Ciao! If you're seeking an Italian adventure that combines captivating natural beauty, historical intrigue, and culinary delights, then look no further than Lake Garda. I had the pleasure of exploring this enchanting lake last June, accompanied by my lovely boyfriend, Calum.
We discovered a world of romantic hideaways and hidden gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. Now, let me take you on a journey around the lake, through the meandering streets of picturesque towns, and into the heart of this magnificent Italian region.
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Lake Garda's Natural Beauty: Major Attractions
Lake Garda, nestled between majestic mountains, presents a stunning panorama that will leave you breathless. The lake's crystal-clear water, reflecting the azure sky, created a perfect backdrop for many of our photographs.
Whether it was swimming in the cool, refreshing waters or taking a leisurely ferry ride from Limone to Malcesine, the lake itself was a highlight of our trip. As we crossed the lake, the image of the looming Malcesine fort, a historical structure that whispers tales of bygone times, created a sight to behold (and a photo to be snapped!).
Our stay in Limone was marked by steep climbs, a juxtaposition of tranquillity and exertion. Our hotel, the Hotel Royal Village, perched on the side of a hill, offered stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Yes, the climb up the hill was a challenge in the Italian summer heat, and yes, we'd be lying if we said we weren't sweating after each venture up and down. But the breathtaking views from our balcony and the relief of aircon made it all worth it!
Our biggest regret? Not visiting Gardaland. As Italy's largest amusement park and one of the top-rated in Europe, Gardaland is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike. It's located on the southeastern banks of Lake Garda, just a short drive from most of the lake's popular spots.
With over 40 attractions ranging from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to more leisurely rides perfect for the little ones, there's something for everyone at Gardaland. Not to mention, they also have an aquarium and a themed hotel. Despite having a jam-packed itinerary, we couldn't make it to Gardaland this trip. But you can bet it's at the top of our list for our next visit!
Speaking of missed opportunities, we spent the majority of our visit in the north of Lake Garda (hey, there's only so much you can pack into a week!). We passed through Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda on our coach journey at least, all of which boast distinct yet equally stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, but more importantly they also offer even more things to do and see. For example:
Porta Brescia (a stone gatehouse built into the city of Garda's historic walls), Rocca di Manerba (a lakeside natural preserve with scenic views), Vittoriale degli Italiani (a former writer's home & an amphitheater), Grotte di Catullo (ancient ruins of a large Roman villa), and Santuario Madonna della Corona (more ancient ruins of another large Roman villa).
Another less obvious opportunity for your trip to Lake Garda would be to take a day trip to the nearby city of Verona (or even Venice!). At the onset of our holiday, the allure of gondola rides along Venice's storied canals and standing in the very setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Verona was nearly irresistible. Yet, as we settled into the tranquil rhythm of Lake Garda, the thought of venturing out on a long coach journey became less appealing.
The memory of our initial coach ride - with its endless hours of jostling, cramped spaces, and intermittent air conditioning - still lingered in our minds. We realised that the charm of Lake Garda had ensnared us completely, and we no longer felt the need to venture far. In the end, we decided to leave the mystical cities of Venice and Verona for another adventure, another holiday. After all, what's the rush?
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Spots around Lake Garda
One of the wonderful things about travelling is stumbling upon those little-known spots that turn out to be unexpected highlights. And Lake Garda was no exception. A surprising find was a mini 007 Quantum of Solace museum, a must-see for any James Bond fan. In fact, a coach tunnel from the opening scene of Quantum of Solace is just one of the treats in store for you on your way there.
Speaking of coach rides, our ride to Limone from Verona airport was... an experience, to say the least. A sweltering journey with malfunctioning aircon and numerous hotel drop-offs before ours made it a ride to remember, and not for the right reasons! But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?
And then there's the massive lemons. Seriously, they're everywhere! It's no surprise, given the name of the town we stayed in, Limone. We couldn't resist trying the homemade lemonade. Let's just say it packed a punch - it was extremely bitter, but hey, when in Limone...
One fascinating aspect of our trip to Lake Garda was the delightful cultural melange we experienced. Due to Lake Garda's proximity to Austria, Switzerland, and Southern Germany, it's a favoured vacation spot for our friends from these regions. We found ourselves surrounded by a healthy mix of Italians, Austrians, and Germans, which added a unique multicultural flair to the Italian lakeside.
