Even the north of Italy remains the sunny south for tourists!
Melting mountain glaciers and rivers, including the Sarka River, for hundreds of years carved a tectonic depression in the Alpine landscape, which was filled with mountain water. This is how Lake Garda was formed with a basin area of 370 square meters. km.
Lake Garda is unique in its silent grandeur, where the world seems to have just been born!
Lake Garda is the most big lake Italy(346 m depth, 55 km length, 4-12 km width).
Holidays on Lake Garda are famous architectural monuments, Mediterranean atmosphere, unique nature and children's theme parks, idyllic landscapes, a typical Italian easy attitude to life and special local cuisine with an amazingly delicious dessert – Gilato sweet ice cream!
open spaces Lake Garda can be subdivided into two parts according to climatic conditions:
- Northern part, located at the foot of the Alpine mountains, more windy and harsh - an ideal place for surfers;
- The southern part is a Mediterranean paradise.
Spring comes to the Northern part of Lake Garda in late May - early June, and then everything is covered with pink petals of flowering peach, lemon and orange trees, adjacent to the white peaks of the mountains. The Alpine landscape is combined here with meadows, olive groves and greenery of vineyards, with a Mediterranean flavor sand and pebble beaches and healing power of thermal mineral springs.
In summer, the sun, with its hot and life-giving rays, falling on the rocks and hills, gives them its warmth: the meadows are covered with a carpet of flowers and herbs; thousands of grasshoppers, green as an emerald, and lizards find their refuge in them.
Cypress groves mean the Southern Mediterranean region with villas, country residences and hotels. Lake Garda is a piece of sunny Italy!
Pebble beaches in the south are wider than in the north. Sailing on the water surface of Lake Garda does not require a special permit, therefore, starting in June, a huge flotilla of yachtsmen tourists is thrown here from behind the Alps.
Swift and graceful yachts glide through the sapphire-blue water, and it seems that white swans spread their wings. There are especially many Riva yachts with a chocolate-colored hull.
The sights of Lake Garda are a variety of parks of natural landscapes.
- Sigurta Park in Valeggio is spread over 50 hectares. Sigurta Park is a true example of garden architecture: 80 artificial lakes with tropical fish and water lilies, grottoes, the Big Lawn, a giant oak, labyrinths of evergreen shrubs, its own Hermitage, horizontal sundial, Garden of medicinal plants. 30 thousand tulips, 25 thousand roses and 500 thousand irises bloom here! Sigurta Park is a kind of botanical garden, the fourth largest park of its kind in the world, where you can ride a car or explore the beauty of the park on a bicycle. 12 km away is the resort of Peschiera del Garda;
- "Waterfalls Park" is surrounded by cedars, forests and alpine meadows near Verona.
Holidays with children on Lake Garda will delight you with a visit to the Gardaland park.
Gardaland Theme Park- an analogue of the Spanish "PortAventura" and famous park Disney. Park "Gardaland" - expanse of entertainment and attractions that can not be bypassed even in three days. It has been pleasing adults and children since 1972. Reality and fairy tale united on the territory of the Gardaland park: the Mayan pyramids, Mysterious Island treasures, the castle of the wizard Merlin, battles of pirate caravels, horse and foot jousting tournaments, ballet on ice, all kinds of performances, carnivals and fireworks, American races, flying on airplanes, canoeing (rafting) on mountain rivers– over 40 rides in total!
Peak summer months (July-August) the park is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 and the rest of the time from 10:00 to 19:00.
Ticket price for 1 day for adults 35 euros (from 19:00 in the evening 15 euros); For children 29 euros, children under 1 meter in height are free of charge.
Park address: Loc. Ronchi - 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda (VR).
Peschiera del Garda - railway station (free shuttles will take you from the station to the park and back).
Attractions of Lake Garda in the Amusement Park:
- "Park Bay of Sirens";
- "Game Park" (children under 10 years old);
- "Caneva World" - water park;
- "Natura Viva Park" - 1500 animals of more than 200 species, including the Zoo (on foot) and the Safari Park (by car), where you can see rare little-known breeds of animals living in open-air cages up close.
- Dinosaur Park, Aquarium, Dolphin Show, Tropical Plant Greenhouse;
- "MovieStudios Park" - world cinema park in Lotsez;
- "The Spectacular 4 D Adventure" is a new stereoscopic attraction "performance-expedition" into the world of fantasy with the use of "movie technologies".
