Lake Garda where to stay for a beach holiday. The best apartments on Lake Garda. Salo has the longest embankment in Garda
Of the many ancient towns on the shores of the lake, we recommend choosing the northernmost one - Riva del Garda. Despite the location, it is just as warm and comfortable as in the south of the reservoir, and lemons, olive trees and palm trees are just as pleasing to the eye. At the same time, the mountains here are much more picturesque: cliffs surround Riva on three sides and hang over the water. Therefore, even experienced travelers will not be able to contain their sighs of admiration! Yes, however, it’s not worth it - it’s better to fully enjoy the beauties of nature and the town,
full of architectural attractions.
We recommend staying in one of them - in the palace of the late 19th century, which is occupied by the Lido Palace Hotel. Its trick is that behind the facades of the historical building there are modern interiors with high-tech elements: a lot of glass, wood and metal, muted tones, unusual details. In general, it’s not at all what you’d expect to see inside a classic mansion surrounded by a lush garden, but that’s what gives it its special charm!
The discreet interior of the Lido Palace rooms does not distract from the main thing - the stunning views outside the windows!
If you want a room with the best view of the lake, take one of the suites on the top, panoramic floor: you can even look at the calm waters of Garda and the boats darting along it from the bathroom. An incredibly relaxing experience! For even greater relaxation, visit Centoundici SPA: steam in the sauna, breathe in the salt room, swim in the pool, admiring the greenery of the garden.
By the way, you can also swim in the lake. The water in it is quite refreshing (+22-25 °C), soft, as if mineral, and incredibly clean! That’s why, by the way, people love diving here. And here is a real haven for lovers of windsurfing, kayaking, paddle surfing and yachting. Fans of walking and cycling will also have something to do: there are many routes available to them.
Garda offers breathtaking - literally - walks!
In the evening, the best solution is to have dinner at the Il Re della Busa restaurant. Book a table on the terrace overlooking the lake and try the amazing dishes of Michelin star Giuseppe Sestito. Believe me, you will always be amazed at how varied you can relax on the lake!
BONUS
Tenuta San Leonardo in the foothills of the Dolomites - one of the most famous wineries in Italy. Grapes have been cultivated here since the 10th century, and the winery itself is located in a former monastery. Only three varieties of wine are produced here, but they are famous throughout the world!
Museum of Contemporary Art MART in the city of Rovereto is one of the largest in Europe: the permanent exhibition alone has more than 15 thousand exhibits, and there are also temporary ones! The museum building itself is a work of art, so it is worth paying enough attention to it.
A few weeks ago we took a small but eventful trip. Without planning anything, without booking a hotel, without looking at the list of places we want to see, on Saturday morning we got into the car and drove to Garda, stopping wherever we wanted.
Definitely a great trip! In two days we saw so many beautiful places, drove for so long along the road with views of the mountains and the lake, that in the end we even got a little tired of the beauty. Everything needs to be in moderation :)
Some useful information:
There are several ways to get from Verona to Garda:
1) by bus from Verona, but it only goes along the eastern side of the lake (route Garda-Malcesine-Riva del Garda). I wrote a separate post about Malcesine and once again I note that the town is very beautiful.
2) by train to Peschiera del Garda and there you can get, for example, to Sirmione or another town by bus or train. If you need it in Sirmione, then you can take the direct bus “Verona-Brescia”
3) and, of course, a car and then you can go around the whole of Garda, and along the way you can also look at Lake Tenno (which is what we did)
Today I would just like to briefly tell you a little about the trip, show a few photos (I’m kidding, in fact there are a lot due to the fact that I simply can’t show enough photos).
We made our first stop in a town that has the same name as the lake itself.
The embankment, in principle, like the whole of Garda, is filled with tourists from Germany, and, to a greater extent, older people. There, tourists are not in a hurry, they don’t take hundreds of photos (it seemed like I was the only one) and you don’t see selfie sticks very often. The lake sets you up for a calm, measured holiday. We didn't stay there for long: about 30 minutes at most. That day the weather was changeable and there was a thunderstorm, so we hurried back to the car.
After visiting a few more places, we decided to stop for lunch at a German bistro restaurant . They cook incredibly tasty ribs there, but like many places on Garda you can only get there by car. Besides the delicious food, the restaurant's outdoor area is nothing short of amazing, with a fairytale house at the entrance, hedges of roses that decorate your meal, and just a beautiful view. There is a separate large playground for children.
After lunch, we firmly decided to continue on our way to Lake Tenno without stopping (which I would like to talk about separately), but literally 10 minutes later we stopped opposite an empty shore, with a pier and boats. Initially, our stop should take about 5 minutes, just to just look around. It turned out that just looking around is not enough. But sit on the pier, watching a lonely boat in the middle of the lake, dream about fishing, jump on rocks, soak your feet in the water and get stuck for a whole hour just looking left and right (don’t forget that there is beauty everywhere you look), in general , very much even enough.
It was cute and unexpected to meet swans every time. It seemed that they decided to go around (in their case, swim around) the lake with us.
And here are the boats that will take you from one shore to the other. I would like to note that they are not cheap. A one-way ticket will cost around 9 euros, and the sail will take 5-10 minutes.
After our hour of doing nothing, we decided that we still needed to do something and went for ice cream, despite the fact that it was already hard to breathe after a hearty lunch.
Just a couple of minutes later we realized that this was a very right decision! You can't miss such views and such a charming town called Riva del Garda.
There is plenty of parking in Riva del Garda. You need to keep in mind that in Italy blue markings mean that parking is paid. In addition to the fact that it is paid, check the permitted parking time. You can easily find a parking lot where parking is allowed only from 12 at night. You, of course, can park your car at another time, but the Italian carabinieri supplement the city budget quite well through fines in the sense that they issue them very quickly.
If you suddenly see white markings, then, as a rule, such parking is free. There is also a shopping center in Riva del Garda where parking is free for the first two hours.
The lake is intended exclusively for tourists. Prices there are high: starting from food in supermarkets (a pack of coffee is 2-4 euros more expensive than in a regular store in Verona, cherries for 7 euros per kg, latte macchiato in a bar from 3.5 euros, and in the center of Verona you can easily find it for 1.5 -2) and ending with prices for hotels or apartments on airbnb.
If you are going to Garda not with the sole purpose of swimming (and I think that your goal will still not be to swim in cool water), then I would advise going in the following period: April-early June, September-October. Hotel prices drop by about 70-100 euros!
