Discover Some of the Very Best Things To See and Do Around the Lake Garda, Italy

Italy, , 92 Comments

As the promise of lighter, balmy days drew closer, my mind quickly turned to where to go on a vacation in August.

Halfway through the year, I was itching to splurge on my annual leave on a fabulous escape, whether it’s a long weekend exploring a new European city, embarking on a chic staycation or to brace a long-haul escape consisting of little more than sun worshipping.

While most of the time I prefer to enjoy the thrill of visiting somewhere I have never been before, we initially settled on returning to a beloved destination and joining Valters’ family, who were travelling to Italy.

We blissfully spent a week weaving our way around Italy’s largest lake, where every turn revealed something wonderful: elegant architecture, flowers lining the lake, delicious food, art, and picturesque boats.

Italy’s largest lake is overflowing with brilliant activities on land and in the water. Here are ten of our favourite things to do in Lake Garda.

While listing all the possible things to do in Lake Garda would be an impossible task, this list of activities and attractions that are genuinely worth a visit is a good place to start.  

Read More: Must-See Attractions in Malcesine, Lake Garda: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide

One of many boats in a lake

Discover Some of the Very Best Things To See and Do Around Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

It is situated on the border between three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, and can be easily accessed from just about any large city in the country.

If you are keen on outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do on Lake Garda, as it offers different landscapes from north to south.

The northern end is narrower, more rugged, and mountainous, making it ideal for hiking, climbing, and watersports like windsurfing.

In contrast, the southern part is broader, flatter, and features rolling hills, making it better suited for gentle cycling, exploring historic towns, and enjoying local vineyards and olive groves. 

Whether you want to visit the vineyards, whether you like climbing or simply want to go for a swim in the crystal clear water, Lake Garda will certainly enchant you!

Lovely Limone town on the western shore of Lake Garda,

Go For A Drive on Strada della Forra – the “James Bond Road”

If you love driving or simply want to enjoy a beautiful landscape from the comfort of your car, you have to go for a drive on this spectacular stretch of road carved into the rock.

Acclaimed by history and made famous by the cinema, the Strada della Forra is the most beautiful road on Lake Garda, found on the northern Lombard shore of the lake.

The road stretches on for 6 kilometres, winds through a canyon and was immortalised in the film “Quantum of Solace” with Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond, who travels along it at full speed.

Strada della Forra starts near Limone sul Garda and is narrow and winding in places, and leads directly through an impressive gorge.

Although the route is challenging by car, it is doable as long as you drive carefully and slowly.

*Good to know – In high season, you can only travel uphill, to avoid blockages due to the narrow dimensions of the carriageway

Read More: The Beginner’s Guide to Venice: 12+ Powerful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Trip

The never-ending twists and turns of the famous road

Go Hiking and Biking on Monte Baldo

One of the best things to do on Lake Garda is to hop on a cable car and reach the top of a mountain with spectacular views in just minutes.

The cable car can be found in Malcesine, and it takes you to the top of Monte Baldo, where you can explore the wonderful landscape and views it has to offer.

You’ll find a plethora of wildlife, including golden eagles and marmots grazing the land, as well as blossoming flowers such as orchids and red lilies between March and August.

For the active traveller, there are many wonderful hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even extreme sports such as paragliding.

Please keep in mind that these are essentially the foothills of the Alps, and just because the cable car makes them easily accessible, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come prepared.

Make sure you set off for a day hiking with a decent pair of walking shoes, snacks and plenty of water.

If you visit during the warmer summer months, plan your hike for cooler times like early morning or late evening, and bring sunscreen and a hat.

Read More: The Dolomites: Your Guide To Visiting Val Gardena Valley in Northeastern Italy

The view from the top of Monte Baldo

Visit Some of the Most Beautiful Lake Garda Towns

Lake Garda’s shores are dotted with quaint, charming towns well worth exploring.

Some of the most popular places are located in the south of the lake, but they become heavily overcrowded during the high season.

In the south, some of the most popular are the picturesque towns of Desenzano, Sirmione and Bardolino. They have great links to other areas of the lake thanks to an efficient ferry service.

If you want to visit something slightly quieter, then it is best to try west or north of the lake, which has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

Places like Riva del Garda and Gardone Riviera offer plenty to see and do, but come with fewer crowds.