From the local restaurants to the hotel staff, many people were bilingual, speaking both Italian and German, and there were times we were mistaken for Germans! (I suppose my boyfriend wearing a Bayern München football top didn't help...) Experiencing this blend of cultures at Lake Garda, all while enjoying the stunning Italian landscape and cuisine, truly enriched our holiday. It was a lovely reminder of how travel brings us all together, irrespective of borders and backgrounds.
Local Cuisine: Where to Eat in Lake Garda
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide, and Lake Garda definitely lived up to this reputation. From local pizzerias like Roxy Bar, where we indulged in some of the best pizza (Calum insisted we go back for seconds!), to delectable ice cream parlours and fancier restaurants with stunning views like Hotel Ristorante le Palme, the culinary scene here is nothing short of divine.
There was also a lovely pizza place tucked away down a narrow cobbled alley in Limone, whose name I wish I could remember, but it's definitely worth seeking out. You'll inevitably stumble upon it the way we did: looking for an ATM! PS: it's tucked away in a corner, inside an unassuming building (the BCC del Garda).
Our hotel's buffet breakfast was a daily delight, but we preferred to venture out for lunch and dinner, soaking up the local atmosphere and trying out new dishes. We tried Hotel Royal Village's booking-only "Italian Restaurant" one night, but it wasn't anything to write home about. I'd recommend venturing into Limone instead.
Naturally, our stay allowed us to only explore a limited number of dining establishments. However, we also received some rave recommendations from locals for other eateries that we thought we should share. Do consider checking out Osteria Al Pescatore, Ristorante Al Terrazzo, Belvedere, Bussola, and Ristorante Taverna Kus. These locales are reputed to offer an excellent selection of Veronese specialties, alongside the traditional array of Italian culinary delights.
Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in Lake Garda
When it comes to places to stay in Lake Garda, you're spoilt for choice. This area boasts an array of hotels to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few options we liked the look of around where we stayed that you might want to consider for your next trip:
Hotel Royal Village
Our stay was at the Hotel Royal Village in Limone. It was lovely, with a great view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Yes, there was a steep hill up to the hotel from the main village of Limone, but it was all part of the experience (or at least that's what we told ourselves). The rooms were somewhat dated, but they had aircon, a nice bed, WiFi, and a balcony - what more could you want?
Hotel La Fiorita
Hotel La Fiorita is another excellent choice, particularly for its fantastic location. Visitors praised its clean facilities, welcoming staff, and amazing views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Plus, it's only a short walk to the city centre. With a 9.3 overall rating, it's clear that guests have enjoyed their stay.
Hotel Caravel
Hotel Caravel, boasting a 9.0 rating on Booking.com, is another high-end option in Limone sul Garda. It's situated in an excellent location, with stunning lake views and only a ten-minute walk to the lake through the beautiful village. Visitors loved the cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and the amazing breakfast.
Hotel Atilius
Lastly, the Hotel Atilius, a 2-star option, is a great choice for budget travellers who don't want to compromise on quality. Located right in the heart of Limone, this hotel is just a five-minute walk from the lake. Visitors have praised the hotel's cleanliness, excellent breakfast, and particularly the stunning lake views from the dining area. The overall rating of 9.1 on Booking.com attests to the quality of this budget-friendly option.
Honestly, there's no shortage of top-rated hotels in the area. You certainly won't struggle to find a *great* place to stay. Here's a few more to check out in other parts of Lake Garda: Hotel Desenzano, Villa Rosa Hotel, Hotel Gardenia Sirmione, Hotel Malcesine, Gardaland Hotel, and Hotel Parchi del Garda. No prizes for guessing which towns/villages you'll find these hotels in!
Conclusion
Our trip to Lake Garda was an adventure filled with unexpected discoveries, romantic dinners, and memories that will last a lifetime. It's a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you're a food lover, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys stunning natural beauty.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or simply looking for your next travel destination, Lake Garda should definitely be on your list. Just remember to brace yourself for those coach rides, and maybe skip the lemonade! But don't just take my word for it, pack your suitcase and experience it for yourself.
Arrivederci, until next time!
P.S. For those curious to see more, you can find all our travel photos on the SaraJourneysMore Instagram page. From panoramic mountain views, lazy days by the hotel pool, to snapshots of me making a splash in the lake, and even a patriotic moment by a UK flag, I've shared it all. And yes, the massive lemons too! See you there!
That's it for this post, fellow wanderers! If you've been to Lake Garda and have a few tips or hidden gems to share, I'd love to hear about them. Or if you're planning a trip and have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm always here to help out fellow travellers, and I endeavour to respond to every email I receive (sara@sarajourneys.com). Until next time, safe travels!
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