Holidays on Lake Garda- these are endless expanses of water surrounded by giant mountains, the sights of the towns of the rural foothills and, of course, the resorts of Lake Garda: Benaco, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Lotsez, Desenzano, Salo, Pieve, Porte Portese.
Wandering around these towns and seeing their sights is a pleasure! In the mornings, when nature is just waking up, only the splash of water is heard on their embankments, which tickles the sand, running ashore. Small fishing boats, tied to the pier, bounce on the water and, hitting the piles, add a soft drum roll to the splash of the water.
The local beauties were first glorified by Johann Wolfgang Goethe in 1786, who was on an Italian voyage that began from the town of Torbole. Towering over the city is the 14th-century Scalighieri Castle, which leads to steep stairs. The 78-meter observation tower of the castle offers a stunning view of Lake Garda! Fascinated by the Scaligieri castle, Goethe captured it in his drawing. The Palace of Capitano looks mysterious, but inside it opens with its beauty and frescoes by Giotto's students.
The sights of Lake Garda can rightfully be called Monte Baldo and Grotte di Catullo. The top of Monte Baldo (more than 1800 meters above sea level) can be reached by a modern cable car, which is located near the town of Malcesine. The feeling of freedom and wind is expanse for paragliders.
Ordinary tourists, for whom the beauties of Lake Garda are visible from here in full view, should shout:
“I want to embrace all this - with my eyes, heart and hands ...
Why should we look for paradise somewhere when it is right in front of us?!”
Resort towns on Lake Garda.
The towns located on the shores of Lake Garda are wonderful places where the god, according to legend, lit his lighthouses.
Town of Pieve resembles an eagle's nest on top of a cliff and ends with a 450-meter slope on the south side of Monte Baldo. Behind him begins the Veneto region.
Town of Sirmione The region of Lombardy in the province of Brescia is famous for the castle that rises directly from the water surface of Lake Garda, ancient Roman ruins, an ancient Christian temple, rocky mountains, olive trees and thermal springs with warm mineral water.
Grotte di Catullo Sirmione can be visited on foot or by electric train.
Grotte di Catullo - the remains of an ancient Greek villa (167 * 105 meters), which is located on top of a cape that protrudes far into water surface. Here is a museum with frescoes and artifacts found during archaeological excavations.
Town of Garda (Benaco) has only 3.5 thousand inhabitants, and the rest are tourists. The dominant feature of Benaco is the church of Santa Maria Maggiore from the 13th century, reconstructed in the 15th century with the addition of baroque elements, and the baptistery (baptismal). There are a number of cafes and hotels along the embankment, where the air heats up to +35C in the hot summer months. The main decoration of the town is Villa Albertini.
Lotsez– a town of changing historical epochs: a prehistoric settlement, a Roman settlement, a medieval fortress. The slopes of the mountain filled with city buildings. In the past, fishing and boat making flourished in the town.
Limone notable for the fact that it hosts the World Cup among professionals in windsurfing. Cruise ships, which run at a speed of 30 miles per hour between the towns of the coast and from which it is good to see the beauties and sights of Lake Garda, are adjacent to the fishing port. The port canal is surrounded by a colorful mosaic of old houses. Limone is a large market and lemon groves on the hillsides.
Desenzano del Garda- business and shopping center, port. It is located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes connecting southern part continental Italy with transalpine countries. Medieval castle Mercenary knights majestically coexist with dozens of city buildings.
Porte Portese- a real relic of Lake Garda. If you get used to the noise motor boats, then this is the quietest and most inexpensive vacation spot on the lake.
Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is the largest freshwater reservoir in Italy, lying halfway from Brescia to Verona, just 1.5 hours drive from Milan. The lake is divided between three Italian provinces: Verona (in the southeast), Brescia (in the southwest), Trentino (in the north). It is believed that the name "Garda" is a corruption of the German word "warda", meaning "guard post". During the Roman Empire, it was called differently - Benaco (translated from Latin as "blessed").
The area of the lake is 370 sq. kilometers, length - 51.9 kilometers, and a maximum width of more than 16 kilometers.
