What to do and see on Lake Garda: itinerary between islands and vineyards

From Sirmione to Peschiera, passing through the Lugana cellars: here is an itinerary among the absolutely must-see places on Lake Garda.

With cobalt blue waters and an area of ​​370 square km, theLake Gardait represents the natural border between three regions of Northern Italy: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. Also known as Lake Benaco, this freshwater basin is the largest in Italy and certainly one of the most picturesque.

Over the centuries, Lake Garda has been considered a real divinity, the god Benacus, acquiring a growing cultural, mythological and tourist attraction. Today its villages and its wonders are a favorite destination for adults, children, wayfarers and adventurers.

WHEN TO GO

Although it is always the right time to go to Lake Garda (the presence of water causes the climate to be mild all year round), the most recommended periods are thosefrom April to October, when the rains are scarce and the temperatures become pleasant. In the summer months the sun is pleasant and the days become very suitable for boat excursions and trips on motorboats.

ITINERARY BETWEEN THE PLACES OF LAKE GARDA

The villages that overlook the cobalt blue waters of Lake Garda are numerous and the best way to enjoy the beauties offered by these lake areas is, of course, to move between them by boat or motorboat. ThereSirmione Boatsorganizes tours and excursions to the most evocative places on Lake Garda, offering tourists and travelers seriousness, comfort and that sense of freedom that only the wind in your hair can give!

WHAT TO DO AND SEE ON LAKE GARDA

On board the motorboats ofSirmione Boats, I was able to create an itinerary among the most beautiful places on Lake Benaco by discovering not only incredible geographical views but, above all, smells, flavors and wellness experiences.

Here is a list of the unmissable things to do and see on Lake Garda.

SIRMIONE

Set on a long and thin peninsula that divides the lower Garda, Sirmione is a picturesque town in Brescia renowned for its thermal waters, the tourist port, the Scaliger castle and a perennial aura of peace and tranquillity. Among the unmissable experiences in Sirmione the following stand out:

• Visit to the Scaliger Castle.It is a fortress built to guard the entrance to the historic centre, bathed on all sides by the waters of Lake Garda. The walls, characterized by battlements, are a real eye catcher. The Castle can be accessed from Tuesday to Saturday (8.30-19.30) and the full cost of the ticket is 6 euros.
• Grottoes of Catullus.The Roman domus housed in the archaeological area of ​​the Grotte di Catullo, whose name is a tribute to the great poet, is one of the largest residential villas in northern Italy.
• Wellness afternoon at Therme Aquaria.The waters of Sirmione, the "Pearl of Garda", are famous for their healing and beneficial qualities. ThereThermal Spa of Terme di Sirmioneit overlooks the lake directly and, surrounded by a large park, represents a true oasis of well-being. Inside you will find thermal pools, vascular paths, fresh water pools, sauna circuit and steam baths, an outdoor Finnish sauna, emotional showers, relaxation areas and… lots and lots of peace.
• Tasting of Lugana and visit to the cellars.Lugana is a white DOC produced in a fraction of the Municipality of Sirmione called, precisely, Lugana. It is a straw-coloured wine, with a pleasant smell and a fresh and fruity flavour. There are eight cellars in all where Lugana is produced and each of them deserves a visit. Particular and curious is theCa' dei Frati company, built in the guise of an ancient convent, with high blue vaults and that famous "sour smell of wines" that pervades every corner.

GARDA ISLAND

The Island stands out in the top list of things to do and see on Lake Garda. Located in front of the hamlets of Porto San Felice and San Felice del Benaco, Isola del Garda is a strip of land 1 kilometer long and 60 meters wide. An ancient Longobard monastery, it is the largest island of Benaco and, at one time, it was also calledIsland of the Friars.

Today the splendid neo-Gothic-Venetian villa belongs to the heirs of the Russian duchess Maria Sergeevna Annenkova, wife of Duke Gaetano de Ferrari of Genoa. It is possible to visit the island by immersing yourself in the exotic flowers of theenglish gardenand enjoying breathtaking views of the cobalt blue waters of Garda.

SALÒ AND GARDONE

Once goodbye to Isola del Garda, the ideal itinerary should continue on board a motorboat towards the hamlets of Gardone Riviera and Salò. Both municipalities overlook the waters of the lake and, especially in the evening, offer bewitching views. Among the unmissable attractions theVittoriale of the Italians and the House of D'Annunzio.

PESCHIERA DEL GARDA

Nestled in the south-eastern part of Lake Garda, Peschiera is a Veronese municipality that belongs to the Veneto Region. Colorful and picturesque, it has the shape of a star and, inside, houses two of the ancient settlements of the Alps. These, together with the Fortress, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN PESCHIERA DEL GARDA: Find all the offers

Among the things not to be missed are the walk along the lakefront, the visit to the Roman archaeological excavations and the excursion to the Frassino lake. An advice? Enjoy the visit from the splendidLe Ali del Frassino Resort, complete with an Infinity Pool and exquisite dishes for lunches, dinners and brunches!

LEMON ON THE GARDA

Limone stands out among the most picturesque things to see on Lake Garda. Located in the northern part, the small town of Limone is famous for being the point ofItalyfurther north where they grow and comecultivated lemons and cedars. The historic center is characterized by very steep and narrow streets, which can only be traveled on foot or at most by bicycle. In addition to the classic restaurants that overlook the lake and take advantage of the beauty of the landscape, there are plenty of shops selling creams, spirits and jams, all based on lemons grown strictly on site.

LAZISE

Looking like a little oneVenice, Lazise is famous for its Scaliger Castle which overlooks the lake. Among the main attractions, the area ofOld Port, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and, not far away, Bardolino.

WHERE STAY

The villages overlooking Lake Garda are equipped to welcome every type of traveller. Wherever you go, you will find hotels, B&Bs and resorts of all kinds and levels. A good idea to better organize your itinerary among the "must-see things on Lake Garda" is to choose a single area in which to stay and then, from day to day, move around for visits and excursions. Little Sirmione lends itself very well to this role, both for its strategic position and for the very active marina.

Almost all the hotels in Sirmione have their own SPA and this in itself could be an excellent incentive! Among the many that you can find, I point out theHotel Continental Sirmione(tested personally!) with large rooms, Spa and outdoor thermal pool, excellent food and very kind staff, theVilla Cortine Palace Hotel, a luxury resort immersed in a pleasant setting, with spectacular views and high-class rooms (just think that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, comes here to spend her Italian holidays!) and theHotel Catullus, with a lounge area equipped with a piano and the possibility of tasting dishes accompanied by the excellent Lugana.