Holidays in Italy: Eight insider tips around Lake Garda

It was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who made Lago di Garda known as a dreamlike place. The man from Frankfurt visited Torbole at the beginning of his “Italian Journey” 235 years ago and enthused: “How much I wish my friends could be next to me for a moment so that they could enjoy the view that lies ahead of me”.

Even today, everyone who drives down the serpentine to Torbole via the small town of Nago in the north is flooded with a feeling of happiness – the magic of Lake Garda. This also includes the variety of leisure activities, ranging from water sports, hiking, climbing, cycling, drinking wine, eating well, shopping to visiting romantic mountain villages or just the famous sweet idleness “il dolce far niente”. We present eight insider tips around Lago di Garda.

1. Ciclopista del Garda: The most beautiful bike path in the world

The idea is ingenious, the goal is ambitious and the execution can already be experienced: Ciclopista del Garda is the name of the cycle and footpath that is to be completed by 2026 and will lead 140 kilometers around Lake Garda. The special thing about the “Garda by Bike” project, which is to become the most beautiful cycle path in the world: the route is partly anchored in rugged rock and juts out onto the water, creating spectacular views.

Between Capo Reamol near Limone and Riva you can test how it feels to float more than 50 meters above the deep blue of the lake, or rather to walk or cycle. This particularly impressive section is about two kilometers long.

2. Climbing paradise: Arco and the old castle

We stay in the northern part of the lake, which is up to 364 meters deep, more precisely in the extreme north, in Arco. The small town, hidden behind Monte Brione, was once the winter residence of the Austrian imperial court and has been popular with climbers since the 1980s. The free climbing world championship “Rock Master Festival Arco” takes place here every year (September 1, 2023).

But amateur athletes and beginners will also find a multitude of options around Arco and its striking castle ruins on a rock above the town. A little further on the east side of the lake, in Brentonico, the Family Adventure Park with six different climbing courses invites families with smaller children to join in some action, including archery or mini golf.

3. Chill Terrace: Breathtaking view down below

There are many spectacular vantage points around the largest lake in northern Italy, such as from Monte Baldo or Punta Larici above the mountain village of Pregasina. But the Terrazza del Brivido shudder terrace in the mountain village of Pieve de Tremosine tops them all: With its concrete platform hanging over the cliff edge and the vertical view of more than 400 meters down onto the water, it is not for people who are afraid of heights.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy a drink here on Hotel Paradiso’s terrace – and the most breathtaking view of central Lake Garda. And then stroll through Pieve de Tremosine, already voted among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

4. Bathing like in the Caribbean: The Jamaica beach in the south

It’s not easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort of walking a little across the five-kilometre-long peninsula of the fortified town of Sirmione, or arriving straight away by boat or stand-up paddleboard. Because at its northwestern end, a Caribbean feeling beckons – on Jamaica Beach.

Large, smooth white stones offer comfortable sunbathing areas and easy access to the lake – sometimes up to 100 meters away. The water here is crystal clear and shines in light turquoise tones. The bar of the same name, which offers cocktails, Aperol spritz and “gelati” for beach guests, contributes to the ultimate Jamaica atmosphere. With the view from the extreme south over the entire lake, you can celebrate exactly what many holidaymakers in Italy dream of: La Dolce Vita.

5. Dream of your own boat: Get a sports boat license while on vacation

Honestly, who hasn’t dreamed of cruising across the glittering lake on their own boat? After all, Lago di Garda is one of the most beautiful motor boat areas in Europe.

In the southern part of the lake, this holiday dream can quickly become reality – in four days. And there is no need to buy your own boat. It is much easier and cheaper to obtain a boat license, which is offered, for example, by the German-speaking ab sports boat school in the bay of Manerba del Garda.

With the “Binnen” sports boat license, you can steer high-horsepower sports boats across the lake. This project, which of course also includes theory studies, is often easier in combination with a hotel holiday. The Lake Garden Eden Reserve Hotel & Villas for example, offers such packages that save a lot of time and organization and produce beaming captains.

6. Art, culture, exotic plants: André Heller’s Garden of Paradise

Colorful mix on the west bank: In Gardone Riviera, the Austrian artist André Heller has immortalized himself with his garden of paradise. He calls the extraordinary botanical garden with 3,000 plants and sculptures from all over the world a “sample collection of regions of the world”. This includes Indian and Moroccan art as well as works by well-known artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Susanne Schmogner, Mimmo Paladino and Keith Haring.

Visitors breathe in the “air of happiness”, as Heller calls the combination of love for nature, art and climate. A beautiful example of this is also the traditional Japanese garden with a bridge, ponds and carp, aquatic plants, fountains, water features and waterfalls. “A magical place that conveys feelings of joy” – one can only marvel at these words of the creator of the garden.

7. 70 km, 40 wineries: The Wine Route in the Southeast

It is ruby ​​to garnet red, slightly fruity with scents of strawberries, raspberries, cloves and cinnamon, sometimes slightly tangy and is best drunk young and chilled: the word Bardolino makes wine lovers’ hearts soar. This is the name of the typical Lake Garda wine and the name of the small town on the so-called Olive Riviera between Garda and Lazise.

In the southeastern hinterland, the wine-growing areas of Torri del Benaco in the north and Vallegio sul Mincio in the south extend to the river Adige. The Strada del vino, which is a good 70 kilometers long, also runs along here – past hills, olive groves and vineyards and more than 40 wineries that invite you to taste the wine. Therefore, the recommendation is: first visit the Wine Museum in Bardolino and then go on a tour. Those who prefer white wine can head further south to Sirmione, where the Lugana wine region begins.