Hidden between the majestic Alpine cliffs, Lake Garda was formed here at the end of the last ice age, under the influence of glaciers descending from the mountains. It is thanks to the glaciers that the water here has a slightly emerald hue.
Unique landscapes, picturesque views, pleasant climate attract crowds of tourists here. On the coast, all amenities have been created for them - comfortable beaches, exclusive hotels, hostels, campsites. The beauty of these places has been famous for a long time, even the ancient Roman nobility loved to spend time here in luxurious villas, enjoying amazing landscapes - mountain slopes immersed in green forests, olive groves, orchards with lemons and cypresses.
There is always something to see and where to relax on Lake Garda in Italy. It's incredibly beautiful and interesting place where you can spend a vacation for every taste and budget. The local resorts will delight lovers family vacation, sailing, nightlife, active entertainment, quiet walks. And connoisseurs of Mediterranean landscapes and architectural monuments will appreciate the numerous sights.
Resorts and attractions
Along the coast of Garda, there are many ancient villages, cities with pretty streets, gardens and architectural complexes, many of which have survived to this day in their original form. Numerous excursions, hiking and boat trips, spacious promenades, beaches, luxurious villas, restaurants, as well as the bewitching atmosphere of parks and gardens await guests. Are popular active species recreation, such as windsurfing, and more aristocratic - golf, tennis, squash.
Sirmione and Villa Catullus
One of the most popular resorts was the ancient Roman fort city of Sirmione, which occupies an entire peninsula in the south. There are restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, spa complexes and thermal baths, famous for their healing properties. The main attractions are the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro in Mavino, as well as the villa of the famous ancient poet Catullus.
The calling card of the lake is the Grotto of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo). The grotto is the ruins of a huge ancient villa built around 150 AD. e., on the edge of the peninsula of Sirmione.
City of Garda
Another popular resort is called Garda, which is 30 kilometers from Verona. According to one version, it is to this city that the reservoir owes its name. The place is exclusively tourist, with a population of only 4 thousand people. Next to it is one of the most famous amusement parks in Italy - Gardaland, and the Gardaland SEA PARK aquarium.
Riva and Torbole
In the northern part of the reservoir, the cities of Riva and Torbole are located, famous for their winds, which attract lovers of yachting, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Malcesine and the Scaliger Castle
On a small cape in the northeastern part of Lake Garda, on the slopes of Mount Baldo, stands the town of Malcesine. Built around a picturesque medieval fortress Scaligerov. Near the castle, in a small pier, there are small squares and streets - full of shops, cozy bars and restaurants, giving these places a magical charm. Malcesine has hundreds of hotels, villas, 12 campsites. The main harbor of the city is quite small, but attractive and constantly filled with boats and yachts.
Malcesine is considered one of the most elegant and well-equipped resorts on the coast of Garda. In summer, the climate here is more moderate than in the south, which allows you to comfortably spend time visiting excursions and walking around the neighborhood.
The main point of attraction for tourists in Malcesine is the historic Scaliger Castle. The name of the castle comes from the Dela Scala family, who owned it from the 13th to the 14th century. It was used, altered and adapted for military purposes until the 19th century. Today, guests can freely walk along the fortress walls and climb the main tower, from where you can admire the view of the tiled roofs of cozy Italian houses.
Mount Monte Baldo
Mount Monte Baldo rises above Garda, also known as the European botanical garden, because of the diversity of the growing flora: vineyards, olives, oleanders, etc. The height of the mountain is about 2,000 meters. A cable car stretches from the tops of the mountain ranges to Malcesine. On it you can climb to a height of 1,760 meters, and enjoy panoramic views of the Alpine foothills.
Mount Monte Baldo is perfect for walks and excursions to natural attractions. Especially on hot days when temperatures are lower in the mountains and winds are cooler than near the surface of the water far below. In winter, the slopes serve as a base for winter sports.
When the snow melts, hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts have the opportunity to pass mountain routes, both simple and extreme.
Limone sul Garda
Another popular resort in Garda is Limone Sul Garda. Arriving here at the time summer holidays it is worth getting ready for the crowds of tourists filling the already cramped streets. The heart of old Limone is the small harbor of Porto Viccio, from which narrow streets with souvenir shops diverge. There are many places in the city where you can drink and eat overlooking the water surface.
