Lake Garda
Discover Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a lake in the north of Italy, and the surrounding region. It is a popular holiday location. The lake is situated at the border of the Po River plain, with the northern part stretching into the mountains.
What to Experience in Lake Garda
Taste of Lake Garda...
As per usual, fine Italian cuisine is sold. This consists of pasta, pizza and many other traditional Italian dishes. Other options are also available, such as German, American and British foods. Italian ice-cream is fresh and homemade – great for those who have a sweet tooth. Ice-cream shops are common, with some sprouting out of shops and restaurants. Some "gelato" (ice-cream-like treat usually made in the shop) shops have 50+ flavours. Smaller shops with only a half dozen flavours might be more enjoyable. These seem to focus on the flavours they offer, and making the decision on which flavour to choose will take much less time. Breakfast is not the same as English or American breakfasts so be careful when you ask for full board. Breakfast at Le Paul in Sirmione, has English and American style foods. They even offer cereal. Always drink plenty of water or other fluids as weather can be very warm. One of the most popular summer drinks in the area is the Aperol Spritz. Obtained by mixing Aperol, Prosecco wine and sparkling water. Usually served in a glass with ice cubes, and a straw. Can be garnished with a slice of orange, and served with green olives. Many shops have outdoor stands and stalls, even if a shop is indoors, so always carry the receipt with you. Bag theft is not uncommon in theme parks, as lines often have a bag drop off point, which is left unattended. If your bag is stolen it is usually left in the street with just your wallet or camera/phone missing.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsVerona Airport is the nearest airport, located 15km away to the south. Brescia-Montichiari is 30km to the south-west. Bergamo airport is 80km away. Milan Linate Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport and Venice airports are 100km away. Brescia-Montichiari is served by charter flights, while the others have many regular connections. Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda are the closest railway stations on the South of the lake. The closest station on the North is Rovereto. Click at the [Expand] links above on the right to see the lists of the bus routes. Lake Garda is roughly halfway between Venice and Milan. Perhaps this is the most convenient kind of transportation for the locations along the lake shores. Gestione Navigazione Laghi provides regular ferry services in the area. A fast ferry takes about 2½ hours to cross the lake from the South to North. For schedules and tariffs check their online search service or get a schedule from the download page....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Perhaps this is the most convenient kind of transportation for the locations along the lake shores. Gestione Navigazione Laghi provides regular ferry services in the area. A fast ferry takes about 2½ hours to cross the lake from the South to North. For schedules and tariffs check their online search service or get a schedule from the download page. A car ferry connects Torri del Benaco at the E shore of the lake with Toscolano-Maderno at its W shore. In summer another car ferry connects Malcesine with Limone sul Garda. Boat taxis are also available. Perhaps it's a better option than a regular taxi, as the later one will cost you more money and it will take longer to travel. See Get in section for connections by bus around the lake. Rental bike service companies, easy biking itineraries at Garda Lake Region. The northern part of Lake Garda offers Europe's probably most spectacular offroad trips, mostly on rough military roads from the First World War.
Where to Stay
Many shops have outdoor stands and stalls, even if a shop is indoors, so always carry the receipt with you. Bag theft is not uncommon in theme parks, as lines often have a bag drop off point, which is left unattended. If your bag is stolen it is usually left in the street with just your wallet or camera/phone missing.
Language & Talk
All people speak Italian as a first language but basic English is known. Many locals also speak fluent German as this area is a popular tourist destination for Germans and Austrians. As with anywhere in the world, it is good manners to learn some basic phrases in Italian. Verona Airport is the nearest airport, located 15km away to the south. Brescia-Montichiari is 30km to the south-west. Bergamo airport is 80km away. Milan Linate Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport and Venice airports are 100km away. Brescia-Montichiari is served by charter flights, while the others have many regular connections. Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda are the closest railway stations on the South of the lake. The closest station on the North is Rovereto.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Many shops have outdoor stands and stalls, even if a shop is indoors, so always carry the receipt with you. Bag theft is not uncommon in theme parks, as lines often have a bag drop off point, which is left unattended. If your bag is stolen it is usually left in the street with just your wallet or camera/phone missing.