We booked accommodation during our lunch at a German restaurant and managed to find a room with a lake view including a good breakfast for around 80 euros. But there are a couple of points:
1) you can’t get to such a hotel without a car
2) there are no bars, restaurants, etc. You have to go by car to have dinner.
3) inside the room is nothing special
4) in July-August the same number cost 170 euros! I wasn’t lazy and took a look. The difference is obvious.
I didn't expect such a good breakfast at the hotel. Italians love to offer their guests their traditional breakfast in the form of brioche (croissants) and coffee. But, apparently, since the main flow of tourists in Garda is from Germany, the breakfast was good: scrambled eggs, bacon, prosciutto, muesli, cereal, cheeses, juices, fruits, fresh incredibly tasty croissants, etc.
Our view from the room! In the morning we woke up to the sound of waves (and there are waves on the garda), the chirping of birds and, unfortunately, the howling of a cold wind. Despite the not at all hot weather, early in the morning it was already possible to watch how surfers conquered the lake.
I think it’s worth finishing my already long story for now, but I hope that soon I will share with you description of two places that I would like to talk about separately.
Details Liya Usmanova, photo: Natalya Studenkova March 02, 2019 Garda
Lake Garda in northern Italy: how to plan a route, where to swim and what cities to see - I will answer these and other questions and tell you where else to go if you are staying on this lake
I like Lake Garda at any time of the year - the views of the mountains and lake are mesmerizing even in cloudy weather. Small cozy towns delight with ancient houses and castles. Germans, Austrians and Swiss like to relax here - residents of these countries can easily get here. Russian speech is also heard often.
Like Como, people of different incomes relax here - both billionaires and European pensioners. Not far from expensive villas you can rent a budget apartment or a room in a guest house.
Lake Garda in Italian - Lago di Garda. Italy's largest lake is fed by the glacial waters of the Alps. The length of the lake is 52 km, maximum width is 17 km. The northern part of the lake is narrow, similar to fjords: here the mountains approach the very shore. In the southern part, Garda is much wider, the terrain is more flat, and the mountains are visible only in the distance.
When to go to Lake Garda and how to dress
The weather on Lake Garda is slightly different in the north and south. I’ll give you the average temperature and tell you how to dress, what to take with you. This information can be used as a basis, but keep in mind that the weather is different every year.
June, July and August
Summer on Garda.
Sirmione in August.
June is a wonderful month: air temperature up to 25 degrees, lots of sun.
Most tourists come in July and August. Prices for hotels and dinners in restaurants are high at this time.
The guidebooks write that due to the proximity of the Alps, in summer it is not as hot on Garda as on the Adriatic or Mediterranean coasts. “Not hot” is relative here. The temperature in July-August is up to +30 degrees. This is not comfortable for those who do not like heat.
There are thunderstorms in the summer. They don't last long, but they rumble loudly.
Unlike Lake Como, there are many beaches. Swimming season is from June to August. The water in the southern part of the lake warms up to +26-27 degrees. In the northern part, the water is a couple of degrees colder. An alternative to swimming in the lake is the thermal baths in the southern part of the lake. This is the name for pools with hot water from underground sources, usually at hotels.
Pack clothes as if you were going to a resort. Warm clothes are worth taking for trips to the mountains. Slippers that fit your feet will be useful for entering the water over pebbles.
September
September is sunny and warm, temperatures up to +24. Just like in the summer, thunderstorms thunder. There are fewer tourists as holidays and holidays are over. By the middle of the month, only a few swim - the water quickly cools down. You need summer clothes, something warm for the evening, a windbreaker for hiking in the mountains.
October and November
I love looking at the lake framed by gold and red leaves. Roses, pansies and something else are still blooming. There are still many days in October when the daytime temperature reaches +19. You need a light autumn jacket, jeans, and a sweater.
By the end of the month it gets colder, usually sharply. At this time, you already need a warmer jacket.
In November - +11-14 degrees, but snow may also fall. There are fewer and fewer leaves on the trees. Need a fall jacket. It gets foggy after lunch. Heavy rains are rare, drizzle is more common. It is worth taking an umbrella or a cape over your clothes.
December and January
It's festive and beautiful on the lake at Christmas. But after the New Year, many restaurants and hotels close until Easter. There are supermarkets and restaurants for local residents. Sirmione, Riva and Desenzano remain more or less lively.
Relaxation for everyone. Temperature - +5-10 degrees, often humid and windy. Sometimes wet snow. But there are also many sunny days. In winter, people on Garda dress like in Moscow or St. Petersburg in October-early November - a warm autumn jacket or a light winter down jacket, it depends on your cold tolerance.
February March
In February, nature wakes up and spring is felt in the air. Sunny days alternate with cloudy and foggy ones. Flowers are already blooming in the flower beds. You need an autumn jacket, jeans or trousers, low shoes or sneakers. Air temperature - +8-10 degrees.
At the beginning of March it is joyful, sunny, bushes and trees begin to bloom. Although the weather is unpredictable, snow may fall. At the end of March up to +13 degrees, cold in the evenings. Fog and rain are possible.
April and May
In May, near Garda.
A wonderful time to go to the lake. Warm, joyful from the sun and greenery, few people. In April it is up to +17, there are many sunny days, camellias and azaleas bloom. In May, the temperature on other days reaches +22. It's still cold to swim. The lake is deep and warms up slowly. Fog and rain are possible.
Where are the most beautiful views on Lake Garda?
View of Riva del Garda.
From the city of Garda and above. The lake narrows to the north, the mountains approach the water. The views from the eastern shore are better than from the western shore. The TOP 4 for scenic views are occupied by Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda and Torbole.
Which roads are the most beautiful?
Road from Riva del Garda.
East coast of Garda.
There is a 260 km long road around the lake. The sections from Torbole to Malcesine and some sections from Malcesine to Bardolino are considered the most photogenic. The Riva-Torbole section partially runs along the coast. There are many tunnels from Riva to Limone.
What is the relief like in cities?
All hotels are near the lake, but at different altitudes.
Peschiera and Sirmione are almost flat. In the rest, the terrain is hilly to one degree or another. So, when choosing a hotel, consider how high you will have to climb. On the map the object is next to the lake, but in reality it is on a hill.
Como or Garda: where to go
It depends on the route and purpose of the trip. Both lakes are wonderful.
