Lake Garda
Lake Garda visitgarda.com/
Lake Garda, or Benaco, is Italy’s largest lake and one of the main tourist hubs of Northern Italy. Its shores offer a unique combination of nature, culture, sport and gastronomy, making it a destination suitable for all types of travellers.
HOW TO GET THERE
Lake Garda is easy to reach by car (A4, SS45bis), by ferry with Navigazione Laghi, by coach or bus from Brescia, by train to places such as Desenzano and Sirmione and by bicycle, thanks to panoramic cycle paths.
- Car: through A4 / E70 / SS45bis / Strada Provinciale 11 Tangenziale Sud
- Ferry: Tickets and timetables Lake Garda - Navigazione Laghi it is possible to move between one place and another in Lower Garda with the ferries of Navigazione Laghi (day tickets)
- Bus: Homepage - Arriva Italia
BRESCIA – DESENZANO DEL GARDA CYCLE PATH
- Length: approx. 20 km
- Departure: east of Brescia, near the Mille Miglia Museum
- Route: initially flat, it crosses Sant’Eufemia and Mazzano, going along the Naviglio.
- Characteristics: asphalt surface, also suitable for families and children. Some sections shared with car traffic, but generally safe
MAIN PLACES
- Sirmione: the Scaligero Castle, the Grottoes of Catullus, the thermal baths and the lake's most iconic beaches.
- Desenzano: lively centre with port, castle, Roman villa and nightclubs.
- Manerba del Garda: nature and archaeology at the Rocca, beaches and nature reserves.
- Moniga, Padenghe, Pozzolengo and Lonato: historic villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
- San Felice del Benaco, Salò and Gardone Riviera: elegance and culture, with attractions such as Isola del Garda, the Vittoriale degli Italiani and the André Heller Garden.
- Toscolano Maderno and Gargnano: nature and history live among lemon groves, villas and the Paper Mill Valley.
- Tignale and Tremosine: spectacular views overlooking the lake and the mountains, with the Strada della Forra and the Terrazza del Brivido (Spine-tingling terrace).
- Limone sul Garda: a picturesque village with historic lemon groves and a cycle and pedestrian path perched over the lake.
THE BEACHES OF BRESCIA’S LAKE GARDA
The Sebino is not only a lake to admire, but also to experience.
- At Iseo there are fully-equipped beaches and green areas perfect for families.
- In Sale Marasino and Monte Isola there are evocative beaches, ideal for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
- In the areas of Pilzone and Montecolo one finds even more natural and quiet beaches, often surrounded by vegetation.
NATURE, SPORT AND CULTURE
The Alto Garda Bresciano Park protects a vast area of mountains and woods with paths, waterfalls and alpine fauna. Sport enthusiasts can practice sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and cycling, while those who love culture can visit museums and historic villas, such as the MuSa in Salò, the Roman Villa in Desenzano, the Paper Mill Valley and the Vittoriale degli Italiani.
MUSEUMS AND PLACES OF CULTURAL INTEREST
- ISOLA DEL GARDA (San Felice del Benaco): open from March to October, opening hours vary according to the season. The ticket includes round trip ferry transfer from various departure points, guided tour (required, about 2 and a half hours) and a welcome drink. Reservations are required. https://www.isoladelgarda.com/visite-guidate
- MU-SA (Salò): the hours vary according to the season, generally the hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., always closed on Mondays - https://museodisalo.it
- THE VITTORIALE DEGLI ITALIANI (Gardone Riviera): 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (summer hours) 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (winter hours). The house can be visited only with a guided tour that lasts 35/40 minutes. There are several options for visits: for the most complete visit, two and a half hours are recommended. https://bottega.vittoriale.it/#/prezzi-e-ora
- ANDRE’ HELLER BOTANICAL GARDEN (Gardone Riviera): open from March to October every day 9 a.m.-7 p.m. - https://hellergarden.com/it/visit/
- NONII ARRII ROMAN VILLA (Toscolano Maderno): from May to September, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m., free admission.
- PAPER MILL VALLEY AND PAPER MUSEUM (Toscolano Maderno): from March to October 10 a.m.-6 p.m. https://www.valledellecartiere.it/it/orari-e-biglietti
- VILLA BETTONI (Gargnano): check the website for the opening hours, reservations are required for the guided tour https://www.villabettoni.it/
- MUSEUM OF TOURISM (Limone sul Garda): temporarily closed, reopening date not yet established. Generally open daily free of charge 10 a.m.-10 p.m. https://www.visitlimonesulgarda.com/it/musei-limone-garda.htm
Itineraries and excursions
Walking trails, cycle tourism and themed itineraries
Food and wine
Flavours of the lake
