Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Italian Lakes / Lake Garda
 |  | Destination Guide : Lake Garda |
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| | | Scenery, Italian style |  | Why go on holiday to Lake Garda?
To visit the largest and most famous of the Italian lakes, set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, to tour picturesque medieval villages, take leisurely boat trips, have a go at water sports, and to visit famous cities Verona and Venice on day trips.
How much?
From about £400 for a week's half-board package in low season and about £50 per night for a double hotel room. Return no-frills flights from London Stansted to nearby Verona and Brescia start at about £70 in November.
When should I go?
June to September is best for decent weather, when daily highs average 23-28C/73-82F. Tourists flock to the lake in July and August.
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| | | Try romantic ramblings | | Where is it?
The 48km-long lake is in northern Italy, east of Milan and fairly close to provincial town Brescia and famous city Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet. Cable cars allow views across the lake so you can get your bearings.
Who goes there?
Mature holidaymakers, couples, walkers, families and water sports enthusiasts looking for a sedate holiday in a beautiful location. Clubbers will be disappointed.
Easy to get there?
You have to catch a bus from Verona, Brescia, Mantua or Milan, or go by train to Desenzano del Garda, on the main Milan-Venice line. Fly-drivers should take the A4 motorway and the S11, which link Milan with Venice, or the A22 which connects Verona and Trento.
First stops?
Riva del Garda in the north sits at the foot of the Dolomite mountains and is the most fashionable resort on Lake Garda. Visit its old centre with cobbled streets and squares and see why philosopher Nietzsche and writers Kafka and Thomas Mann, author of Death In Venice, enjoyed holidaying there. It's also got a 100m waterfall, fed by small lake Lado di Tenno.
After that?
At the other end of the lake on a peninsula sits Sirmione, loved by bathers and usually full of tourists. A Roman villa with baths (Grotte de Catullo) is an easy 15-minute walk past Lido delle Bionde's small beach with pedalos for hire. For a good view, check out the tower at 13th-century Castello Scaligero, or explore the area on a ferry around the lake from near the castle.
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| | | Treats for culture vultures | | Need a treat?
Splash out on a massage, sauna or choose from dozens of body treatments at pricey Terme di Sirmione's Catullo or Virgilio spas, both in the resort. Leisurely cruises from small and friendly Malcesine to Riva or tiny, laid-back Limone are also relaxing.
Are you a culture vulture?
Head west to visit Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda's most elegant holiday spot in days gone by, and tour Il Vittoriale, an amazing villa once owned by the notorious 20th-century poet Gabriele d'Annunzio.
Things to see there?
D'Annunzio's Second World War museum and an open-air theatre that stages opera, ballet and plays and classical concerts in July and August are among the highlights.
Feeling active?
Riva is an excellent spot for windsurfing, learning to sail, going on mountain biking adventures, paragliding and even canyoning — jumping into rapids and floating downstream.
Nothing for walkers?
Pleasant, undemanding walks are possible from Gardone Riviera, inland to Monte Spino or Monte Pizzicolo and you can hike from Riva del Garda around Monte Rocchetta.
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| | Available rental properties in Lake Garda |
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| |  | | Via Trabucco
2 bedroom, 2 shower room town apartment in the heart of Salo', seconds walk from the lakefront and its restaurants, designer shops and bars.
|  | | Bogliaco Golf Studio, Gargnano, Lake Garda
Recently renovated studio apartment in small and exclusive residence. With swimming pool and views over Lake Garda, the residence also overlooks the w
|  | | Torre 2 bedroom apartment with Patio
Luxury apartment in beautiful villa. Wonderful peaceful location with Swimming Pool, Air Conditioning, Private patio and a short stroll from the village centre and lake.
|  | | Casetta degli Ulivi, Tignale, Lake Garda
Beautiful villa near Limone, surrounded by parkland, olive trees and lemon groves. Situated in one of the most beautiful bays of Lake Garda, the villa has direct access to the beach!
|  | | Via Bertanza
2 bedroom town apartment with balconies and stunning lake view in the centre of the pretty lakefront town of Salo', Lake Garda. Walking distance to all amenities and ferry.
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