Where to swim on Lake Garda: beaches
There are many beaches on Garda, most of them are pebbly and rocky, as well as grass. There are sandy ones at hotels.
Paid beaches with sunbeds and sun loungers cost from 3.5 to 12 € per 1 day. The sandy beaches, suitable for families with children, have trampolines and other entertainment. There are paid parking lots near the beaches. Cost - 1.5 - 3 € per hour. There are many free beaches, this is not a problem.
The peculiarity of the lake is that the water level sometimes suddenly rises by 20-30 cm. This is due to a drop in atmospheric pressure. The tide lasts from a few minutes to several hours, and sometimes the whole day.
How to choose a beach
The beaches on Lake Garde are different, so you need to decide what is important to you.
1. Is it necessary quiet deserted beach, a beach equipped for families with children, or beach with bars and restaurants, where music constantly pours out.
2. The water is clear where the beaches are pebbly or rocky. On sandy beaches the water is often cloudy. Sometimes algae washes up on the beaches, and reeds grow along the shores.
3. Water temperature. In the north of the lake the water is colder, but the scenery is more picturesque. The southern part is attractive because the water here is 2-3 degrees warmer, and there are also thermal baths - pools with thermal water.
1. Spiaggia Tifu beach in Limone sul Garda
A pleasant place for a family holiday.
2. Parco Baia delle Sirene near the town of Corno
Paid beach in the park area. Restaurants, gelaterias (ice cream shops), tennis tables, children's entertainment, etc. A 1-day ticket in the summer of 2018 cost 12 euros.
3. Salo
Pebble beach with piers that are great for jumping into the water. The place is liked by both people with children and young people. Sun loungers are available at Mokai Beach Bar.
4.Desenzano
Beach in Desenzano.
Pebble and rocky beaches. There are a lot of young people, music is constantly playing in bars.
5. Malcesine
Not a bad place if you combine a beach holiday and cultural tourism.
6. Sabbioni Beach in Riva del Garda
An option for those who enjoy water sports, including windsurfing and kayaking. There is a path along the beach with bars, cafes, and gelaterias.
7. Lazise
Sandy beach in Lazise handsome. Part of the beach, however, is occupied by a campsite, but there are also free places.
8. Sirmione
Beach in Sirmione
Sirmione has several beaches. Jamaica Beach ( Giamaica Beach small, crowded during the season. The beach is rocky, with slabs near the shore that people like to walk on - it’s fun, but slippery. This beach has a section with free thermal mineral water. Water from the thermal baths is drained here, more on that below.
How to get to Lake Garda
Ferry on Lake Garda.
From Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Verona, take the train to the town Desenzano del Garda. Schedule on trenitalia.com.
From Verona it is 20 minutes by train, ticket 4.5 €. From Milano ( Milano Centrale) – from 1 hour 20 minutes, ticket from 9 €. From Bergamo - with a transfer to Rovato or Treviglio, and also (more expensive) through Brescia.
Boats leave from Desenzano del Garda in different directions. For example, the ferry takes 20 minutes to Sirmione and the ticket costs 5 €.
There are many other options, see schedules:
- buses from Brescia, Trento, Verona and along the western bank of Garda.
- buses on the eastern part of Lake Garda.
Schedule of boats on the lines Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva del Garda And Maderno– Torri on the shipping company website.
There are also small boats that do not run according to a schedule, but when they are full. They are often cheaper than larger ones.
Please note that buses and trains may be late from time to time.
Where to stay, hotel prices
If you are going to Garda, then you need to look for a hotel or guesthouse in advance. Moreover, the sooner, the greater the chances of finding something decent for an adequate amount. The place is popular, and Europeans sometimes plan their vacation a year in advance. True, sometimes you manage to grab an inexpensive refusal number literally on the eve of your trip. From the second half of July and August, prices are high everywhere in Garda and many good places are occupied.
You can see hotel prices on the map:
Where to stay closer to Verona
Sirmione, Lazise
Amusement parks on Garda
In the southern part of Lake Garda there is the most popular amusement park in Italy, Gardaland, with attractions for visitors of all ages, and an aquarium nearby. Gardaland is a very popular destination, with 2.8 million visitors in 2018.
A little further north is Movieland, a theme park with attractions based on popular films, and there are also attractions for kids.
Restaurants and supermarkets
Restaurant on the shores of Lake Garda.
In resort towns there are many trattoria and pizzerias with colorful interiors and a variety of dishes. Prices are a little higher than average, designed for European tourists. Lunch time starts from 13:00, dinner - from 19:00. At this time, everyone rushes to restaurants, and there are queues in popular places.
I advise you to look for specific addresses by names of supermarkets on Google maps: type in the search Conad Limone Sul Garda or COOP Sirniome and find the address. Here are the names of supermarkets that are on the lake: COOP, Carrefour, Conad, Lidl, EuroSpar. Or search without a name, just supermercato, but a lot of unnecessary stuff will pop up.
Don't forget about the markets, prices are lower there, and locals do their shopping at the markets.
On the central streets there are many shops with gifts and souvenirs, clothing and accessories. Souvenir shops sell ceramics and forged items, but the quality of workmanship does not always correspond to the price. Ceramics are only suitable for kitchen decoration, and they are unlikely to be used for their intended purpose.
Is it safe to holiday on Garda
This is a safe place. You can calmly walk around the neighborhood, relax, go to bars. Within reason, of course. Crime cases happen everywhere.
Natural hazards: bears and poisonous snakes live in the mountains. The chances of meeting them are extremely small, but you need to know about them. There are ticks and mosquitoes below. Anti-mosquito products are more expensive than in Russia.
Be careful on the roads - Italians often break the rules.
Which towns on Garda are worth visiting?
Southern part of the lake
Sirmione
Castle of the Scaligers.
Archaeological zone.
A popular tourist town on the Garda is Sirmione (8 thousand inhabitants). It is located at the end of a cape that extends far into the lake
Tall pine trees and ancient villas, with water approaching from both sides - this is the picture that opens when you drive onto the cape. On the shore and at the beginning of the cape, in front of Sirmione, there is the village of Colombare, where you can also rent apartments and villas, there are cafes and shops.
After driving along a narrow isthmus, you find yourself in a parking lot in front of Sirmione, which is actually an island because it is separated from the cape by a moat.