Here are some of the best towns worth checking out:

  • Sirmione: A lovely town, famous for its medieval Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa complex. 
  • Malcesine: A wonderful town with medieval lanes, restaurants, shops, and a castle. 
  • Riva del Garda: Located on the northern shore, it’s a hub for sailing, cycling, and rock climbing. 
  • Peschiera del Garda: A family-friendly town known for being close to amusement parks like Gardaland. 
  • Limone sul Garda: Known for its striking water and mountain scenery, with a famous panoramic cycling path. 

Read More: An Unforgettable 10-day European Itinerary For You To Borrow

Beautiful Riva del Garda town

Embark On An Unforgettable Boat Trip

To really get a feel for Lake Garda, you must get out on the water, and one of the easiest yet most rewarding ways is to hop on one of the many boats plying the lake. 

Lake Garda hosts many boat tours, which offer a fantastic way to fully enjoy the endless sights and colours of the lake.

All you have to do is choose your destination, jump on a boat, relax and take in a new perspective of this beautiful area.

We used Navigazione Laghi, a local company that provides boat tours to all the major locations on both the Brescia and Verona sides of the lake, for most of our trips around the lake.

As the northern area of Lake Garda doesn’t allow private motorboat navigation, Navigazione Laghi is the only company that runs boat tours in this area.

There are three main routes to choose from:

  • Desenzano – Peschiera – Riva | the main route that connects most of the lake towns.
  • Maderno – Torri del Benaco | connects Maderno and Torri, two towns in the central area of the lake.
  • Limone – Malcesine | connects Limone sul Garda and Malcesine, two towns in the northern area of Lake Garda.

*Good to know – The price of your ticket depends on the route you choose and whether you are transporting a bike or a vehicle.

Read More: 8 unforgettable things to see and do in beautiful Venice, Italy

Tourist boat waiting for passengers in Limone

Visit the Santuario Madonna della Corona 

To catch a glimpse of a church perched precariously on the edge of a mountainside requires climbing approximately 1,500 steps.

It is well worth the time and effort as you’ll visit one of the most enchanting and mystical pilgrimage sites in Italy – Santuario Madonna della Corona.

This unique sanctuary, the “Shrine of Our Lady of the Corona”, is set into the rocky cliff of Monte Baldo, giving it an unmistakable dramatic appearance and an atmosphere of spiritual serenity.

To reach the sight, you can drive to the quaint town of Spiazzi and then opt for a 20-minute walk downhill through the winding stairs.

  • Address: Vicolo Santuario, 1, Ferrara di Monte Baldo
  • Opening times: Daily, 7:00 to 19:30 (Apr-Oct), 8:00 to 18:00 (Nov-Mar)
  • Entry fees: Free entry

Read More: 9 Essential Things To Know Before Visiting the Beautiful Triglav National Park

The church is located on a steep cliff above the Adige Valley.

Check out the Lakes’ Many Wonderful Viewpoints

Lake Garda is surrounded by mountains of all sizes, offering countless viewpoints from where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Viewpoints range from panoramic mountain vistas to charming town views, and many of them can be reached through hiking, short cable car rides, or drives, making them accessible and highly rewarding experiences. 

What I liked most about the viewpoints was that they offer different perspectives and angles of the lake.

For example, the Rocca di Garda looks down on Garda and Bardolino, while the Montecastello church provides views of the eastern and southern parts of the lake.

Here are some of the best viewpoints you should check out:

  • Montecastello Hermitage | is a 17th-century church built on a rock famous for its panoramic views over Lake Garda.
  • Terrazza del Brivido | The Terrazza del Brivido is located in the village of Tremosine, 350 meters above lake level, within the Hotel Paradiso. It  is open to the public every day from mid-February to mid-November
  • Punta Larici | An easy walk from Pregasina that takes you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints. The climb is not challenging and on arrival you’ are’ll be rewarded by a spectacular view of Lake Garda, Monte Altissimo and Monte Baldo.

Read More: 9 Incredible Things to do in Fuerteventura, The Oldest of the Canary Islands

Taking in the views from one of the viewpoints

Explore Varone Waterfall Cave Park

Parco Grotta Cascate Varone is a wonderful green oasis with a series of waterfalls –  a true natural wonder located near the Trentino shore of Lake Garda. 

The main thing to do in the park is to go for a walk along the boardwalk into the dimly lit gorge to catch a glimpse of the Varone waterfall plunging into a cave that’s been carved by the force of water over millennia.

It’s an amazing place where you can see how years of erosion have shaped the rock, creating deep and narrow incisions.

