Beautiful beaches, delicious ice cream, endless lake and waves, Aperol and pizza in the evenings or high mountains. A combination that attracts anyone who doesn’t necessarily need the sea but would still like to go to Italy and enjoy the water. Today’s destination will be Lago di Garda, Italy’s largest lake.
It feels like the sea, but it is not
By the sea without the sea. I set it up this year’s holiday goal to Lago di Garda. Because it wouldn’t be a good year if it was without Italy. Lago di Garda is located in the north of Italy and is therefore easily accessiblefrom the Czech Republic. The lake is huge, from the northern tip you cannot see the southern one.
This area is intended for lovers of windsurfing or those who enjoy hiking as it is surrounded by mountains. It is a part of Italy that is loved by cyclists, mostly visitors from Germany and Austria. Why am I highlighting that? Because you will surely be surprised when they speak to you at the restaurant or bar firstly in German, or when Lidl says Wilkommen. The clientele is clear here, but surprisingly, the prices are not that high. Sardinia, for example, is more expensive. However, it’s hard to find the right Italian place where the locals go, but if you try, you will find it. As always, you can have either genuine tourist or genuine Italian ice cream and coffee.
What to visit?
As always, let’s look at where and what to see and visit. Since I was camping on the northern site, but had a car, I saw a little of all coasts. But I will focus primarily on the northern and eastern parts, which I stayed on.
The best of the North
You have crossed the border, you are traveling through the Alps and enjoying the nature. Because let’s be honest, the mountains are beautiful here. And then, out of nowhere, there is a lake. A huge lake that stretches in front of you and take your breath away. Because if there’s anything better than the mountains themselves, then it’s a lake surrounded by mountains. You are driving down, maybe you make a bad turn like me because you’re enjoying the view. And then you arrive at Riva del Garda or Torbole, which will be our first destinations.
Both towns are very interesting. More ostentatious, with a larger population, various festivals and a mall is the Riva del Garda, which also has a beautiful harbor, worth visiting. Torbole is smaller, but more cozy. If you take a stroll in the evening, I recommend having an aperol at Wind’s Bar.
Have an INCREDIBLE ice cream in Gelateria Liberty. It’s really good and if you want cinnamon, it’s not ice cream but practically whipped cream with cinnamon. I recommend breakfast at Caffé Alpi Bistrot. Do not be fooled, even though the café is located near the gas station, they have EXCELLENT coffee and croissants. But you have to come at the right time. Half past eight is early, after eight o’clock you will not get that pistachio one…
Monte Baldo and what to see on the east coast
We stayed mainly in the north, but also a bit on the east coast. Worth visiting is the mountain called Monte Baldo. You can get there from the town Malcesine. Malcesine is also well-known for its castle with a beautiful view. The town is busy in the evening if you feel like having a pizza or listening to some street music. One of the great attractions is the cable car to the mountain itself.
I would suggest you take your sweatshirt with you even when it is 40 celsius in the shade, because it is really cold on the top of the mountain. The view is really beautiful and the cable is very unique. It rotates 360 degrees, which means you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a good spot when entering it. The cabin will rotate so that each visitor has the same experience.
A little further south is Torri del Benaco, where you can see the remains of the walls and a nice harbor. You can also sit in one of the restaurants or bars right by the lake. The restaurant gardens are designed so that nothing disturbs you when enjoying the view. Of course the town Garda is a must. It truly honors its name, and you will notice that it is not only a bit more splendid but also bigger. As you entering the city, notice how nature is changing. It is interesting to see that the lake is definitely not monolithic, but there are different zones of fauna and flora.
Going to the west part?
I went west from Riva del Garda and if I can advise, this part is more for trips than for lying on the beach. In the northern part, there are not many beaches, because the first few kilometers you drive, there are only tunnels and towns. There are beautiful views of the lake and the other side. I only came to Limone, which is not too far, but I was not interested in the western part as much as the eastern part. But maybe another time visiting Garda, I’ll change my mind. Who knows.
Have you been to Lake Garda and if so, what would you recommend?