The area is very green, along the alleys there are oleanders, pines, shrubs, palms and olive trees. From the embankment there is a stunning view of the lake, the opposite shore with houses above the water and the Alps in the haze in the distance. Swans and ducks swim near the shore, and even go out for a walk on the steps, which delights tourists. It's even more beautiful here in the evening. The sunset in the sky and the lights of the buildings create a fabulous view.
Sirmione itself begins with a well-fortified castle Castello dei Scaligeri, built in the 13th century by the Verona Scaliger family, which owned the city at that time. Later the city came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. Back in the era of the Roman Empire, there was a resort here; wealthy residents of Verona had villas here.
To get to the castle, you need to cross the bridge. The moat surrounding the castle also serves as a marina - motor boats and speedboats are moored here. The fortress in Sirmione is the steepest on Lake Garda. For 6 € you can walk around the fortress walls and climb the towers. With a combined ticket for 12 € you can also see the Grottoes of Catullus, more about them below.
Behind the castle begin the quarters of Sirmione, typical of Italian cities, with stone houses with tiled roofs and palm trees. But the streets end on the shore, near the water. Life is in full swing until nightfall - there are dozens of hotels, restaurants, bars. The shops Armani, Dolce & Gabbana And Versace are adjacent to souvenir shops that sell trinkets, T-shirts and beach towels.
If you step aside, you will find yourself on quiet medieval stone streets. Next begins a calm green area where there is a spa complex, hotels and villas, and the Lido del Biondi beach. At the end of the cape there is an archaeological excavation area and the Grotto of Catullus. These are the remains of a villa that supposedly belonged to the ancient Roman poet Catullus. Close to via Catullo, 9 lived the famous opera singer Maria Callas. Now this is a hotel Villa Callas Diana Sirmione.
The rapid development of tourism in Sirmione began after the discovery of the healing properties of the local thermal spring. Water rich in minerals helps with joint diseases, rheumatism, psoriasis, etc. Some hotels have swimming pools with thermal water, and guests can swim in them freely. Or live somewhere else and buy a ticket to the thermal baths. This is not a cheap pleasure.
Sirmione has several spa hotels and several dozen cheaper hotels and apartments. You can see prices, for example, on the Hotellook website.
You can sit in the thermal water for free. On the beach Giamaica Beach We were near the grotto of Catullus in the spring, still in warm jackets, and were surprised that people were sitting and lying there. Excess mineral water flows here from the pipe, and local residents and tourists take advantage of this - they fence the area with stones. The hot water of the spring and the cold water of the lake mix. The water temperature, depending on the season, is +30-35 degrees. The beach smells like rotten chicken eggs - the smell of hydrogen sulfide. From the Scaliger Castle it takes 15 minutes to walk here.
Peschiera del Garda
Sunrise in Peschiera del Garda
The city of Peschiera del Garda (11 thousand inhabitants) is not so popular as a resort, however, two whole objects in it are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - this is the historical center inside the defensive walls and the remains of prehistoric pile settlements in the Alps
The city is quite small and surrounded by fortified walls.
IN Tourism Peschiera InfoPoint- tourist information office - at Piazza Cesare Betteloni, 15 There are employees with knowledge of Russian. In the office you can buy transport tickets, get a schedule, and book an excursion. During the low season it is only open on weekends. On Mondays there is a large market next to the office, there are supermarkets in the city Lidl And Eurospar.
Peschiera is convenient from a logistics point of view. It has a ferry port, a train station, regular buses and is close to the motorway. From here to Verona - 20 minutes by train, it is also easy and convenient to get to Milan, Venice and cities on the lake. This is a big advantage, since not all towns on the Garda have good connections with other settlements. It is also close to Gardaland, Movieland and other attractions, so families with children planning to visit these parks will find it convenient to live here.
Sigurta
Sigurt Park.
August in the park.
8 km from Peschiera there is the beautiful Sigurta Park - Parco Giardino Sigurta in the town of Valeggio sul Mincio
People walk around the park, ride in golf carts, and there is a sightseeing train. You can have lunch in the village of Borghetto, although it is a tourist place, everyone really likes it. And also take a walk to the ruins of the Scaliger Castle (it is visible from the park). In 2019, the operating schedule of Sigurty Park is as follows: from March 8 to November 10: from 9:00 to 19:00, in early March, October and November - from 9:00 to 18:00. The ticket office closes an hour earlier. The ticket costs 14 €.
Desenzano del Garda
Embankment in Desenzano.
Castello in Desenzano.
Desenzano del Garda (29 thousand inhabitants) is the largest city on the lake and a mecca for lovers of shopping and restaurants
This city comes alive in the afternoon. Vacationers walk along the embankments past numerous boats and yachts. At night, it is a paradise for party and nightclub lovers. People from surrounding towns come here to have fun.
This is an expensive place. Therefore, there is a reason to stay somewhere else and come here for half a day. Desenzano is a beautiful city and well worth a stroll through its winding streets.
I would recommend walking to the castle Castello di Desenzano, from there there is a wonderful view of the city and the lake. Only big fans of castles should go inside - it's mostly new. From antiquity, the masonry of the former walls of the castle remains, which is visible under the glass on the floor.
Excavation of the ruins of a Roman villa ( Villa Romana and Antiquarium) is another attraction of Desenzano. The villa has restored mosaics on the floor and the remains of an ancient underground heating system. A combined ticket entitles you to visit Villa Romana and fortresses.
The city also has a train station with trains to Verona, Venice and Milan. By high-speed train it takes 1.5 hours to get to Venice, and less than an hour to Milan. The station is 1 km from the lake - walk uphill or take the local bus.
Padenghe sul Garda
Castle in Padeng.
Medieval festival in Padeng.
Padenghe sul Garda (4.6 thousand inhabitants) - a small town with a medieval castle on the mountain
IN Castello(castle) there are still people living there. In the second half of August, a two-day Medieval Festival takes place here - a market for ancient crafts is open, knightly tournaments, a costume procession, etc. are held.
Gardone Riviera
Gardone.
Residential building in Gardone.
Gardone Riviera (2.6 thousand people) on the western shore of the lake is a small tourist town
In Gardone, it is pleasant to stroll along the promenade, enjoying the amazing views. Sometimes it feels like you're at sea.
Villa Fiordaliso, where Mussolini once lived, is located 1 km from the city center. Now this is an expensive hotel Villa Fiordaliso. Below are the main attractions of this city.
Villa Vittoriale
A visit to Villa Vittoriale takes several hours.
