Experiences Lake Garda
Stunning cobalt blue waters, beautiful Italian towns, and plenty of activities for every taste. Lake Garda is a place of adventure, marvelous landscapes and sublime castles.
Tour Rocca Scaligera in Sirmione or the medieval fortress of Castelo di Malcesine, which clings to the cliffs along the north shore. Shop for local produce, clothing and leather bags in the weekly markets that pop up in most towns.
- Sailing
There’s something about the feel of the wind filling your sails and taking you over water that makes sailing a breathtaking experience. It’s empowering, relaxing and environmentally friendly too.
Sailing schools in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole offer classes for children (6-10 years), young people (10-16 years) and adults, and courses can be individual or group lessons.
Admire Lake Garda from a different perspective on an excursion on board the historic San Nicolo sailing boat. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the past of navigation on Lake Garda while combining tradition with the elegance and hospitality typical of this type of vessel. Learn about the terms such as port, starboard, leeward and helms alee, eye of the wind, course over ground, velocity made good and tacking before you set foot on the boat.
- Hiking
The mountainous north of Lake Garda brushes against three regions – Trentino, Veneto and Lombardy – with its cultures blending together in traditions and recipes. This mix also brings to the table a diverse and varied flora.
Hiking routes are easy enough for everyone, but the real treat here is at the top of a ridge or along a craggy cliff edge. Here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake and its dramatic fjord-like northern tip.
Picture this: it’s early morning and you’re hiking through a forest until your view opens up to a blue mirage of a lake jutting out from under a fortress like castle – it’s the enchanting Sirmione! There’s no better way to experience Lake Garda. And you can do it all year round, because the temperate Mediterranean climate ensures delicious air and water temperatures.
- Water Sports
Whether you’re a windsurfer, sailor, or kayaker, Lake Garda is a top choice for water sports enthusiasts. The windy northern part of the lake in Torbole and Malcesine is a well-known sailing hotspot thanks to its consistent, favorable winds and not too big waves.
Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities on the lake. Take a trip around the cliffs and coves of the northern coast of the lake, or even explore the waters off Limone sul Garda.
Cruising on a ferry is one of the best ways to see Lake Garda from a different perspective. You’ll have a chance to admire the dramatic fjord-like northern end of the lake surrounded by towering mountains, and visit charming towns on the shoreline. You can also see the stunning castle of Fortezza d’Isola.
- Wine Tasting
One of the best things to do Lake Garda is visit local wineries. The region has many prestigious wines with a unique terroir.
During your experience, you will learn the process of winemaking from grapes to bottle. You will enjoy a tasting of local wines while learning about the nuances of the wine and the history of the region.
The family-run winery Costaripa is situated on the western shores of Lake Garda. They have won several awards for their wines such as the wildly popular Chiaretto and Molmenti made with Groppello grapes. Their goal is to maximize the potential of the indigenous vines and produce a wine that pairs well with the Mediterranean climate of the area.
- Shopping
Whether you’re after top Italian fashion brands, souvenir ideas or just a day out in the sun, there are plenty of shopping centres and outlets at Lake Garda. You can also shop your way around the towns, where you’ll find a mix of local shops and larger stores.
Limone sul Garda is a great example, where you’ll find a variety of boutique shops amongst the picturesque streets of the old town. You’ll even find some artisan shops where you can try out the local produce – such as delicious olive oil. The town is also close to one of the top theme parks at Lake Garda, so you can make a full day out of your shopping. Plus, there’s a top restaurant and beautiful beaches nearby!erlebnisse gardasee