Lake Garda Attractions: Top 10
Lake Garda is a dream destination for tourists from all over the world, who come to enjoy the natural and architectural beauty, the fairytale landscapes, as well as the mild climate. In this corner of Italy, there is no shortage of art, history, culture and food and wine traditions. That is why making lists with the attractions of Lake Garda is always reductive, but we have tried to give you our advice on what destinations to visit and what activities to practice to experience the reservoir and its surroundings.
Lake Garda attractions: what to do and what to see
There is no single reason to visit the Garda area, but certainly some attractions are known nationally and internationally. We are talking, for example, about monuments and museums, amusement parks, villages that have perfectly preserved the spirit of a glorious past, castles, lemon and olive groves, and scenic roads to be travelled by bicycle. A lake that encompasses multiple experiences, to welcome travellers in search of adventure, fun and relaxation.
1. Vittoriale degli Italiani
The complex of buildings known as the Vittoriale degli Italiani is located in Gardone Riviera, in the province of Brescia. Every year, around 180,000 people visit the Vittoriale, which was erected by Gabriele D'Annunzio and architect Gian Carlo Maroni, starting in 1921. Consisting of streets, squares, gardens, houses, as well as a library and an amphitheatre, the Vittoriale is truly a small world in which many elements dear to the poet from Abruzzo are clearly visible. There are, in fact, sculptures, relics, books, works of art, as well as the military ship Puglia and the submarine MAS 96.
2. Salò and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Rio
Still in the province of Brescia, we find Salò, a town overlooking the lake, which boasts Roman origins. From the centre, on foot or by bicycle, you can reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Rio: thus, in addition to visiting the place of worship, you can lose yourself in the lush vegetation. With NowMyPlace, you can enjoy family activities in Salò such as a nature walk with botany, taste the local olive oils, or go light hiking.
3. Rabbit Island
The island of San Biagio, also called Isola dei Conigli, is located in Manerba del Garda, not far from Punta Belvedere. The green meadows are home to a large number of rabbits that hop around happily even a few steps away from visitors, since they are accustomed to human presence. Manerba is a place not to be missed when visiting the Lombardy side of the lake, which is why you can find many suggestions for discovering the surrounding area at your own pace. A photo trek to the Rocca, in the nature park, or a birdwatching experience, but also bike rides and mental coaching combined with golf!
4. Scaliger Castle of Sirmione
A splendid, well-preserved lake fortification, the Scaliger Castle of Sirmione dates back to the mid-14th century, when the Della Scala family ruled the city of Verona and its territory. We are in one of the most famous places around the lake, a peninsula that offers breath-taking views and has earned the nickname 'the pearl of Lake Garda'. There is plenty of history in Sirmione, but it is also the right place for unforgettable food and wine experiences, such as dinners and picnics in the vineyard, based on wines and other Garda specialities.
5. Caves of Catullus
Also in Sirmione, we find the Grotte di Catullo, an archaeological area preserving the remains of one of the largest residential villas in northern Italy, located on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula. Inside the area is also the Sirmione Archaeological Museum, with exhibits from other sites in the lower Garda area.
6. Lemon houses
The lake is the northernmost area in the world where citrus fruits grow. The mild climate of Lake Garda provides another attraction of the Brescian shore, the famous lemon houses. Among those that can be visited are the Limonaia del Castel, the Limonaia del Tesol and the Limonaia di Villa Borghi in Limone sul Garda, Prà de la Fam in Tignale, and 'La Malora' in Gargnano.
7. Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown
In the province of Verona, at Ferrara di Monte Baldo, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona, a unique place of worship, built against a rock face at an altitude of 774 metres and carved, in part, into the rock of the mountain. A visit is a must, and will give rise to strong emotions, as well as some very impressive photos, but you can also stop for something else in the area. Why not try, for example, a relaxing activity such as outdoor yoga? How about a SUP yoga class at sunset, suitable even for absolute beginners?
8. Gardaland
Lake Garda is also synonymous with amusement parks so how can we not mention, then, Gardaland? With attractions that please both adults and children, it is certainly a point of reference for those who want to spend time with family or friends, without giving up a few thrills and adrenaline.
9. The Varone Waterfalls
As you move along the coast, the landscape of the lake changes: this is one of the reasons why a holiday on Lake Garda is always different, offering new views and new emotions each time. On the Trentino side of the lake, a few kilometres north of Riva del Garda, is the Parco Grotta Cascata del Varone. Here the stream of the same name plunges into a narrow rocky gorge and creates a 100-metre-high waterfall.
10. Cauldrons of the Giants
The Marmitte dei Giganti of Nago are enormous cavities that water has carved into the rock following the melting of glaciers. They can be reached starting from Riva del Garda, via a path that can also be followed by those without trekking experience.
What to do on Lake Garda: find out with NowMyPlace
The faces of Lake Garda are numerous: to discover them all, we have organised our proposals dedicated to outdoor sports, families, and wellness activities. Starting from the certainty that in an area like this anyone can feel at ease and return home recharged from their stay, whether it is short or long, we offer group experiences through which you can really get in touch with the essence of Lake Garda, declined in all the different localities overlooking the lake.
From horseback rides to vineyard dinners, olive oil and local wine tastings, hiking to water sports, and private tours with a skipper on a sailing boat, NowMyPlace will take you to lesser-known corners to unveil its enchantment and allow you to contemplate it. Discover all Lake Garda experiences NowMyPlace!