In the north of Limone, the pier begins. It is no longer as noisy and bustling as in the center, and the streets pass through numerous hotels, quiet cafes, abandoned lemon groves, small beaches. V southbound there is a more modern part of the city, with a wide promenade, parking, hotel complexes.
Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda is noisy italian city on the northern coast of Lake Garda, the second largest after Desenzano (Desenzano del Garda). The city is surrounded on three sides mountain ranges Alps. Until 1918, it was part of Austria, which greatly influenced him - something soothing, not Italian at all, is felt in the streets and architecture. Now it is the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-Alto Adige), province of Trento.
A slightly different atmosphere reigns here, different from other resorts - both lively and very calm. An ideal place to relax in the squares that stretch along the coast and walk along the cozy streets. The coastline includes a harbor, a park, a beach.
The main building in the city is the Torre Apponale, a clock tower built in the 13th century, with a bell and observation deck. Access to the tower is open to everyone.
Islands in Lake Garda
There are many small islands and five large ones scattered around the lake. The largest of them is Isola di Garda. It was on it that in 1220 Francis of Assisi founded a monastery. In 1890 - 1903, according to the project of Luigi Rovelli, a villa was built here in the Venetian-Neo-Gothic style. Since 2002, the island has been open to visitors.
A little further south is San Biagio (Isola di San Biagio), also known as the "island of rabbits". Like the island of Garda, San Biagio is located closer to the west coast, on the border with the municipality of San Felice del Benaco.
Three others major islands- Olive Island (Isola dell'Olivo), Island of Dreams (Isola del Sogno), Island of Three Apples (Isola del Trimelone) - lie to the north, closer to the eastern side of the lake.
Weather
In summer it is quite hot here - the air temperature often exceeds 30 degrees. Such weather favors the growth of Mediterranean plants, including olives and lemons, which is very rare in these latitudes. Water on average warms up to 19-22 degrees. Climatic conditions greatly influenced the tourism potential of the region, which began to grow rapidly after the Second World War.
In ancient times, poets noted mild climate and lively winds on Lake Garda. It's really windy here. Air streams descending from the mountains regularly sweep through the reservoir, and even have their own names. For example, rising early in the morning North wind called Peler. Due to the restless winds, this place has become one of the most attractive for windsurfing in Europe.
Movement
The main ways to travel between resorts are bus and ferry. The main advantage of the bus is its cheapness and speed of movement. Bus routes run along both the east and west coasts. The operators are Transporti Brescia (in the west) and ATV (in the east).
The ferry, compared to land transport, is very slow and not always cheap, but at the same time it allows you to fully feel the atmosphere of the unique Italian lake. Other varieties run along it. water transport: hydrofoil boats, romantic paddle steamers, small catamarans.
In order to get to know all the sights of Lake Garda better, we recommend buying tickets for a sightseeing tour. The routes of such tours pass through most of the settlements along the coast - from Riva in the north to Sirmione in the south.
Information on the cost and schedules of the movement of ships is available at the piers, you can also buy tickets on them. Timetables and prices are also available on this site.
How to get to Lake Garda
The nearest major airport is Verona Valerio Catullo Airport, you can also fly to the small Brescia Airport. In addition, many start their journey from Milan, where the airports of Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo, or Venice (Marco Polo Airport) are located. These cities can be reached in various ways.
On the train it is worth going to the Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione station, located in the city of the same name and where TrenItalia trains stop, plying, in particular, between Milan and Venice.
On the car it is also quite easy to get to: the A4 motorway (Milan-Venice) goes to the south, and the A22 motorway (Brenner-Modena) runs to the north. The SS 249 Gardesana Orientale runs along the east coast, and SS 45 bis Gardesana Occidentale runs along the west coast.
Just half an hour drive from Milan is Lake Garda, which is one of the favorite vacation spots not only for tourists, but also for the Italians themselves. It is located very conveniently, which will allow not only to spend a quality holiday in these parts, but also to visit nearby tourist areas like Venice or Verona.
Take a look at the wonderful photos of Lake Garda, find out how to relax in this wonderful corner of Italy, where to stay and how to get there.
Description
Garda is considered most big lake in Italy: it covers an area of more than 370 square kilometers, and the length coastline is about 130 km. The greatest depth is 340 meters. The lake connects three provinces - Trentino, Lombardy and Veneto.
