Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake , and its waters bathe three regions: Lombardy , Veneto , and Trentino-Alto Adige . The enchanting landscape that surrounds it and the picturesque villages that dot its shores enrich the charm of this lake, among the most beautiful in Italy.
From snow-capped mountains to green hills, from pristine islands to a lakeside lined with charming villages and ancient towns , Lake Garda is the ideal destination for nature, sports, and art lovers. Nestled among the olive, palm, cypress, lemon, oleander, and orange trees of the Mediterranean vegetation are aristocratic villas and historic buildings that tell the story of Italy.
Starting from Verona , here's what not to miss when visiting the Venetian shore of Lake Garda.
Peschiera del Garda
This fortified town has been included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites together with other locations representative of Venetian defensive works between the 16th and 17th centuries .
The strategic role of Peschiera del Garda, a hinge between the Serenissima and its dominions beyond the Mincio river, meant that the centre was transformed into a true fortress city .
Even today, the mighty fortifications that enclose the historic center of Peschiera del Garda welcome visitors who, once they pass through the ancient city gates, enter, full of wonder and amazement, into the historic heart of this unique village.
Gardaland and other amusement parks on Lake Garda
In addition to unforgettable views, unspoiled nature and villages frozen in time, Lake Garda also offers a series of modern themed amusement parks perfect for the whole family .
We'll start with the most famous, Gardaland, the largest in Italy, with more than 35 themed attractions for adults and children that are expanded every year: the park is located in Castelnuovo del Garda.
Adventure lovers can't miss the Caneva World theme parks: Movieland, dedicated to the world of cinema with shows, entertainment, and re-creations of film sets, and Caneva Acqua Park, a true paradise of pools for adults and children, complete with slides, attractions, and water games. Both parks are located in Lazise sul Garda.
Parco Natura Viva , located in Pastrengo, is a zoo with more than 1,500 animals of 200 different species from every continent . A perfect opportunity, even for children, to learn about and protect the world's animal species.
Lazise
The small village of Lazise is among the most beautiful in the entire Garda area. Lazise boasts monuments, historic buildings, and places of great historical and architectural significance.
Every year, the town welcomes approximately 3.5 million tourists from around the world. Must-see attractions in the village include the Piazza del Comune , with its iconic checkerboard-patterned cobblestone pavement, the Scaligero Castle , and the small harbor surrounded by rows of colorful houses. A magical place.
Bardolino
This Veneto town is located about 30 kilometers from Verona. Rich in sights and undoubtedly charming, this village overlooking Lake Garda is home to several buildings of historical interest and a stunning lakeside promenade
The aspect that undoubtedly characterizes it most is its historic center , with fishermen's houses built in a herringbone pattern, in succession from the beach inland. Added to this are the streets built perpendicular to the beach , to facilitate the transport of boats from the shore to the homes (and vice versa) and facilitate the daily activities of families dedicated to fishing on Lake Garda.
Bardolino is one of the most beautiful villages to see on Lake Garda and is the ideal destination for a day trip to the lake starting from Verona.
Malcesine
Malcesine is best known for its castle, a fortification visible from a distance as you approach the charming village on the shores of Lake Garda. The medieval Scaliger Castle of Malcesine
Behind Malcesine there is Monte Baldo , with its panoramic cable car that takes you up to an altitude of 1760 metres above sea level, while in front of the village there is the natural spectacle of a beautiful stretch of coast of north-eastern Lake Garda.
If you enjoy unusual places, don't hesitate to visit Cassone, a small hamlet near Malcesine , where you can see the Aríl River , which, at 175 meters long, is the shortest river in Italy and also one of the shortest in the world. Despite its short length, the Aríl River features a waterfall and passes under three bridges before flowing into Lake Garda.
Must see!
Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona
It's not exactly on Lake Garda, but a few kilometers away is a place absolutely worth seeing: the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona . It's one of the most unique and fascinating religious buildings in all of Italy, reached by a steep path that literally "climbs" up a rock face overlooking the valley below.
The path leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona offers a breathtaking view , but it's upon arrival that you'll be left speechless: at an altitude of 775 meters, nestled in the rock, stands a church with a pale pink façade.
To see the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona, you'll need to go to Spiazzi, in Ferrara di Monte Baldo . From here, follow the path known as the "Path of Hope."
Believe us, the effort of the walk will be repaid by the and special beauty