The most famous landmark of Gardone is the Villa Vittoriale ( Il Vittoriale degli Italiani), where the famous Italian poet, politician and pilot Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863-1938) lived.
To be honest, I didn’t know anything about this lean man with a Salvador Dali mustache. And the personality is extraordinary. He proclaimed and for 16 months headed the Republic of Fiume, which no one in the world except the USSR and Catalonia recognized. Its constitution stipulated that every citizen of Fiume should receive a musical education. So Villa d'Annunzio is something. Here, among the cypress trees, all sorts of things are displayed - from old shells and an amphitheater to a blue horse and a destroyer. Half a day flies by instantly. The house itself is also worth going to. You are allowed inside only with a guided tour in English and Italian , but they give printouts in Russian. A ticket to the garden and house in 2019 costs 16 €.
Botanical Garden André Heller
The Andre Heller Botanical Garden contains 3 thousand species of plants.
A minimum of 1 hour is required to visit the garden.
Botanical Garden Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Heller founded by dentist Arthur Grushka, who treated Nicholas II. He was fond of botany and collected a collection of exotic plants - he brought magnolias, primroses, and irises from the Himalayas, Australia, and New Zealand. He collected 3 thousand plants on 1.5 hectares. Artificial ponds, gorges and waterfalls add charm. In 1988, the garden was purchased by the Austrian artist Andre Heller, and now the garden is managed by his foundation. Entrance - 12 €.
Saló del Garda
Salo has the longest embankment in Garda.
Salo is a calm town.
The town of Salo (10 thousand inhabitants) on the southwestern shore of the lake in the shadow of Monte Bartolomeo is not as publicized as others, but deserves attention
This city has the longest promenade on Lake Garda Lungolago- with picturesque views, yachts, cafes and restaurants. Lard is also suitable for sports and fishing. On Saturdays there is a market here, popular with locals.
Portese
Portese is a tiny quiet town where three hundred people live
The easiest way to get here without a car is by ferry, since the train station is far away. An ideal place if you don't like fuss and crowds. The beach is pebble, but there are large stones from which people jump into the water. The beach is never crowded.
Northern part of the lake
Malcesine
Malcesine (4 thousand inhabitants) is considered the most beautiful in Garda. Mountain landscapes, tiled roofs, resort atmosphere - this is what attracts tourists
The city is small but densely built up. Attractions are located compactly, within a 5-10 minute walk. There is also a Scaliger fortress here ( Castello Scaligero), its history begins in the 6th century AD. It was destroyed, restored, and changed many owners.
Lots of shops in the center. On the outskirts of Malcesine, north of the city, there are sandy beaches, but they are small. And the sand there is coarse.
Malcesine - starting point for the cable car ride up the mountain Monte Baldo(1700 m). The view of the lake from a height of 2 thousand meters is magical, and this must see!
Look for the cable car following the signs for Funivia Malcesine. Address - Malcesine, Via Navene Vecchia, 12. From the pier - 10 minutes walk. The carriages can accommodate 30 people and the ascent takes 20 minutes. During the season there are queues, sometimes for 2 hours: first to the ticket office, then to the ski lift. It is optimal to arrive at opening at 8 o'clock. If you have time, you can go down the trails on foot. Schedule and cost on the cable car website, you can also buy a ticket here. On the same site there are routes for walking in the mountains. It is more profitable to buy a combined ticket for the castle + funicular. Monte Baldo popular with cyclists and paragliders. There is a farm of alpacas, even-toed ungulates from South America. Don't forget warm clothes, it is windy and cool at the top.
Riva del Garda
Center of Riva del Garda.
Promenade of Riva del Garda.
Riva del Garda (17.5 thousand inhabitants) is the northernmost and second largest city on Lake Garda. A favorite place for those who love mountains and hiking.
This town was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. The beaches here are mostly rocky.
The medieval fortress (1508) houses the city museum MAG Museo Alto Garda with paintings from different eras, weapons and clothing, ancient tools. The symbol of the city is the Apponal Tower ( Torre Apponale), which is depicted on postcards. 2 €, 165 steps up - and admire the view of the lake.
I recommend going up to the chapel Santa Barbara. The trail is beautiful, although steep and rocky in places. Not very prepared people spend 1.5-2 hours climbing. The chapel is tiny, in front of it is a two-level recreation area. In the evening the church is illuminated.
The 11 km long walking route to the waterfall is popular Ponale. It goes from Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley, the elevation gain is 600 meters. The route is wonderful and does not require special preparation. Cyclists love this route.
From Riva you can go to Villa Canale, an authentic medieval village protected by UNESCO. Everything here has been preserved as it was 300-400 years ago. The village is 12 km away, but on mountain roads.
Limone Sul Garda
Limone sul Garda (1.2 thousand inhabitants) - a picturesque mountain town on the opposite bank from Malcesine
Dishes, ceramics, textiles - everything here is painted with lemons. And of course, limoncello, a liqueur infused with lemon zest, is sold everywhere, although it is mostly produced in the south of Italy.
The indigenous inhabitants of this city are carriers of the longevity gene. They are less likely than others to suffer from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Several small beaches are pebble. Remember the car chase along the lake in the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace? This part was filmed right here.
Where else to go if you're staying in Garda
Isola del Garda
tiny island Isola del Garda located in the commune of San Felice del Benaco / San Felice del Benaco in the southwest of the lake.
The length of the island is 1 km, width - up to 600 m. This is a private territory that belongs to an aristocratic family. The place is interesting: there is a villa in the Gothic Venetian style, reminiscent of the Doge's Palace in Venice, and a luxurious garden with a collection of roses.
How to get to the island of Garda: take a tour, the schedule is published on the official website of the island of Garda. You need to select your departure city and reserve a tour (in English, Italian or German). You can only get to the island during certain hours. Allow three hours for the trip, including the journey to the island.
Parco Natura Viva Zoo and Safari Park
The park consists of two zones: a safari park (excursion by car) and a wildlife park (on foot). An adult ticket for both parts in 2019 costs 22 €. The best time to visit is during feeding, around noon, when the animals go to the feeders. On holidays and weekends the park is crowded. Address: Bussolengo 40, Località Figara.
The park is closed from January 7 to March 7.
Parco Grotta Cascata Varone
Near Riva del Garda there are small lakes Ledro and Tenno. Don't miss it on your way to Tenno Parco Grotta Cascata Varone with a beautiful waterfall. Although on the map it is next to Riva del Garda, it’s difficult to reach on foot, you have to go up the serpentine road. You can take a taxi. The ticket costs 6 €.