The roar of the water here is quite powerful and magnificent, filling the air with a constant mist, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.

The tour starts with a walk into the lower cave and then continues to the upper cave, which can be reached through a fifteen-meter-long tunnel winding through the cave.

The waterfalls and the cave are surrounded by lush gardens rich in floral and tree species.

To make the most of your visit to Parco Grotta Cascata Varone, make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the trails can be damp.

*Fun Fact – The gorge extends 55 metres into the Lower Cave and reaches a depth of 73 metres near the Upper Cave.

  • Getting there: You can get to the waterfall by driving along State Road 421 in the direction of Ponte Arche.

Read More: 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Porto, Portugal’s Most Up-And-Coming Destination

Expect to be fulfilled by a sense of curiosity and discovery

Enjoy Some Wine Tasting

For an avid wine lover, wine tasting around Lake Garda is a fantastic activity.

Not only does Lake Garda’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture provide a picturesque backdrop for your wine experience, but it also offers delicious local wines like Lugana white, Bardolino red and Valpolicella wines.

Here, you can tour vineyards, learn about the winemaking process from generations of local families, and enjoy tastings paired with regional foods and cheeses.

Many family-run wineries offer deep dives into their winemaking traditions, providing tours of the vineyards and cellars with insights directly from the winemakers. 

Read More: Some Of The Best Things To Do in Tartu: The Free, The Fun and The Tasty

Some of the regional wines

Walk or Bike the Insanley Scenic Ponale Path

Located north of Lake Garda, you can find one of Europe’s most famous trails, connecting Riva del Garda to the Val di Ledro -The Ponale Road.

The iconic trail features tunnels, panoramic views, bends and heart-racing cliffside stretches. It can be traversed on foot, taking approximately three hours one way, or by bicycle.

There are plenty of places to rent bikes around Lake Garda, with several in Riva del Garda, on the northern side of the lake, alone.

Along the way, in addition to beautiful lake views, you can also visit the Tagliata del Ponale rampart built by the Austrians in 1860, catch a glimpse of the Sperone aqueduct and visit the Ponale Waterfall.

Before embarking on this journey, it is advisable to check that the trail is open and accessible.

*Good to know – This path is open to bikes as well: be careful on the narrow parts, where there is reduced visibility on corners and in the tunnels.

Read More: The Book-lovers Guide to Edinburgh’s Bookshops – 12 Delightful Bookstores You Should Visit

A very pretty section of the trail

And, There You Have It

Lake Garda isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling, a blend of vibrant activity and serene beauty that captures the heart. It’s where ancient history meets modern adventure, and where every meal is a celebration.

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Now, over to you!

Have you ever been to Lake Grada? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Lake Garda and have travel-related questions

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92 thoughts on “Discover Some of the Very Best Things To See and Do Around the Lake Garda, Italy”

    1. Sirmione is indeed a very beautiful place to see, but it was also the busiest, with long queues, trouble parking and slow traffic. We couldn’t even drive to the town or anywhere near it as the main road was closed to vehicles due to heavy traffic. We ended up leaving the car and walking 5km just to get to the castle. Yes, there is also Gardaland park that provides a magical experience for families with a good mix of thrilling rides, games, and immersive themed areas. We passed by it many times but dismissed a visit due to the long queues at its main gates. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  2. It’s all so exquisitely beautiful. I’m almost embarrassed to say that I don’t think or can’t remember if I’ve ever been to Lake Garda. I have vague recollections of perhaps a brief visit there with my parents when I was 13 but surely I’d remember such beauty. Lago Di Garda, as mum called it, was not too far from her hometown village in the Veneto region. Regardless, it all looks incredible. Maybe one day I’ll return. So much to see. Thanks for this wonderful guide Aiva. xx

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    1. I have to agree with you, dear Miriam – Lake Garda, or as your mum called it, Lago di Garda – is breathtakingly beautiful, famous for its stunning contrasts of crystal-clear waters, dramatic Alpine backdrops, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and charming, historic lakeside villages with colourful houses and cobblestone streets. It was my second time there, and I just couldn’t take my eyes off the shimmering lake. Your mom comes from such a beautiful part of the world and I hope that one day you get to return. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  3. Our very first holiday as a married couple, almost 50 years ago, was in Malcesine. In more recent times we’ve visited regularly to explore other parts of the lake but always out of season.

