A visit to the Lake Garda area in northern Italy presents the tourist with some incredible scenery and some incredible exploration possibilities, as well. The largest of Italy’s lakes offers a long shoreline with roads that offer travelers who choose to drive its circumference views of flat land with lush foliage in the south and mountainous terrain in the north as the snow-capped Dolomites are reached. The 31-mile length of the lake also offers opportunities to see fortresses and castles.
Drive to Lake Garda if you hope to see the entire region. It is approximately 100 miles around the lake. However, you will need to be prepared for some tricky driving adventures because the route includes treacherous turns, blind curves and the sometimes dicey antics of other drivers. Use caution coming out of the many tunnels.
Snap some photos of the enclosed harbor and fortress in the town of Peschiera where many travelers begin their drive around the lake.
Drive north on Highway N249 past Castelletto, Brenzone, and Assenza until you arrive at Malcesine where you can stop for the adventure of riding a cable car up Monte Baldo. Safely back in the town, check out the medieval castle.
Cross to the east after Torbole, and you will be headed for Riva del Garda, a resort town. Stop here to watch the windsurfers who come here in droves because of the almost constant perfect conditions created by the air currents.
Drive south to Gardone to see the Villa il Vittorale. This is the incredible former home of a poet named Gabriele d’Annunzio who decorated his palatial estate in the Art Deco style and lived there until his death in the 1930s. In Gardone, you will also have the opportunity to experience a botanical garden and park with exotic plants.
Leave Gardone and head south for Salo. Wander around the pastel-painted houses, which make for great photographs. While in Salo, take a look at the cathedral and its famous altarpiece.
End your tour with a visit to Sirmione. Visit the Roman ruins and the accompanying museum. Walk the streets paved in ancient cobblestones (you’ll leave your car at the tourist office), and make a stop for the view from the Castello Scaligero.