Park opening hours:
January-February from 10:00 to 17:00,
March - from 9:00 to 17:00,
April - from 9:00 to 18:00,
May, June, July, August - from 9:00 to 19:00,
September - from 9:00 to 18:00,
October - from 9:00 to 17:00,
November and December - from 10:00 to 17:00.
The ticket office closes an hour earlier.
Parco delle Cascate di Molina
Waterfalls Park in Molina - budget at least 3 hours for a visit, or better yet the whole day. There are two walking routes in the park: the shorter one is marked in red, the longer one is marked in black. On the “black” route the views are more beautiful. There are queues for tickets at the height of the season. The ticket costs 6 €.
Park operating schedule in 2019:
from March 31 to September 30 - daily from 9.00 to 19.30 (last entry at 17.30),
from October 1 to November 4 - daily from 10.00 to 18.00 (last entry at 16.00),
from November 5 to March 30, open on Sundays and holidays from 10.00 to 15.30 (last admission at 14.00). The park is closed from December 21 to January 5. In winter it closes in case of unfavorable weather.
Sanctuary of the Mountain Madonna
In the mountains of the eastern part of the lake there is a church Santuario Madonna della Corona, carved into the rock. You can get there from the village of Spiazzi on foot or by bus. Stop at the trattoria Speranza. Round trip ticket 3 €.
Viewpoint at Santuario Di Montecastello
Church Santuario Di Montecastello next to Gardola on the western shore of the lake - people come here for the views of the lake.
Thermal Park del Garda in Cola
The thermal park in Cola in the mountains (see map near Lazise) is an artificial lake with a grotto and a jacuzzi. The water temperature in its different parts is +35-39 degrees. Transparent plastic curtains are installed from the building where the cafe, sauna, bar is located to the entrance to the water during the cold season.
Trento and Rovereto
1. Where to stay. We chose the town of Desenzano del Garda to stay because there is a train station there. There is also a station in the neighboring town of Peschiera del Garda, but based on reviews and photographs, I liked Desenzano more. Although it is more convenient to get from Peschiera to the Gardaland and Movieland amusement parks, there are free shuttle buses from the railway station.
Text and photo Lyudmila SERGEEVA
2. How to get there. We flew to Verona, took tickets for a direct flight with S7 airlines. If you take a non-refundable fare with cabin-sized luggage, you can save a lot. We took tickets at a refundable rate and normal luggage of 23 kg, plus hand luggage of 10 kg, but we chose departure on weekdays, it was cheaper. There is a shuttle bus from Verona Airport to the train and bus station. The ticket costs 6 euros, you can buy it in advance on the bus company’s website, luggage is included in the price, and there is a special compartment on the bus. There is an ATV ticket office in the airport and train station buildings. At the station we took tickets for the regional train to Desenzano, the cost of a one-way ticket was 4.40 euros. Tickets can be purchased from a machine or ticket office, payment by card or cash. There were machines that only accepted cards for payment. The train schedule can be viewed on the website. There are delays. The platforms in Verona and Desenzano are equipped with elevators and special paths for transporting wheeled suitcases. The landlady met us in Desenzano by car, but from the station you can get to the desired location by taxi or by local bus, if necessary.
3. Visa. The application was issued only to my mother through the Italy Visa Application Center; for residents of Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region this is not difficult. We made an appointment on the website, filled out a form there, and collected documents from the list. The visa was ready in three days.
4. Accommodation. We booked an apartment on the airbnb website, used this source for the first time, and we liked it. We were pleased with the housing - the location, the furnishings, and the comfort. From our accommodation it was convenient to get to the station, shops, the city center and the lake; the beaches were further away. If you choose housing near the beach, then it will be a long way to get to train stations - bus and railway, and large shops, it’s not close on foot, you need a car or a local bus.
5. Nutrition. Since we had our own kitchen, we cooked ourselves and bought food in the Italmarkt and U2 supermarkets - the latter is located in the La Vele shopping center. These stores were not far from our apartment, and there are several other large and small stores in the city. On Thursday there was a small food market in Piazza Garibaldi not far from our apartments, and on Tuesdays there is a large market in the Old Town, during which time public transport is closed on the embankment. There is also a large shopping center called La Leone, which is served by a free shuttle bus throughout the day. The city has a lot of different restaurants, cafes, snack bars, pizzerias for every taste and budget. We went to the Vivaldi ice cream parlor in the Old Town and the Al Fattore pizzeria restaurant.
Food prices
· Espresso – 1 euro.
· Cappuccino – from 1.5 to 2.5 euros.
· Cake – from 1 euro.
· Ice cream – from 1.5 euros per scoop (flavor), we took a portion of three scoops (flavor) at Vivaldi for 2.5 euros.
· Pizza – you can buy a slice from 2 euros, a whole pizza in a cafe or restaurant – from 5 euros. At Al Fattore pizzeria we took the “Four Cheese” pizza for 8 euros.
· Piadina – flatbread with filling – from 4 euros.
· Two pieces of fried fish at the market – 6.5 euros.
· Cherries on the market – 4.5 euros per kg.
Prices in the supermarket for some products, special offers were often taken
· Liter of milk – 0.59-0.93 euros
· Packaging of Philadelphia cheese – 1.99 euros
· Packaging of Gorgonzola cheese – 1.69 euros
· A pack of butter – 1.95 and 2.59 euros
· Hard cheese – 9 euros per kg
· A dozen eggs – 1.29 euros
· Red wine liter in a bag – 0.99 euros
· Assorted white bread – 2.99 euros per kg
· Macaroons – 0.99 euros
· Can of beer 0.5 – 0.45 and 0.58 euros
· Packaging of strawberries 250 grams – 1.98 euros
· Sliced prosciutto – 2.39 euros
· Smoked sausage packaging – from 3 euros
· Tomatoes – from 1 euro per kg
· Large shrimp – 12 euros per kg
6. Attractions and entertainment. The city has several interesting ancient sites - a castle, a cathedral, ancient palaces, an old port, a Roman villa, and an archaeological museum. Various entertainment and sporting events are held, especially in summer. For example, since June, every Wednesday the city hosts the White Night festival. All information about the events of the city, maps, bus schedules, booklets can be obtained at the tourist center, which is located in the historical building of the Todeschini Palace, next to the old harbor. There are discount cards Garda Promotions Card and Verona Welcome Card, I read about them in other reviews, there are discount coupons, for example, for boat tickets. But unfortunately, I was unable to get them; the information center advised me to contact the hotels, but since we lived in private apartments, these coupons were not available to us.