The ancient Romans called the lake Benaco, and its modern name is consonant with the town of the same name in the province of Verona, and translated from German as "guard" or "observation".
Holidays on Lake Garda are considered elite, so you should not be surprised if you easily meet one of the celebrities on a walk.
The coast of the lake in the days of the ancient Romans was perceived as an elite vacation spot: it here noble citizens built their villas. One of these famous villas - "Grotto Catullus", was built near Sirmione, where at that time there were thermal springs.
Mass tourism began to develop in the middle of the XIX century, when began laying new roads and routes to develop the hotel business.
Weather
The southern side of the lake enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate.. In the summer months, the air temperature is kept within 28-34 degrees, but there is no sweltering heat here.
The most comfortable water temperature in Lake Garda happens from June to September- at this time, the water warms up to 27 degrees. The lake is characterized by the phenomenon of standing waves (waves that occur when it is completely calm), which makes this place attractive for surfers.
One of the main attractions of Italy is. You will find a description with a photo of this majestic structure on the pages of our website.
Resorts
On the shores of Lake Garda are scattered picturesque villages and small towns which are attractive in terms of tourism.
- Sirmione– small town, which has gained particular popularity among tourists. The main attraction of the city is the Scaliger Castle, which was built in the Middle Ages (the cost of the entrance ticket is 6 euros). Fans of meditation and relaxation can visit the SPA resort and the mineral springs located here.
- Salo. City with original name in the bay of the same name was almost completely destroyed during the earthquake of 1900, rebuilt. It is famous for a large number of entertainments on the water. Among the sights are the dachas of the members of the Government of the Italian Republic and the personal residence of Mussolini.
- Malcesine. Township on east coast The lake is not only distinguished by its beauty, but is also associated with the life of the poet Johann Goethe, who lived here for several years. Tourists can visit the city museums or take the funicular up to the top of Mount Baldo (1 lift - 4 euros).
Residence
Guests arriving on vacation in these picturesque places can choose for themselves which type of accommodation is most convenient for them.
Small hotels located on the lake, apartments, villas or houses - all this is available for every tourist, and designed for every taste and price category.
small one-storey villa can be rented for 218 euros per week, apartments for 4-6 people will cost 310-380 per week, and a house or villa with a pool can be rented for a price of 420 euros for 7 days.
The best hotels on Lake Garda (Italy):
- Grand Hotel Terme 5 * (from 167 euros per day).
- Grand Fasano 5 * (from 220 euros per day).
- Gardaland Hotel Resort 4* (from 110 euros per day).
- Villa Maria 4 * (from 86 euros per day).
The best apartments: Residence Panorama La Forca (from 650 euros per week).
Local cuisine: features, dishes, prices
The cuisine of this region is dishes prepared in the tradition of Lombardy and Veneto A: Most recipes include meat, freshwater fish and olive oil.
Traditional dishes- polenta carbonara (based on various types of cheese and cornmeal), trout with citrus fruits, tortellini (the thinnest dough and meat filling), bro bruza (broth with olive oil and toasted flour).
The average check in restaurants is within 15-17 euros during the day and 25-30 euros in the evening (excluding alcoholic beverages).
Best Restaurants:
- Trattoria Pie di Castello (Riva del Garda). The original establishment on the northern shore of the lake. It specializes in the preparation of meat dishes marinated in a special way. Attendance is very high, so it is better to book a table in advance. Address: Via al Cingol Ros, 38.
- Grifone (Sirmione). Perfectly prepared fish or meat flambé, lamb meat, dishes of local and European cuisines will satisfy even the most sophisticated gourmets. Address: Via Gaetano Bocchio 4.
- Villa Boselli (near Mantua). The peculiarity of this restaurant is that it is possible to order a "tasting menu", i. mini portions of all selected dishes. Address: Volta Mantovana, via Boselli, 6.
- Piccolo Mondo (Cave del Garda). A fish restaurant where you can taste dishes from the freshest trout, fresh Sicilian shrimps, sea scallops baked in breadcrumbs. The address is via Riviera Carducci 6.
On the map
Entertainment and attractions
In every locality, located on the shore of the lake, there are many places that will be of interest to guests.
Grotto of Catullus
The ancient villa of the poet Gaius Valerius Catullus, who lived in the 1st century BC, is almost the oldest building on the lake. The ruins of the villa were discovered in the 15th century, and not in the best condition.