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    1. Lake Garda is best visited out of season, and you are very smart to do so, dear Sheree. We never travel around Europe in August as it is a peak season, but Valters’ family were adamant about giving it a go. As we were keen on a joint family vacation, we reluctantly agreed to it. We had a great time, but the crowds and the unbearable heat were unmanageable, especially with two little kids in tow. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I bet you had a wonderful time staying in Limone. I would love to do that one day, dear Marion, especially as you can choose accommodation with a nice garden or pool where to relax during the busiest parts of the day. We arrived with one of the earliest boats, and even then, Limones’ historic centre was already packed to the brim with visitors. Nevertheless, the lake itself is very much worthy of a return trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You are very welcome, Jim. It’s a wonderful path with stunning views all around. We didn’t get to walk the whole route due to having little ones with us and also because on the day that we visited, it was +36 °C, but we very much loved what we saw and can highly recommend it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. A spectacular place to spend a lovely holiday! And phenomenal information you have provided in this extremely informative post with beautiful photographs! Loved it Aiva, thank you for such a complete travel guide. I know I will use this info next time in Italy. Cheers and all the best!

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Francisco. Lake Garda is well worth a visit and an under-the-radar alternative to the nearby Lake Como with dazzling resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and charming waterfront towns. I very much love it because it is the ideal destination for relaxing as well as exploring. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  7. Italy has long been on my travel wish list and this area looks beautiful. Work and relocations have pushed travel for leisure down the priorities over the past 18 months but really hoping to get back on the road this year, and Italy could be a contender.

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    1. I hope you get to go back on the road soon. Visiting Lake Garda is always a good idea. I love it because here you can choose between the southern and northern shores of Lake Garda. The first one offers rolling hills and open, undulating landscapes of vineyards and olive groves. And the northern end, which is more mountainous than the south, lets you explore towns and villages that are perched among the peaks and valleys. You kind of get the best of both worlds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  9. Oh, wow! I’ve always wanted to go to Lake Garda! Your guide to visiting is excellent and makes me want to travel there even more than before. That view from the top of Monte Baldo is stunning, and visiting the vineyards would certainly be an experience to remember. The town of Riva del Garda sounds enchanting, too. I can see myself enjoying being here a lot! What an experience. Thanks for sharing. 🍊⛰️

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    1. Thanks so much. I hope you get to visit Lake Garda, as it is an insanely beautiful place where you can relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes that surround the lake. The shores of Lake Garda showcase ancient Roman villas, scenic lemon groves, and medieval castles. I very much loved how you can effortlessly travel between the lake towns by ferry at any time of year and really get a feel of the place. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Not only is Lake Garda a beautiful place to visit, but it is also an excellent choice for families with small kids due to its numerous theme parks, safe beaches, and variety of family-friendly activities. It’s where you can find major theme parks like Gardaland and Movieland, which offer rides and shows for different age groups, but we never checked them out. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It’s a truly wonderful place to visit and explore as it offers a magical combination of dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear water, and historic lakeside villages. On this particular trip, we explored both the north and south parts and went from intense blue, transparent water surrounded by towering peaks in the north to rolling hills and vineyards in the south. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  12. Wow, just wow!! Italy is such a beautiful country, they are blessed to live there! I thought the lake would be Lake Como I think its called but I’d love to cruise the lake in a fast boat. That’s a great family photo, very beautiful! 🙏🏻☺️

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 It was my second time exploring the lake, and throughout the stay, there were too many ‘wow’ moments to count – it truly is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. You would love going for a boat ride on the lake. It is heaps of fun as it offers a relaxing and efficient way to see more of the lake and its towns, especially during busy summer months when roads can be congested. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Luisa 🙂 This was my second time exploring the lake, and before we went back to it, I thoroughly researched and made a long list of places we missed out on the first time around. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Yes, that’s so true – Italy is always a good idea, especially places like Lake Garda that are spectacularly beautiful, with a wonderfully unhurried vibe, but also family friendly, romantic, great for history lovers, foodies, and even adrenaline junkies.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Allan. When it comes to the Italian Lakes District, Lake Como tends to hog the spotlight, but it’s far from the only beautiful body of water worth spending time on. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Garda makes for an unforgettable Italian escape, and I hope you get to visit next year. This was our second lake exploring the lake, and even after devoting a whole week to it, we still have to leave some places for the next time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  18. Ah – fond memories ! We spent several holidays camping at Lazise. We visited the nearby towns and always intended exploring further afield – maybe spending a night or two at the north end of the lake – but never managed to make the effort. We actually ended up back there this summer and it was just lovely to revisit old haunts…