7. Beaches. There are three of them in the city - Desenzano Beach, Spiaggia d'Oro and Porta Rivoltella Beach. We went to the first one and liked it the most. On the beach there is a cafe, pizzeria, free shower and toilet, wifi. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella, or sit down with your towel in the free area, there is enough space for everyone, I’m talking about the month of June.
8. Public transport. We took the train to Peschiera del Garda to change buses to Malcesine, Verona and Milan. You can go directly to Brescia, and with transfers to Turin, Bergamo, Venice, Mantua. The bus station is next to the train station, but some routes have a stop at the port in the old town. But on Tuesdays it does not work, since public transport in that area is blocked during the market. We also traveled by bus to Sirmione, SalO, Gardone Riviera. Bus tickets in Desenzano were bought at tobacco kiosks; in Peschiera they used a special machine; you can also buy tickets from the driver. From Desenzano to the north of the lake there is a direct bus to Riva along the western coast of Garda. To drive along the eastern shore of the lake, you need to get to Peschierre and change trains. You can view bus schedules, where the websites of four bus companies are collected. It is important to pay attention to the abbreviations indicated in the schedule columns to understand when the bus runs.
FER6 (ferile)- on weekdays, including Saturday (FER5, respectively, excluding),
FEST (festivo)- on holidays and Sundays,
INV (Scol)- school time, “winter”,
EST (Fns)– school holidays, “summer”
ANN- daily, off-season.
Ticket prices
Train Desenzano – Verona – Desenzano – 8.80 euros
Train Desenzano - Milan - Desenzano - 18.40 euros
Train Desenzano - Peschiera - Desenzano - 4.40 euros.
Bus Desenzano – SalO – Desenzano – 6 euros
Bus Desenzano – Gardone – Desenzano – 7.5 euros
Bus Desenzano – Sirmione – Desenzano – 3.80 euros
Bus Peschiera – MalcesIne – Peschiera – 9.20 euros
9. Ships- another way to see how to get around the different towns of the lake, pleasant in good weather, but more expensive and slower (even if it is a high-speed boat) compared to the bus (although some buses stop at each pillar “on demand”). Schedules, routes, ticket prices can be viewed. We took a boat ride only once - when we were returning from Sirmione to Desenzano, instead of taking a bus, to get an idea of these boats. The walk was short, but pleasant. And on this section of the route, unlike the bus, there were no intermediate stops. One ticket for a regular boat from Sirmione to Desenzano costs 3 euros.
10. What we visited in other towns on Garda:
Sirmione - Terme Sirmione - took the AQUARIA SHORT WEEKDAYS ticket, costs 15 euros, session 1.5 hours.
Palace of Maria Callas, where they watched a photo exhibition dedicated to the Mille Miglia motor rally ("Mille Miglia", "A Thousand Miles") completely free of charge.
Gardone Riviera - Andre Heller Botanical Garden, entrance ticket 11 euros.
Malcesine - we climbed Monte Baldo - a funicular ticket for me was 20 euros, for my mother, upon presentation of a copy of my passport, they sold it for 15 euros.
The routes for Verona and Milan were standard, from guidebooks.
Verona: City Museum of Castelvecchio – Piazza Bra – Arena Verona – Piazza Erbe – Juliet’s House – Verona Cathedral – Pietro’s Bridge – Observation Deck.
Milan: Via Monte Napoleone - Corso Vittorio Emanuele II - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - Teatro Alla Scala - Duomo di Milano - Castello Sforzesco - Parco Sempione.
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Why go and what to see on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the largest lakes in Europe, a popular beach and excursion resort with many attractions and entertainment. Atmospheric resort towns are scattered along the coast of the lake like pearls; they offer tourists developed infrastructure and rich history. In addition, Lake Garda is framed by beautiful mountains, climbing which you can see Garda in full view. The swimming season lasts on the lake from June to September; the rest of the time the resort is also popular. In the off-season, tourists often come here for excursion purposes, since the cities of Garda have preserved many historical and architectural monuments, and the nature of the lake is famous for its beauty all year round.
In the summer, on the lake you can engage in various types of water sports (including such extreme ones as windsurfing, for example), ride on excursion boats and, of course, swim and swim; for this there are well-equipped beaches in almost every lake town. On the eastern shore of the lake there is the Gardaland water park for the whole family. While on Lake Garda, you can also take day trips to larger cities in northern Italy, such as Verona or Brescia. The resort's infrastructure is quite diverse, you can choose accommodation options for different budgets, the same applies to food (cafes, restaurants, bars of different price ranges).
Michael Bertulat/Desenzano
Climate and weather on Lake Garda
The climate of Lake Garda is mild continental. From the north, the region is sheltered from the winds by the Alps, so sudden weather changes are not typical for Garda, and this applies to any time of the year. In summer, the weather on Lake Garda is sunny, precipitation is insignificant, the air temperature ranges from +22 to +26 degrees, rarely higher. Temperatures may drop as you ascend into the mountains; it is recommended to wear long sleeves. The swimming season opens in June and gradually ends in September. September and May are ideal months for active hiking and excursions. April and October can be quite rainy here, but this is perhaps the only period when the weather on Lake Garda is characterized by precipitation.
Son of Groucho/Limone sul Garda
How to get to Lake Garda
The cities closest to Garda with international arrival airports are Milan and Verona (120 and 45 km respectively). There are direct flights from Moscow to both Milan and Verona, the travel time is no more than 3-3.5 hours. Flights are operated by Aeroflot and Alitalia. You can also fly on this route with a transfer using European airlines, then the travel time will increase in proportion to the time spent on the transfer. To get from other Russian cities, you will need a connection in Moscow. You can check the flight schedule and book tickets on special search engine sites:
You can also get to Garda by ordering a taxi or renting a car. Both methods are relevant, since high-speed routes are laid between cities, making them as convenient and fast as possible for movement. You can order a taxi in advance using transfer services:
– the city is purely historical. The number of architectural and historical monuments here is simply off the charts. Among the main buildings of the city are the Duomo Vecchio Cathedral, the Duomo Nova Cathedral, the ancient Roman Pantheon, the Broletto Palace, the Brescia Castle, the Monastery of St. Julia, the Pinacoteca Martinengo and much more. This list is quite extensive, but the historical center of the city is compact, therefore, with the exception of the Brescia Castle, everything else can be seen by moving from one attraction to another.
