Summering on the Shores of Italy's Largest Lake
Lake Garda is so easily-accessible for residents of Vicenza that come summer, its nearly impossible to justify a weekend at home.
A mere an hour away by car, Italy’s largest lake is not only strikingly beautiful, it brings something to the picnic table for absolutely everyone who visits. Couples, families and singles alike can truly choose their own adventure on Garda’s welcoming shores…where you wind up simply depends on what the word “vacanza” means to you!
For Adventure-Seekers
Active travelers and adventurers should follow their compasses north to Riva del Garda. Here the lake is surrounded by mountains, making it an excellent jumping off point for cycling, climbing and canyoning.
Hikers would do well to hop a ferry to Malcesine, on the lake’s northeastern shore, and ride its cable car to the top of Monte Baldo. With numerous trails to choose from, visitors of all experience and fitness levels can trek there for hours, give or take the occasional pause to marvel at the dazzling views. Monte Baldo is also ideal for paragliding, and in the right conditions, colorfully-clad risk-takers launch from the hillside in droves, their bright neon parachutes catching at just the right moment to spiral them high above the cliffs below.
It also goes without saying that Lake Garda has seemingly infinite aquatic activities to choose from. Windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding look almost tame compared to newer water sports like Flyboarding or Waterwolf (electric surfboarding), yet all of these and more await to help you maximize every moment of your trip.
For Family Fun
Hold on to your hats! There’s tons of fun to be found for families on the banks of Lake Garda, particularly in the southeast near the town of Peschiera.
One popular attraction is Gardaland, an amusement park rife with rides and themed parks, on-site accommodations and an adjacent Sea Life Aquarium. What child wouldn’t want to spend his or her birthday dressed in-character at Kung Fu Panda Academy, or visit Santa Claus under the sea come December? Special packages and group discounts are available.
Another nearby option is the Caneva Aquapark. Here, kiddos can float the day away on a lazy river or satisfy their need for speed on one of the park’s many waterslides. Just be sure to check the website for height requirements before you go!
One last family-friendly box to check is Sirmione, the long, narrow strip of land jutting out from the lake’s southern bank. After climbing the walls of the Rocca Scaligera castle and scrambling over Roman ruins in the Grotte di Catullo, cool off with a dip in one of the peninsula’s famed ‘secret’ beaches. Although Sirmione can get crowded in the high season, its nothing a double-scoop of gelato can’t fix.
For R&R
If disconnecting your phone and recharging your self sounds more your speed, rest assured: Lake Garda isn’t always go-go-go.
On the western shore, tucked into the hills near Salò and the Gardone Riviera, sit several beautiful boutique hotels and age-old villas. Oozing with Italian charm, this area possesses all the amenities required for a restful stay, including several golf courses and the lake’s longest waterfront promenade.
Spa retreats are also quite popular around Lake Garda, in particular thermal spas like the Terme di Sirmione. There, you can bathe in heated pools, book a plethora of pampering services and hydromassage the stress away.
If that doesn’t quite do the trick, Lake Garda also sits directly west of a very prominent Italian wine region: the Valpolicella. Steal a half-day to drive inland and buy a bottle or two of Amarone from a local vineyard; your wine cellar (and your friends!) will thank you!