Subsequently the building was cleared of a layer of dirt, and now numerous tourists can take a walk through the old villa and the olive grove adjacent to it.
Park "Gardaland"
One of the highlights of this area is theme park "Gardaland", which received the title of "Italian Disneyland". The park will be of particular interest to families with children - there are no other amusement parks in Italy with such a number of attractions and entertainment.
Gardaland was opened in 1972, and since then new venues have appeared in the park and various entertainment shows have been invented. It may seem that Numerous myths and fairy tales came to life in the park: it will be interesting for guests to visit Merlin's magical castle and explore Pyramids of Egypt, take part in a pirate sea battle or a jousting tournament,
- The address: Loc. Ronchi - 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda
- Peak time (June to August) the park is open daily(from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and in the rest of the months it closes at 7 p.m.
- Entrance ticket price for adults is 35 euros, for children - 30 euros. Children, whose height is not higher than 1 meter, can have fun in the park absolutely free of charge.
Sigurta Park
This green oasis is an example of garden and park architecture. Many types of trees and flowers (there are about 30 thousand species of tulips or roses alone!), 80 artificially created ponds and grottoes, garden of medicinal plants.
- Working park complex daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
- The cost of entering the territory: 12 euros for adults and 6 euros for children under 12 years old.
Safari Park "Natura-Viva"
Here it will be interesting for adventure lovers: you can make safari car ride, during which you can see walking rhinos or giraffes. The especially brave can experience incredible sensations, once in real world dinosaurs. In addition, a regular zoo is open on the territory of the park.
- Park opening hours coincides with the high season (from March to November), opening hours are from 9 to 18.30 daily.
- The cost of entrance tickets for adults - 20 euros, for children - 14 euros.
Tourists who prefer leisure, can do windsurfing, yachting, rowing, mountain climbing. Another sport that is gaining popularity is mountain biking. In each city there are rental points for mountain bikes and related equipment; special cycle tracks are equipped in mountainous areas. Bicycle rental for 1 hour will cost 25 euros.
Deposit for the yacht - 200 euros, rental price for 1 hour - 50-60, and if you take a yacht for the whole day, then you need to pay 230-250 euros. True, it is better to make such walks in the morning, because in the afternoon the waves rise and the skiing is not so comfortable.
A beach holiday on the lake will give you many pleasant minutes. Sand and pebble beaches, sandy entry into the water.
How to get there?
To get to Lake Garda, you must first get to Verona or Venice(Allitalia airline). Further by rail drive to Treviso (closest to Garda) or Trieste. You can continue the journey to the place by car (Vkontakte
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Grotto of Catullus
The remains of the estate of the Roman Gaius Valerius Catullus (lat. Gaius Valerius Catullus) are known to modern vacationers as the Grotto of Catullus (Grotte Catullo). The poet who sang of greatness lived in the 1st century BC. Picturesque views of the mountains and the lake valley fed his muse. Thanks to this, Catullus built his villa on the shores of the then Benak Lake. The ruins of once luxury home were rediscovered only in the 15th century. At that time, they were poorly cleared and were water grottoes. 
Adjacent to the estate is a large park filled with olive trees and darkened fragments of a large villa. Walking in such scenery is akin to a short walk into the past.
The healing spring of Boyola
The healing spring of Boiola (Italian: Fonte Boiola) is famous for its waters that heal many unpleasant diseases. Seething streams of water saturated with iodine, sulfur and bromine break out of the bowels of the earth at a temperature of 70 0 C! 
Treatments at the Baths of Boyola help people get rid of skin diseases, relieve rheumatism and chronic inflammation of the ear. However, visit the thermal spring located on the territory of Hotel Fonte Boiola well-healthy and contented travelers are welcome. The complex of SPA-procedures, as well as events extremely useful for maintaining beauty and health, will satisfy the desires of even the most capricious client.
Salo
Another Lombard city of Salo (ital.Salò) is famous for its wide variety of water activities. As a historical landmark, there is a complex of villas that housed members of the government of the Italian Social Republic, as well as personally Duce Mussolini (1942-43).
The town of Desenzano del Garda (Italian: Desenzano del Garda) enchants with its views of the lake. Walking along the streets of this city, you can endlessly enjoy the smooth, mirror-like waters of Garda.
