Discover Lake Garda: Trails, Culture and Culinary Delights

Lake Garda between lake, hills and mountains

Lake Garda, also known as Benaco, is Italy’s largest lake. In the south, Lake Garda is surrounded by morainic hills formed by the retreat of the glaciers. Olive trees, palms, cypresses, lemon trees, oleanders and orange trees grow along the shores. This combination of water, mountains and Mediterranean vegetation shapes the different ways of experiencing Lake Garda.

Culture and history by the water

The Vittoriale degli Italiani is located near Gardone Riviera on the shore of Lake Garda. Created by Gabriele d’Annunzio from 1921 onward, the complex comprises buildings, paths, squares, an open-air theater, gardens and waterways; at the same time, the Vittoriale is a foundation open to the public. On the Brescia side of the lake lies Isola del Garda, with a villa built in the Venetian Gothic style and designed by Luigi Rovelli at the beginning of the 20th century. The Roman villa near Sirmione known as the Grotte di Catullo dates from the late 1st century BC to the early 1st century AD.

Hiking with panoramic views and nature observation

Lake Garda offers trails with very different characteristics. The Sentiero Busatte–Tempesta is about 4 km long and includes almost 400 iron steps above the lake. It leads over the two mountain ridges of Corno di Bò and Salt de la Cavra and through geological, floral and natural landscapes. Trekking opportunities also include trails on Monte Baldo with panoramic views of Lake Garda. The Sentiero delle Tracce runs through the Gardesana Occidentale regional forest in the municipality of Tremosine and allows visitors to observe animal tracks.

Cycle paths and special routes on the northern shore

For cyclists, Lake Garda offers more than 1,000 km of signposted cycle paths for all ability levels. The Ciclopedonale Lago di Garda runs along the northern shore and connects Riva and Torbole with the cycle path in the Adige Valley. Another well-known route is the Sentiero del Ponale: it leads as far as the Monte Oro district of Riva del Garda and can also be walked in the opposite direction starting from Riva del Garda. From Malcesine to Monte Baldo, the journey on the Funivia Malcesine–Monte Baldo takes about 20 minutes; the same applies to the return journey.

Water sports and culinary routes

In Garda Trentino, the winds Ora and Pelèr provide propulsion for sailing; numerous regattas are available for regatta sailing. In the same area, kitesurfing areas are designated for the period from 1 March to 9 October. In Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, trekking on panoramic trails and water sports on Lake Garda are among the activities on offer. The Strada del Formaggio is also designated there as a route combining culinary delights and nature.

Family destinations and regional specialties

Near Castelnuovo del Garda, Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium showcases more than 5,000 marine animals from 100 different species in 13 themed areas. Also in the area, LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland combines interactive LEGO building areas with swimming pools, slides, water cannons and water games. In Garda Trentino, the microclimate favors viticulture. The typical Trentino white grape variety Nosiola produces a delicate wine with lightly floral and vegetal aromas that pairs well with light appetizers as well as fried or oven-cooked lake fish such as trout or char.

Lake Garda olive oil is also part of the region’s culinary character. It is considered light and fruity, rich in chlorophyll, spicy and harmonious. Its long tradition and the exceptionally northern location of its production are connected with Lake Garda’s microclimate. When choosing your hotel, you can therefore first decide whether culture, trails, water sports, family destinations or regional specialties should be your main focus. The lake’s landscapes and excursion destinations each offer their own way of experiencing it.

More destinations in Italy

Verona, Belluno, Padua, Vicenza, Rovigo, Treviso, Venice

To the higher-level travel overview: Veneto.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Lake Garda vacation – Lake Garda travel guide.