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    1. Lake Garda is such a beautiful place, isn’t Marie, and so is Lazise. We spent a week exploring the lake and still didn’t get to see everything, as there were just so many amazing towns and attractions in and around it. Luckily for us, Ryanair now flies from Knock Airport to Bergamo, meaning that northern Italy, with its stunning lakes and mountains, is finally within easy reach for those living on Ireland’s North West Coast. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you, Melodie.  Lake Garda is a beautiful part of Italy and an excellent choice for families, because it offers a wide variety of activities beyond its famous theme parks. It has beautiful scenery, swimming beaches, water sports, castles to explore, and unique attractions like a cable car up Monte Baldo and Varone Waterfall. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  20. Such a lovely post, Aiva. I am so glad you managed to meet with family while traveling in such a beautiful area. So many things to see and do around! I’m pretty sure I will keep my eyes closed while my husband would drive Strada della Forra, but smart they make the decision to go only one way during the peak season.

    Have a lovely week ahead!

    xx

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    1. That’s exactly what I did as we went through the endless twists and turns of the famous road, dear Christie! But all in all, it is a really lovely drive, and worth the visit as a break from watersports and hiking because it is a journey through nature and history, an experience that combines the thrill of driving with the beauty of unspoilt landscapes. We were all delighted to meet Valters’ family in Italy and explore the lake together for a few days, especially as our girls had a chance to create lasting memories with beloved cousins. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I was quite surprised to find out how much there actually is to see and do around Lake Garda, Maggie, especially all the adventurous options for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Due to the heat, we didn’t get to hike as much as we had wanted, but for those who are keen on hiking and nature, there are approximately 1,000 km of signposted trails. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The lake is simply stunning, and so are all the attractions and places around and near it, including Santuario Madonna della Corona. We were in awe of its unique architecture carved into a cliff face and its breathtaking, spiritual atmosphere. The journey to the sanctuary, whether by walking or shuttle, offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley, making the overall experience unforgettable. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It is a truly wonderful part of Italy to explore as it offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, from exploring charming lakeside towns and historic sites to enjoying water sports, hiking, and theme parks. Though it can get crowded and more expensive during peak season, but that’s just how most of Europe is anyway. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I’ve been to both lakes numerous times, and they are equally stunning. Lake Garda is larger, more commercialised, and family-friendly, with a lively atmosphere, offering more variety in activities like water sports and theme parks. Lake Como is smaller, more peaceful, and much more luxurious and glamorous, featuring elegant villas, boutiques, and upscale dining. Your choice depends on your preference for a relaxed, active holiday (Garda) or a sophisticated, tranquil getaway (Como). Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the blog post. Lake Garda is a lovely travel destination that appeals to a wide variety of interests, from theme parks and water sports to hiking, exploring medieval towns, and indulging in local food and wine. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I hope you get to visit Lake Garda one day, as there’s so much to see and do. Plus, it features breathtaking landscapes with clear waters, rolling hills, and picturesque lakeside towns, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean and Alpine scenery. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Michele 🙂 Some places are worth returning to because they offer unique experiences, and Lake Garda is certainly one of them. There’s plenty of natural beauty as well as a relaxed Italian atmosphere. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Diana. The waterfall and caves are a very interesting place to visit. I love how they built a pathway that allows you to get very close to the falls. Besides that, there are colourful lights – so the fall is coloured in blue, red, green – it is so beautiful. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  29. Gorgeous! I haven’t been to Lake Garda before, but I definitely am interested in checking it out some day. I’ve also heard of Santuario Madonna della Corona, and I’m very keen on visiting it– should I have time to return to Italy, I’ll need to make it over to Lake Garda and Santuario Madonna della Corona! Thanks for sharing, Aiva 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Rebecca. I was also well aware of Santuario Madonna della Corona, and since our hotel was just an hour’s drive away, we had to check it out. I am so glad we did, because seeing how the church is dramatically built into the side of a cliff, appearing to hang between heaven and earth, is a very memorable experience. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The road is renowned as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, featuring numerous tunnels, gorges, and breathtaking views, but due to its narrowness, it can be challenging to drive. For me, there were just too many hairpin turns, blind corners, adverse camber, and low tunnels; therefore, it was a bit of a nail-biting adventure. On the other hand, for my husband, it was an unforgettable driving experience. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  31. I remember the car chase scenes in that James Bond movie and a few years later I learned that it was filmed at Lake Garda. Thank you for summing up all the interesting sights and activities one can see and do in this part of Italy. I can definitely understand why it’s such a popular place.