Art lovers will be interested in visiting the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene. Desenzano del Garda has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. You can practice sailing, surfing and scuba diving. And when night falls on the city, young and energetic people will find something to do, numerous clubs and discos hospitably open their doors.
A small town with a citrus name Limone sul Garda (Italian: Limone sul Garda) also belongs to the Lemon Riviera. The western shore of Lake Garda is the most north point in which citrus trees bear fruit and ripen. 
The inhabitants of the city are big fans of the fruits they produce. Is this really their record longevity? The small town is not subject to fuss and worries, it will offer its guests delicious home-cooked meals, leisurely walks and almost rural pastoral. Limone sul Garda is great for families, especially those traveling with children.
Malcesine
On the eastern shore of the lake is the city of Malcesine (Italian Malcesine). He is not only amazingly handsome, but also closely connected with the life of the German poet Johann Goethe. Travelers will be able to visit city museums, climb to the top of Mount Baldo with the help of a funicular. And in the evenings, the hilly countryside of Malcesine offers a beautiful view of the place where weddings often take place. 
By the way, the air currents descending along the slopes of the mountains allow fans of windsurfing and parachuting to turn around perfectly.
- Recommended hotels in Malcesine
- An example of a wedding on Lake Garda in the Scaliger Castle
Gardone Riviera (Italian Gardone Riviera) is a kind of place for elite vacation in the valley of Lake Garda. Luxurious villas, fragrant nature, huge Botanical Garden named after André Heller, create an indescribable atmosphere. In the days of Tsarist Russia, rich and powerful people often looked at this resort.
Bardolino
Another historical curiosity of Lake Garda is the castle of Arco (Italian: Castello di Arco). According to some information, the castle was built somewhere around 1000 AD. 
high towers buildings, towering like candles, on a steep mountain slope in the Trentino region. Erected by wealthy residents of the province, Arko Castle managed to be in the hands of many noble families, including the Scaliger family. The careful restoration of this ancient fort made it possible to put in order numerous frescoes dating from the Middle Ages.
Riva del Garda
The main attraction of the city (Riva del Garda) are ducks, which can rightly be called the real owners local beaches. The beaches themselves are a lawn with a very narrow strip of pebbles. This place is ideal for a measured calm family vacation with children. 
Excursions in Russian
Verona and the coast of Garda are also connected by bus. Routes No. 162 and 163 will travel along a winding serpentine for about 45-50 minutes. At the same time, passengers will be able to enjoy the views and get off at one of the stations: Bardolino, Garda, Lazise, Malcesine, Riva del Garda. This concludes our short walk along the shores of Lake Garda.
We hasten to assure you that this is not all the delights of the mountain valley. Believe me, the beauty of the Italian Alps and the gentle bliss of the Guardian coast cannot be expressed in words. All the cheerfulness of this hospitable region must be felt for yourself!
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Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and other popular Italian cities are overflowing with tourists from all over the world and their number does not decrease from year to year. But in this country, in addition to the rich architectural and historical heritage, there is still something to see - there are many incredibly beautiful and amazing places and in this article we will talk about one of them.
Lake Garda
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Garda is the largest and picturesque lake Italy, located at the foot of the Alpine mountains. The shore of the lake is a favorite vacation spot for Italians and is becoming more and more popular with tourists.
There are many towns and villages around the lake. The most famous: Sirmione, Gardone Riviera, Limone, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Malcesine, Bardolino. There is a very short distance between cities, sometimes up to several hundred meters, so if you stop in one place, you can easily see the neighboring ones.
The easiest way to get here is from Verona, the distance between the city and the lake is only 44 kilometers, and the road will take half an hour.
Leisure
Windsurfing
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V small town Riva del Garda, where geese, ducks and swans roam the streets freely and are not at all afraid of people, windsurfing is very popular. And it’s worth it to ride a board with a sail here. Rental companies provide all sports equipment. A set of equipment will cost about 100 euros per day, and classes with instructors will add another 40 euros to the cost.
On the waterfront of Riva del Garda a large number of bars and cafes where windsurfers and young people relax. Therefore, for a drive and a party - here.
Tracking
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Fans of hiking in the mountains here have a great opportunity to make trekking in the Alps. There are a huge number of routes in the mountains, from one-day to multi-day, from simple to very difficult. The route map can be downloaded either in advance on the Internet (for example), or purchased at the reception of any hotel located on the lake coast.
