Lake Garda: your Mediterranean lido on the foot of the Alps
Enchanting landscapes, artistic and architectural treasures, various attractions for all ages and many opportunities for outdoor activities… what are you waiting for to book a vacation on Lake Garda? Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, it is an ideal destination for every season.
Highlights:
A magnificent natural spectacle, “eine herrliche Naturwirkung“: this is how Johann Wolfgang Goethe described the land “wo die Zitronen blühn” (where the lemons bloom) in 1786. Plan your vacation on Lake Garda and let yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of these evocative Mediterranean landscapes, with numerous leisure opportunities for the whole family at your disposal.
Where to stay in Lake Garda
On Fairbnb.coop you can find several hotels, B&Bs, farmhouses, and vacation rentals on Lake Garda, where you can organize a stay in complete freedom and with all the essential services available. Consider that the resorts around the lake are popular tourist destinations in every season, thanks to the particular Mediterranean climate and frequent cultural events: we advise you not to wait until the last month before your vacation to choose your accommodation. If you book it right now, you will have the opportunity to donate half of our platform fee to the campaign Breeding Hope+.
You can choose either one of the accommodation facilities located in one of the famous villages on the lakefront, often housed in buildings of high architectural value, or one immersed in the green of the surrounding slopes: you will easily find yourself in a splendid panoramic position. Wherever you prefer to set your base, do not miss the opportunity to organize a trip on one of the boats or ferries that shuttle daily between the shores: the view that can be appreciated from the surface of its waters is truly unique.
Garda, Baia delle Sirene
Mediterranean climate all year round
The microclimate of Lake Garda, the largest in Italy, makes it pleasant to stay here in every season. In summer, in fact, the constant mountain breezes crossing the lake make the days cool, keeping the mercury generally below 30 ° C, while in winter the mass of water helps to mitigate the temperatures, which even in the nights of the coldest months rarely fall below 0 ° C, with average values between 12 and 18 ° C.
Always check the weather forecast of Lake Garda before leaving, but evidence of this mild climate is the typically Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds the resort: in the lush forests on the heights blossoms the cistus albidus, an evergreen shrub that grows even at sea level. Since the thirteenth century, some slopes overlooking the lake were terraced and, taking advantage of the particular microclimate, cultivated with citrus trees: they are the lemon houses of Garda that impressed Goethe, and the ancient greenhouses still characterize the landscape of the coast.
Always check the weather forecast of Lake Garda before leaving, but evidence of this mild climate is the typically Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds the resort: in the lush forests on the heights blossoms the cistus albidus, an evergreen shrub that grows even at sea level. Since the thirteenth century, some slopes overlooking the lake were terraced and, taking advantage of the particular microclimate, cultivated with citrus trees: they are the lemon houses of Garda that impressed Goethe, and the ancient greenhouses still characterize the landscape of the coast.
Enjoy the local Mediterranean cuisine
Traveling along the lakefront, in particular the eastern one, you will notice the extensive olive groves that reach the coast, giving the name to the Riviera degli Olivi: Garda’s olive oil is the northernmost produced olive oil in the world and its organoleptic characteristics, such as low acidity and delicate aroma, make it suitable for many uses in cooking, giving a Mediterranean flavor to many dishes.
The local enogastronomical tradition has as its protagonists the fish of Lake Garda, whose waters offer carp, trout, pike, eels, and sardines, and the delicious DOC wines: in Lombardy Lugana, white and sparkling, and Valtenesi, red and claret, whereas in Veneto stands out Amarone and the other refined wines of the nearby Valpolicella region.
The local enogastronomical tradition has as its protagonists the fish of Lake Garda, whose waters offer carp, trout, pike, eels, and sardines, and the delicious DOC wines: in Lombardy Lugana, white and sparkling, and Valtenesi, red and claret, whereas in Veneto stands out Amarone and the other refined wines of the nearby Valpolicella region.