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    1. I’ve seen the movie too, and therefore it was quite interesting to drive the same road, Bama. It’s a challenging drive, but definitely worth it. A true gem, nestled deep within the mountain along the rift carved by the Brasa River. The combination of tight bends, rock tunnels, and breathtaking scenery makes this road an exceptional example of both engineering and landscape. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Garda is extremely popular, but well worth a visit. I found that all those Insta-famous spots like Sirmione and Limone were very crowded, but the less-famous northern parts of the lake offered a much more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  33. We have not been to Lake Garda before. It looks incredibly scenic and charming. And good to know there’s some good hiking opportunities with beautiful mountain scenery. Varone Waterfall Cave Park looks pretty cool. Love the family photo!

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    1. Whether by bike, on foot, or with a climbing kit, at Lake Garda, you’ll always find the right trail for your needs, dear Linda. There are forest paths for quiet, scenic routes to enjoy the beauty of Garda and more challenging ones for those who want to work up a sweat. You know, Lake Garda is an excellent destination for families due to its wide variety of activities, from theme parks and water parks to boat rides, castles, and family-friendly beaches. Even the little guesthouse we stayed at, everything was geared towards families. There were slides, swings, toys, board games, and kids’ bikes, which made our stay so much more enjoyable. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed it. I’ve been to both lakes, and in terms of scenery, they are both equally stunning, yet they offer different experiences. Lake Como offers a more luxurious, glamorous, and potentially expensive experience with its upscale towns and celebrity sightings, while Lake Garda provides a more laid-back, family-friendly, and budget-friendly atmosphere with more activities like amusement parks and water sports. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  35. Lake Garda looks like a beautiful place with so much to do there. I can understand your wanting to return. Although I’ve traveled around Tuscany a bit, I haven’t made it to that lake. Maybe another time…

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    1. Lake Garda is a wonderful place to visit, Ruth and I just love how you can go from the rugged mountains in the north of the lake to gentler hills in the south. It is a very popular place for families with children due to its proximity to numerous waterparks and aquariums.  You know,  Italy is a country that can take a good few years to properly explore due to its diverse regions, history, and cultural offerings. While a single trip can cover highlights like Rome, Florence, and Venice in 10-14 days, experiencing everything from the northern lakes to the southern coast and all the smaller towns and regions in between requires a much longer commitment.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Glenys. As the largest of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda is a dream destination for those who love an active vacation.  The constant winds of Upper Lake Garda are perfect for wind sports like sailing, surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. While Lower Lake Garda has calm waters perfect for diving, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing. For the less active, simply watching the Lake from a waterfront cafe or restaurant can be a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  37. Hi Aiva. Those trails that hug the coast are fantastic! Most of those visuals are so peaceful and make for a perfect family getaway! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. xoxo Cheryl

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    1. Hello, Cheryl, and thanks so much for your wonderful comment. Lake Garda is a beautiful place to explore and an excellent destination for families with kids due to its numerous family-friendly attractions, beautiful scenery, and diverse activities like theme parks, safe beaches, and outdoor adventures. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 I hope all is well 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Garda is a fantastic place to spend a few days, dear Meg, as you can explore castles and ancient ruins like Castello Scaligero, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking up Monte Baldo or windsurfing on the northern part of the lake and even take a day trip to nearby cities like Verona. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You would love visiting Madonna della Corona – it is one of the most impressive shrines in Italy. In addition to its unique location, the centuries-old history and mystical atmosphere also lend this place a special magic. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  40. I’ve never been to this area of Italy, but it sounds (and looks!) beautiful. I can see why people are drawn to it. I especially love that church clinging to the edge of the cliff – I can’t begin to imagine the challenges of constructing it in that location! Thank you for sharing, Aiva.

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    1. Italian lakes are absolutely worth visiting, and I hope you get to do it one day, as they offer stunning Alpine scenery, charming towns, historic villas, delicious food, and a range of activities from relaxation to adventure. Visiting the church was one of the highlights as the combination of natural beauty, architectural feat, religious significance, and the journey to reach it makes it a truly memorable experience. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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