A large number of trekking routes start in the village of Musaga, located a few kilometers from the shore of the lake. All routes are marked with signs, so it will be extremely difficult to get lost. The routes go through chestnut groves where you can pick the most delicious chestnuts, and lead to alpine meadows where cows graze, as if they came off a Milka advertisement. And in the mountain villages you can buy real alpine milk and honey.
Biking
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Mountain biking is very popular with tourists here. Depending on the level of physical fitness, you can go to the mountains, fairly loading your legs, or slowly ride along the coast, going around medieval cities and small villages with cypress and olive groves.
As in the case of trekking routes, there are a huge number of cycling routes, a map of which can be purchased at any hotel.
The cost of renting a bike: for an hour - 3 euros, for half a day - 10 euros, and for the whole day - 15 euros.
What to visit
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown
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20 kilometers from Garda in the village of Spiazzi, in the deepening of Monte Baldo, on a sheer cliff, there is a temple - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown. The temple was built in the 15th century on the site where the monastic skete used to be. Pilgrims from all over the world come here and it is believed that here, in exchange for a promise or a vow, the saints will help fulfill your desire. But, if you break the vow, then misfortunes will haunt the violator all his life.
Inside the sanctuary, an exact copy of the Holy Staircase was built, along which Jesus ascended to the court in the palace of Pontius Pilate, and on the path leading to the temple, there are 14 halts, symbolizing the stops of Christ on the Way of the Cross.
Under the temple there is a corridor pasted over with millions of photographs of people who have gone to another world. There is a belief that the Mother of God herself grieves over the souls of these people.
Scaliger Castle
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Scaliger Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Italy, built by the Scaliger dynasty, who ruled Verona from 1260 to 1387. During the years of their reign, more than 40 castles were erected to protect their possessions, but no more than ten have survived to our time.
The Scaliger castle is surrounded by a moat with water and high walls with battlements. 47-meter medieval tower inside - favorite place tourists, also serves as an excellent observation deck. The fortress was the most important strategic point - the Scaligers kept their fleet on the lake, the base of which was in this castle. Now ships and boats also come here, fortunately, not military ones, but those on which tourists cruise on the lake.
Gardaland Park
Fairyland Gardaland - the most famous park in Italy - was built by the Italian millionaire Livio Farini after he visited the American Disneyland in 1975 and was so impressed that he decided to build something similar in Italy.
The coast of Garda was chosen as a place for construction, and just six months later the park received its first visitors. Over time, the park became larger, modernized and now there are 40 attractions in six thematic zones: Sunken Atlantis, Ancient Egypt, Knightly Middle Ages, Hawaiian Islands, Outer space, Country of cartoons.
thermal springs
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There are several thermal springs on Lake Garda, which greatly adds to the attractiveness of this place. The most famous are in Sirmione and Lazise.
The first, in Sirmione, was accidentally discovered in 1889 by a Venetian diver at a depth of 20 meters. Ten years later, the Aquaria thermal center was built on this site, which is still in operation and is popular with tourists. Later, several more thermal centers appeared in the city, most of which work at hotels. An adult ticket for the whole day costs 53 euros.
The second, in Lazise, on the territory of the chic Villa Chedri, was discovered in 1989, when the owners of the mansion decided to dig a well. At a depth of 160 meters, hot thermal springs were discovered, after which the owners of the villa decided to turn this place into thermal spa. Now, on the territory of the park with an area of 16 hectares, surrounded by centuries-old cedars, palm trees and flowers, there are 2 pools with thermal water, a grotto was built and fountains work. The water from the springs is drinkable. An adult ticket for the whole day costs 22 euros.
Olive Oil Museum
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Oddly enough, the first olive oil museum appeared relatively recently - in 1988. It was opened by the owners of a small olive processing plant in the town of Bardolino, which stands on the shores of Lake Garda.
Oil has been mined on the coast of the lake for 2000 years: olive trees were one of the first to be cultivated. The museum in 9 rooms presents the entire process of extracting oil from olives from antiquity to the present day. But what tourists like most of all is that in the museum you can finally understand the intricacies of the taste of different varieties of olive oil - it works here tasting room and also sell cosmetics with olive oil.
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