Lake Garda: Culture, Trails and Gardens
Accommodation in Lake Garda
Lake Garda, also known as Benaco, is Italy’s largest lake. Its landscapes and attractions can be explored in different ways: through historic sites and gardens, hiking and cycling trails, or regional cuisine. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to first consider which of these interests you would like to shape your trip.
Cultural history by the lake
Near Gardone Riviera on the shores of Lake Garda is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a foundation open to the public. Gabriele d’Annunzio began creating the complex in 1921. It comprises buildings, paths, squares, an open-air theatre, gardens and waterways. Check the current visitor rules before your visit.
Isola del Garda lies on the Brescia side of Lake Garda. There, Italian-style terraces and gardens descend to the lake, and the plants include native, exotic and rare species. The island’s villa was designed by Luigi Rovelli in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style in the early 20th century. Near Sirmione, the Roman villa known as the Grotte di Catullo dates from the late 1st century BC to the early 1st century AD. These historic sites thus bring together a complex created from 1921 onwards, a Neo-Gothic villa and a Roman villa from a much earlier period.
Hiking trails and mountain views
A ride on the Funivia Malcesine–Monte Baldo from Malcesine to Monte Baldo takes about 20 minutes; the return journey takes the same amount of time. Operating hours vary by season. Check the latest departure times before travelling. Monte Baldo also has hiking trails with panoramic views of the lake.
The Sentiero Busatte–Tempesta is about 4 kilometres long and includes almost 400 iron steps above Lake Garda. It crosses the ridges of Corno di Bò and Salt de la Cavra and passes through landscapes of geological, botanical and natural interest. Check local conditions and access before setting off.
History also shapes trails around Lake Garda: the Trekking delle Fortezze dell’Imperatore comprises routes dedicated to the history of the First World War. The alpine Sentiero del Ponale leads to the Monte Oro district in Riva del Garda and can also be walked in the opposite direction, starting from Riva. This trail requires care; check current conditions. The Sentiero delle Tracce runs through the Gardesana Occidentale Regional Forest in the municipality of Tremosine and offers the opportunity to observe animal tracks.
Cycling and water activities
On the northern shore, the Ciclopedonale Lago di Garda connects Riva and Torbole with the Adige Valley cycle path. This is distinct from the wider range of cycling routes around the lake: there are more than 1,000 kilometres of signposted routes for all ability levels. These figures therefore refer to two different scales—a named connection on the northern shore and an extensive network of cycling routes around Lake Garda.
When sailing in Garda Trentino, the Ora and Pelèr winds provide the power. Numerous regattas are held, and their dates vary. If a regatta is important to your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.
Near Castelnuovo del Garda, Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium showcases more than 5,000 marine animals from 100 species across 13 themed areas. Also nearby is LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland, whose features include interactive LEGO building areas, swimming pools, slides, water cannons and water games. As operating details may change, check the latest information before planning a visit.
Landscape and regional cuisine
The southern part of Lake Garda is surrounded by moraine hills formed as glaciers retreated. Vegetation along the lake includes olive trees, palms, cypresses, lemon trees, oleanders and orange trees. In Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, the Strada del Formaggio is designated as a route combining food and nature.
Olive oil from Lake Garda has a long tradition and is produced in an exceptionally northerly location thanks to the microclimate. It is considered light and fruity, rich in chlorophyll, spicy and harmonious. In Garda Trentino, the microclimate favours wine-growing. The local Trentino white grape variety Nosiola produces a delicate wine with lightly floral and herbal aromas. It pairs well with light starters and with fried or oven-baked lake fish such as trout or Arctic char.
First choose the places and activities you want to shape your stay, then choose your hotel location to suit those plans.
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