Lake Grada is Italy's largest lake and a popular recreation site in the northern area. The lake is bordered by the Veneto, Trentino Alto-Adige, and Lombardy regions and offers multipule outdoor attractions. But, with so many options, there is always the question of where do you go or what to do if you have limited time. In this Lago di Garda guide we will touch base on some of the top places to see and what to to do during your adventure.

As you plan your adventure you could add a few days or even stay a couple weeks along the lake. There are plenty of old towns to walk, places to bike, rock climb, wind surf, sail, plus other general tourist options like golf, theme parks, and beaches to relax on. With so many activities we are just giving you some tips to get you started today. For more travel information or planning assistance contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The first thing we have to consider is how much time and how are we traveling. If you plan on renting a car you have a bit more flexibility, but you also have to deal with local traffic and finding places to park (which is usually paid parking). If you are using public transportation and looking to do outdoor activities, you will most likely want to base yourself in one place and adventure from there. Then you will want to follow the general flow of the transportation system to get the most out of your time.

GETTING THERE: Flying into Milano or Venezia, you can reach Lake Grada by Train very easily. You will be arriving at the southern shores of the lake and from there you can utilize the lake ferry (mainly from Desenzano, Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda) or public buses to get to your destination.

What Do I Do As A City Walker? For everyone who enjoys walking, I would suggest you utlize the lake ferry or public busses exploring a few places each day, while you move up the lake. There are 4 Places Not To Miss, each having their own charm.

1. Sirmione

Located on the southern shores, this is one of the most popular tourist area on the lake and it is very much worth the visit. The old town has roman ruins, a medieval castle, mineral spa, and plenty of shops and ice cream places. It sits on a small peninsula and, even though it is only about 4 to 6 kms of walking, if you like to linger you could spend the entire day here.

TRAVEL TIP: By car you have to park in one of the paid areas and then walk into the city. If you are arriving by train the regional and local trains from Verona and Bresica stop at Sirmione and you can walk down to the city or take a bus. If you are planning to arrive by boat it is best to start from Desenzano del Garda (almost all trains stop here including Eurostar).

For more about Sirimone | Brescia Province check out our page.

2. Malcesine

Malcesine sits on the eastern shore about half way up the lake. This is a nice little town setting at the base of Monte Baldo and has narrow medieval streets, a harbor, and lots of shops and cafes. This is also a jumping off point for some great walks on Monte Baldo, with a cable car that takes you up to 2000 meters. There are also several nice nordic walks along the shores on both sides of the town.

TRAVEL TIP: Plan time to go up on Monte Baldo. It is worth the cost and there are places to eat and just relax with a picnic lunch. The town can be a challenge for anyone with restricted mobility due to the steep terrain.

For more about Malcesine | Veneto Region check out our page.

3. Limone Sul Garda

Across the lake from Malcesine and the next stop on the ferry is Limone sul Garda. Limone is where the Romans introduced citrus fruits into northern Italy. Thanks to the mild climate lemons and other fruits are still cultivated today, and if you like limoncello this the place for you. Limone offers a nice picturesque town with a waterfront area full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are good trails above the town that take you through the orchards and there is a new bike path on northern part of town.

TRAVEL TIP : If you are crossing over from Malcesine there are private shuttles that will take you over. Limone is a nice partial day and then you can move on to Riva del Garda.

For more about Limone Sul Garda | Brescia Province check out our page.

4. Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda sits in the north west corner of the lake and is one of its larger towns. Historically, this was an Austrian town until after the First World War. There are plenty of nice day walks around the area, and after you can explore the narrow streets of the old town with plenty of shops.

TRAVEL TIP : If you only have a couple of days this is probably your end point. As you plan on moving somewhere else still using public transportation it is actually quicker to take a bus over to Rovereto and then pick up a train to your next destination, otherwise it is a long boat ride back to the southern area.

For more about Riva del Garda | Trento Province check out our page.

WHAT ARE OTHER PLACES TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME?

