta, I bought multiple packs of lemon spaghetti, spicy olive oil and some delicious local cheese. People were relaxed and it felt like the pandemic was gone. The beauty of Limone's water front and the Mediterranean diversity were all at their peak. The best known landmarks of Limone are the churches of San Bendetto and San Rocco.
3. Malcesine
Another scenic village of Malcesine is located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. It is often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Garda". However, other previously mentioned villages (Riva del Garda and Limone sul Garda) are sometimes also associated with this term. The mighty castle of Malcesine is situated on a rocky hill directly on the lake shore. It can be spotted from afar and is also one of the most sought-after wedding locations on Lake Garda. The village has a picturesque harbour (seen in the image below) and cozy alleys that invite you for an evening walk. The summer months are high season. I found the place crowded with tourists (although I visited Malcesine in May which is supposed to be lesser touristy) and could hardly find a quiet spot for taking my pictures.
4. Tremosine
Tremosine is a collection of 18 villages. It is the only village on Lake Garda that has been added to the list of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" by the Association of Italian Municipalities on account of its architectural beauty. The townhall of Tremosine is located in Pieve, which can be reached via the street Strada della Forra, a popular panoramic road among the motorbikers due to its location in a gorge. When on top of Tremosine, you are rewarded with a wealth of colors and picturesque views found nowhere else but in Lake Garda.
I hope my guide could brief you on how it is like to visit villages around Lake Garda. You may also want to get some insights into the neighbouring Dolomites mountain ranges - the guide which contains map locations of some of the most stunning photo spots there.
It you enjoyed reading this guide, pin it for later reference.
Comments