Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)

Italy's largest lake is a chameleon: Mediterranean and palm-lined in the south (Sirmione, Bardolino), alpine and wild in the north (Riva del Garda, Torbole), elegant villas in the west (Gargnano, Gardone Riviera), family-friendly beaches in the east. Lake Garda is extremely popular with German holidaymakers — and for good reason.

Sirmione ★★

The peninsula at the southern end of the lake: the Scaliger Castle (13th century, directly in the water), the Grotte di Catullo (Roman villa with lake view, €8), and thermal springs (Jamaica Beach — thermal water emerges directly in the lake). Overcrowded in summer, but picturesque.

Riva del Garda ★★

At the northern end, surrounded by 2,000 m mountains: ideal for windsurfers and kitesurfers (reliable winds Ora and Pelèr), climbers, and mountain bikers. The old town is compact and charming. The Ponale Road (old mule track, now a cycling and hiking path above the lake) offers spectacular views.

Gardone Riviera & Vittoriale ★★

The Il Vittoriale degli Italiani (€16) is the eccentric residence of the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio: A whole warship in the garden, an airplane in the house, a theater on the hillside. Bizarre, fascinating, and very Italian.