Peschiera del Garda | Veneto Region
Lazise | Veneto Region
Bardolino | Veneto Region
Garda | Veneto Region
Torri del Benaco | Veneto Region
Salo
Gardone Riviera

For those who wish to hike on the trails and explore the more remote areas I would suggest a few more days on the lake. The best hike in the area would be on Monte Baldo, which overshadows the entire eastern shore. There are several main trail systems that pass by the northern area of the lake, or you could create your own custom plan.

1. MONTE BALDO TRAVERSE

Over the years we have walked in many areas, and one of the best early season treks has been walking the spine of Monte Baldo. This is a 3 to 5 day hike on moderate terrain and offers some spectacular views, beautiful mountain flora, and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy nature. The hike can be reached by taking the ferry to Garda or Torri del Benaco, then transfering up - or walking up - to Prada. From there you will have about 4 to 6 hour days (suggested) as you work your way toward Nago. Along the way you will pass Cima Costabella, Punta Telegrafo, Monte Baldo, and Cima Altissimo. The lodging will be in mountain huts and simple hotels.

TRAVEL TIP : This hike passes the Malcesine cable car so you could either shorten the length or take an extra day to descend on the lake and refit.

2. OTHER HIKING OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

Monte Baldo Ring - This hike starts in Avio and you do not have to navigate on the lake. It is a 4 day loop that also passes the Malcesine cable car, giving you an option to descend to the lake.

Trekking around Riva del Garda - If you base yourself in Riva there are several good loop routes outside the town. You could spend 3 to 4 days doing these itineraries with varied difficulty. There is also a couple of nice vie ferrate if you look for something more exciting.

For anyone wanting to do water sports I suggest you make your base yourself in one location and spend a few days there.

Windsurfing or Kitesurfing - The best place for these activities is Torbole, on the northern part of the lake. Over the years more areas have been established but this considered the place to go.

Sailing - You can rent a small sail boat and explore the lake but you do need to have the appropiate license and proof of experience. Sailing is best in the middle area of the lake but it is a bit more technical so you need good skills. The southern part of the lake can be dead for parts of the day, while in the northern area can be too much wind.

Scuba - There are a few places to dive along the lake but they are not recreational. They tend to be fairly deep and sometimes you are just looking at rock formations. I have conducted several classes there over the years but I would never suggest anyone to go there for fun.

Rockclimbing - There are many climbing sites around lake Garda but you need a car to really be able to explore. If you are a climber, I would suggest the top 4 towns to visit as you make your way up the lake. Then when you get to Riva del Garda take a transfer to Arco. You can stay there, as it puts you in the mecca of Italian Climbing.

Road Bike Touring - I do not suggest you road biking around the lake or on the lake unless it is off season, or unless you are comfortable with your bike skills. From April to October the traffic can be harsh. There are sections of the lake with bike paths but they are full of beach walkers and tourist. The roads are the safe but the road from Limone to Riva is several tunnels. However, there are a few nice climbs, and you can stay at a section of the lake and ride loop routes. The best areas would be Riva or Torbole on the north, Garda or Lazise on the south east, and Salo` on the south west.

Mountain Bike - There are plenty of trails and downhill all around the northern end of the lake. Torbole and Riva are very popular places, and it easy to find bike rental, service, and shuttles. Also just north of the lake, at Arco, there are several mountain bike areas.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

As you plan your Italian Adventure we hope this quick guide can get you started. If you need assistance or want some suggestions drop us a line. However, Lake Garda is an excellent visit if you plan well and know where to go. Combining a few days here with Venice, Bologna, and Florence can be a great 7 to 12 days visit. Travel should be about your time, interest, and budget and that's what we specialize in helping you do.

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit, but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre, and a couple of other top attractions. If you plan your days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine. Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy. We offer:

• Travel Consultant - book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
• Travel Planning - ask us for help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy.
• Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore the country.
• Travel support: Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers.
• Booking assistance and suggested contacts.