How to get to Lake Garda
Lake Garda bathes three Italian regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from many destinations in Europe, thanks to the proximity of major hubs such as Verona, Brescia and Bergamo. If you arrive by train, you can get off at the train stations of Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda, both well served by the Milan-Venice line. You can then possibly continue by taking advantage of the dense network of bus lines that connect the towns on Lake Garda: the roads along the lakefront offer beautiful views and will make your stay pleasant since your arrival.
Sirmione
Discover Sirmione, the Pearl on the Lombard shore of the Lake Garda
Sirmione, for the scenic spectacle it offers, is known as the “Pearl of Lake Garda”. The only point of access to the long narrow strip of land on which stands its historic center is the drawbridge of the Rocca Scaligera, a thirteenth-century fortress that you can explore until you reach the top of the tower of the keep. Past Piazza Carducci, the living room of the village, you will find a renowned spa, the Romanesque Church of San Pietro in Mavino and, in a spectacular position on the end of the peninsula, the Grotte di Catullo, an archaeological area with the remains of the Roman villa that belonged to the Latin poet.
Hotels in Sirmione could be the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, especially if you choose the Hotel Grifone or one of the other facilities that offer rooms with views of Lake Garda. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your children, you might prefer one of the rooms at the B&B Villa del Tempo or other facilities specialized in welcoming families in Desenzano del Garda: in this seaside resort, you will have at your fingertips a unique artistic and historical heritage, which has its roots in Roman times. On the top of the hill overlooking the harbor stands, for example, a Castle of medieval origins: climbing to the top of the mighty tower of the keep that rises on the north side you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Lake Garda.
Hotels in Sirmione could be the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, especially if you choose the Hotel Grifone or one of the other facilities that offer rooms with views of Lake Garda. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your children, you might prefer one of the rooms at the B&B Villa del Tempo or other facilities specialized in welcoming families in Desenzano del Garda: in this seaside resort, you will have at your fingertips a unique artistic and historical heritage, which has its roots in Roman times. On the top of the hill overlooking the harbor stands, for example, a Castle of medieval origins: climbing to the top of the mighty tower of the keep that rises on the north side you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Lake Garda.
The great morainic amphitheater south of the lake, inhabited since the Bronze Age, maintains important vestiges of its millennial past and also preserves an exceptional environmental value. A handful of kilometers from Sirmione extends for example the Oasis San Francesco, a protected area elected as a natural monument for the rich biodiversity of its reeds.
Another vast natural oasis in the surrounding area is that of Le Ninfee del Garda park, which comes alive especially in the summer with outdoor swimming pools and evening musical events. A little further south is San Martino della Battaglia, where in 1859 one of the bloodiest battles for the unification of Italy was fought: those moments are now remembered by a monumental complex, the Parco del Risorgimento, at the center of which stands a tower erected in 1893. Through ramps and rooms frescoed with episodes of the struggle for independence, you can climb its about 65 meters high and appreciate an enchanting view of the lower lake and the mountains that surround it on both sides.
Another vast natural oasis in the surrounding area is that of Le Ninfee del Garda park, which comes alive especially in the summer with outdoor swimming pools and evening musical events. A little further south is San Martino della Battaglia, where in 1859 one of the bloodiest battles for the unification of Italy was fought: those moments are now remembered by a monumental complex, the Parco del Risorgimento, at the center of which stands a tower erected in 1893. Through ramps and rooms frescoed with episodes of the struggle for independence, you can climb its about 65 meters high and appreciate an enchanting view of the lower lake and the mountains that surround it on both sides.
Peschiera del Garda
Attractions for all ages in Peschiera del Garda and Veneto
Moving eastward along the southern shore of Lake Garda you will find Peschiera del Garda, a village of ancient origins lying at the point where the Mincio river rises, in the province of Verona. The offer of vacation homes and bed and breakfast in Peschiera del Garda and its surroundings is very wide and includes facilities in the heart of the historic center, such as the B&B Le Finestre sul Borgo, as well as homes immersed in the green of the surrounding countryside, such as B&B Pegaso. In general, there are many services for families, who here in the summer have at their disposal equipped beaches and some of the oldest and most popular amusement parks in Italy: Gardaland is just 3 kilometers, the water park Canevaworld about twice as far.
