Lake Garda is an oasis of relaxation in northern Italy. Lake Garda, Italy with its small towns, pampers tourists with its uncomplicated atmosphere, stunning scenery and delicious food. Read Rantapallo’s destination guide and plan your own holiday.
The scenery of Lake Garda is like a postcard
In the lap of the rugged mountains rests a lake glistening in blue, the small towns scattered around it are like a postcard. The scenery will charm every tourist arriving on the lake: Lake Garda is like being created for a relaxing holiday. Garda is the largest lake in Italy , located in the embrace of mountains in northern Italy. The nearest larger city is Verona, about 30 km away. Lake Garda is ideal for a peaceful holiday for both couples and families. There are many things to do around the lake, but you can also get the most out of your trip by visiting larger cities nearby, such as Verona or Venice.
The most famous towns on Lake Garda are Riva del Garda, Sirmione, Desenzano, Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine, but there are also numerous other charming small villages and towns around the lake.
It is worth traveling to Lake Garda because of the scenery.
Weather at its best in summer
The best time to holiday in Garda is in the summer. Especially in July-August, Lake Garda needs Central European tourists, so then hotels and restaurants can be congested.
Due to the mountains surrounding Lake Garda, the weather is often unstable and rain may also occur in summer. However, the temperature is pleasantly warm in summer. In winter, the meter readings can be close to zero, making it possible to engage in winter sports in the surrounding mountains.
Active holidays and relaxed lounging
Despite the water, Lake Garda is not an actual beach holiday destination. There are some beaches, of course, but the bottom is often rocky. It is worth traveling to Garda to enjoy above all nature, good food and unhurriedness.
Also for those looking for activities, Garda offers numerous options ranging from hiking and mountain biking to sailing and diving. On the Garda you can also try paragliding, among other things. When holidaying in Garda, you should also visit other nearby villages and towns. Bardolino wines come from nearby Garda. Within a short drive there are several vineyards which are good places to visit.
A popular and safe travel destination
Lake Garda is a safe destination that is also ideal for families with children. In terms of language, Italian is best done, of course, but as the area is a very popular destination, holidaymakers are also fluent in English. However, as a courtesy, learning a few basic phrases in Italian before the trip is recommended and often guarantees better service in restaurants and shops.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT ON LAKE GARDA
Handsome mountain views create a great setting for a holiday.
Direct flights to Milan and Venice
Lake Garda is a destination for both independent and package tourists. You can book your trip either through a travel agency or on your own directly from the airline.
Of the largest tour operators, at least Aurinkomatkat and Tjäreborg arrange package tours to Lake Garda. Garda can also be reached on your own by flying to Verona , or alternatively to Venice or Milan .
There are no direct flights from Finland to Verona, but you can get there through several European cities with one change. Several airlines fly directly to Milan and Venice. The distance to Garda is about one hundred kilometers from these cities.
Accommodation options in most major cities
Accommodation can be found on the edge of Lake Garda, but most options are in Riva del Garda, Sirmione, Desenzano, Malcesine and the city of Garda. The surroundings of the lake range from luxury hotels to small inns. Due to the popularity of the property, the price level is quite the same as in Finland.
If you want to swim, you should choose a hotel with a private pool, as Lake Garda is not suitable for swimming in the best possible way.
Car rental is worth it
The Garda is easily reached from Verona, Milan and Venice by car or train. Renting a car is convenient in the sense that a rental car makes it easy to get around the lake on your own. The surrounding vineyards are also best reached by car.
Lake Garda can also be reached by ferries, which regularly cruise between destinations. The ferries have great views of the lake shores. There are also buses between Garda destinations.
While cycling around the lake may seem like a good idea, in practice it may not make sense. The roads are narrow and have lots of tunnels as well as heavy traffic. It is worth inquiring about local tourist information for suitable cycling routes. All the sites on the beaches of Garda are so small that there is no need for a more efficient driving game than your own feet.
ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GARDA
Many holidaymakers return to Lake Garda again and again year after year.
Ruins, castles and history
There are hardly any traditional attractions such as museums or exceptionally glorious churches on Lake Garda, but there are plenty of smaller sites to be found. Around Lake Garda there are many ruins from Roman times, for example, as well as medieval castles, where a friend of history will find plenty to do for the pleasure of their holiday.
It is worth visiting at least the castle found in the town of Malcesine and the old town of Sirmionenniemi, where you can find the ruins of the ancient Grotte di Catullo and the castle of Rocca Scaligera, among others. Sirmionenniemi can only be reached on foot, as driving by car is completely prohibited there.
Gardaland: the culmination of a holiday for the youngest in the family
Located in the southern part of Lake Garda, near the town of Peschiera del Garda, Gardaland is a Disneyland-like theme park. Children in particular enjoy the park easily throughout the day, but the park also offers experiences for adults. In addition to single-day tickets, there are also multi-day tickets as well as family tickets, the prices of which will be slightly cheaper than individual tickets. There are also a few other theme and water parks around Lake Garda that are a great addition to a family holiday.
Monte Baldo offers stunning views
When visiting Lake Garda, you should definitely climb Mount Monte Baldo, which rises to a height of more than two kilometers, from the top of which you can see the whole lake with its surroundings. You can also reach the cable car from Malcesine on the edge of town. In addition to admiring the scenery on the mountain, you can enjoy a wide range of sports, such as hiking, cycling and paragliding. There is also a small cafe upstairs.
THE BEST OF GARDAJÄRV
The most popular time to visit Lake Garda is during the summer.
The most beautiful scenery
- Limone
- Riva
- Malcesine
Experience these on Lake Garda
- Stroll through atmospheric small towns
- Cycle in the mountains
- Treat yourself to Italian food