Pedro/Verona, city view
Thermal springs on Lake Garda
On Lake Garda, contrary to popular belief, not only a beach holiday is possible. On the southern coast of Garda there are several useful sources of thermal waters. They are focused on . You can get to Sirmione with a short transfer to Desenzano from almost any major city in Italy. The most famous thermal spring in Sirmione is the Baiola spring, which has a whole range of beneficial properties. The waters of this particular source are used in the thermal complexes of Catullo, Virgilio and Aquaria. Also, using these waters, spa treatments are carried out in some 4* and 5* hotels in Sirmione.
The Baths of Catullo and the Baths of Virgilio are known for their preventive procedures, including inhalations, hydromassages, and mud baths. The Aquaria Thermae is more of a spa area with 3 swimming pools, a sauna, a relaxation room, and massage treatments. All Sirmione baths are open year-round, so you can use the services of thermal complexes regardless of the season. Many tourists specifically come to Sirmione during the “low” season (from November to March inclusive) precisely for this type of recreation.
Yilmaz Oevuenc/Scaliger Castle
Beach holiday on Lake Garda
Almost every resort town on the coast of Lake Garda has at least small beach areas, let alone recognized resorts that mainly specialize in beach holidays. The beaches of Lake Garda are different - sandy, small pebbles or large pebbles and rocky, it all depends on the specific resort and its distance from the mountains. In some places, instead of beaches, you can find special bridges and stairs with which you can plunge into the lake.
The swimming season on Lake Garda lasts from June to September, the water warms up quite well in the summer months (+23, +25 degrees), even though Garda is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Europe. However, on the coast, in places equipped for swimming, there is usually a gentle entrance into the water, so you can relax here with children, for example, without any hindrance.
Popular beaches are Desenzano Beach, Spiaggia d'Oro and Porta Rivoltella Beach. The advantages of these beaches are that they are sandy. IN Sirmione The beaches are mostly small-pebble, but also suitable for family holidays. The beaches of Santa Maria di Lugana and Spiaggia Porto Galeazzi are in demand here. Between Sirmione And Peschiera del Garda there is an equally popular holiday destination - Spiaggia Punto Gro beach (pebble surface). Spiaggia Punto Gro is equipped with everything you need and there is also free parking.
As for the northern coast, the local beaches are surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, which adds additional flavor to the area. One of the most picturesque beaches in this sense is the so-called pine beach in Riva del Garda. It got its name because a few meters away from it there begins a pine mountain and a magnificent series of mountain landscapes. Also popular in Riva del Garda are the beaches of Sabbioni and Miralago.
There are also several small beach areas (Spiaggia Tifu, for example), but you need to understand that the town is located at the very foot of the mountain, so the beaches here are pebbly. But there are no beaches in the usual sense as such, there are only bridges and rocky areas. Tourists also swim here, but entering the water itself is not always convenient. As for, a few kilometers from the resort there is a wonderful equipped beach of Lido di Fasano. This beach is public.
Dan Kamminga/Beaches of Peschiera del Garda
Sights of Lake Garda
In addition to architectural and natural attractions, Lake Garda also offers a variety of entertainment options for the whole family. Next, we present amusement parks and water parks that will diversify your stay on vacation:
- perhaps the largest amusement park in the Garda area. Local attractions are divided into different categories from the simplest to the truly extreme! The place is perfect for a family holiday. The trick of Gardaland is that you are unlikely to find the attractions here in any other parks in the world; each of the attractions is unique;
OceanariumSeeLife– right there, not far from Gardaland, you can also find an aquarium, in which not the inhabitants of the lake live, but real sea animals and fish. The aquarium is quite extensive; tourists often combine visits to Gardaland and the aquarium;
Movieland Studios- This is also an amusement park, but based on famous action films. Here you can learn about the “kitchen” of filming: how stuntmen perform stunts, what sometimes lies behind action scenes. The park is so interesting that you could spend the whole day here! By the way, it’s definitely worth staying here until the evening, because... you can see a beautiful fireworks show;
A parkJungleAdventure is a now popular ropes course in a wooded area that allows you to feel the true spirit of adventure. Obstacle routes are available for both adults and children;
Sigurta Park and Natura Viva Safari Park- These are mostly walking parks with amazing nature and local inhabitants. You can walk here all day long, and you still won’t be able to cover the entire territory. In Sigurta Park you can also travel on excursion trains, and in Natura Viva Park on special off-road vehicles like a “safari tour”. In Natura Viva Park, in addition to the zoo, there is also a botanical garden and a dino park;
Kaneva Park is one of the largest water parks on Lake Garda. It is located near Movieland (you can buy a common ticket for entry to both amusement parks). Here you can find rides such as Splash, Kamikaze, Wind Lagoon, Raging River, Typhoon, Twin Peaks, Black Hole and much more. The attractions are divided into children's and adult areas.
Spencer Wright/Gardaland
Hotels on Lake Garda, Italy
Accommodation on Lake Garda is very varied - these can be standard hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments (or apart-hotels), guest houses, and holiday homes. The price range also varies greatly depending on the star rating of the hotel and the services offered. It should be noted that there are virtually no all-inclusive hotels on Garda; food options are most often only breakfast, but this is typical for all of Italy, and not just specifically for holidays on Lake Garda.
Since the resorts of Lake Garda are usually small towns, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance, so you can find the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. Early booking is best made 2-3 months before the start of the high season. You can find a suitable hotel/apartment in the resorts of Lake Garda, as well as check availability for specific dates, using specialized services for searching hotel offers:
Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;
Roomguru - the best deals from thousands of hotel booking sites.
When choosing a hotel, pay attention to such parameters as location, availability of a private beach area, type of food, availability of parking (if traveling by car).
David Blaikie/Gardone Riviera
Travel insurance
When going on a trip to Lake Garda or any other part of Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:
- online insurance for people traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;
- O online service for selecting and purchasing travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;
You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to your visa documents, and you must also have it with you when going through passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to Schengen countries (including Italy) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Italy is paid and quite expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity. If you plan to engage in active sports, it is better to include this option in your insurance.
Romtomtom/View from Monte Baldo
We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!
Photo at the beginning of the article: Antonangelo De Martini