Following the coast of Lake Garda to the north, the so-called Riviera degli Olivi, you will reach Torri del Benaco, from where ferries sail to Toscolano Maderno, on the opposite shore of Brescia: take the opportunity to organize a trip and visit both Salò and the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the monumental citadel built by Gabriele D’Annunzio on the hills behind Gardone Riviera.
Another destination worth reaching and visiting, dedicating at least one weekend to it, is the provincial capital, known as “the city of lovers” for the tragic love story between Romeo and Juliet made famous by William Shakespeare: with its countless artistic and architectural treasures and bridges that cross the winding loops of the Adige River, Verona… will make you fall in love too!
Following the coast of Lake Garda to the north, the so-called Riviera degli Olivi, you will reach Torri del Benaco, from where ferries sail to Toscolano Maderno, on the opposite shore of Brescia: take the opportunity to organize a trip and visit both Salò and the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the monumental citadel built by Gabriele D’Annunzio on the hills behind Gardone Riviera.
Another destination worth reaching and visiting, dedicating at least one weekend to it, is the provincial capital, known as “the city of lovers” for the tragic love story between Romeo and Juliet made famous by William Shakespeare: with its countless artistic and architectural treasures and bridges that cross the winding loops of the Adige River, Verona… will make you fall in love too!
Verona
Alto Garda and the mountain wonders of Trentino-Alto Adige
The main towns in the northern part of the lake are Limone sul Garda along the Lombard coast, famous for its lemon houses and picturesque old town, Malcesine on the opposite lakefront, access point for the cable car that climbs the 1800 meters of Mount Baldo offering breathtaking views, and Riva del Garda in the province of Trento: if you choose to stay in this characteristic village, you will have many historical attractions at your fingertips, such as the thirteenth-century Torre Apponale, the baroque Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the medieval Rocca, directly overlooking the waters of the lake and now home to the Museo Alto Garda MAG.
Do you love the mountains in every season? Riva del Garda is an excellent starting point! From this town on Lake Garda, in fact, you can easily reach the Brenta Dolomites and take advantage both of the ski resorts and of a dense network of hiking trails, on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
If, on the other hand, you would like to take a relaxing trip, consider that an hour’s drive from Riva del Garda brings you to the suggestive Lake Levico, where you will find modern spas: you can immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters coming from the springs located in the heart of the Lagorai mountains, at an altitude of 1,600 meters. If you wish to continue your wellness path for a few days, you can book a room in one of the vacation homes in Levico Terme: the welcoming apartment Villa Irma, for example, can accommodate up to 5 people with every comfort.
Do you love the mountains in every season? Riva del Garda is an excellent starting point! From this town on Lake Garda, in fact, you can easily reach the Brenta Dolomites and take advantage both of the ski resorts and of a dense network of hiking trails, on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
If, on the other hand, you would like to take a relaxing trip, consider that an hour’s drive from Riva del Garda brings you to the suggestive Lake Levico, where you will find modern spas: you can immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters coming from the springs located in the heart of the Lagorai mountains, at an altitude of 1,600 meters. If you wish to continue your wellness path for a few days, you can book a room in one of the vacation homes in Levico Terme: the welcoming apartment Villa Irma, for example, can accommodate up to 5 people with every comfort.
Lake Levico, in Trentino-Alto Adige
Follow us on
Why Fair?
How it works:
The Host earns the same,
the Guest pays the same
but the benefits are for the whole community.
50% of our platform fee is used to fund a project of your choice for the communities you visit.
This is a what we call
Community Powered Tourism.
Post categories