Holiday in Lake Garda

What makes Lake Garda special as a destination?

Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, stretches over 52 kilometers from the rugged foothills of the Dolomites in the north to the gentle hills of the Po Valley in the south. This diversity makes it unique: While Riva del Garda and Torbole, with their constant winds, are a paradise for surfers and sailors, Sirmione in the south attracts visitors with its peninsula old town, Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, and hot thermal springs. Malcesine on the eastern shore enchants with a Scaliger castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo (1,760 meters), offering a panoramic view of the entire lake. Limone sul Garda, once only accessible by boat, impresses with its historic lemon groves and the spectacular bike bridge built into the rock face. Gardone Riviera is home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani — the eccentric villa of the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. The cuisine reflects the regions: In the north, fish dishes like Lavarello or trout dominate, while in the south, Tortellini di Valeggio and the robust Bardolino wine are popular. Olive oil from Lake Garda (DOP) is considered one of the best in Italy. The amusement parks Gardaland and Movieland make the lake a family destination. Lake Garda is reachable from Munich in 4 hours — no wonder it has been magnetically attracting Germans since Goethe's 'Italian Journey.'