We're over here in the Dolomites (Alpe Di Suisi to be exact) and its raining - and unfortunately will continue off and on for the next week. We're looking to head to Lago di Garda for the day and are looking for suggestions, eg pretty towns, nice lakeside walks, scenic drives, etc. Both my wife and I like cute towns to experience and photograph, nice landscapes rather than nightlife or big cities - basically more mellow stuff rather than big city bustle. We have our own car BTW. Any suggestions you can send my way is much appreciated!
Posted by
2527 posts
Well, Riva del Garda is a cute touristy town. From there, hop the ferry and see some other communities on the lake.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
Sirmione and the Roman villa at the tip of the peninsula
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
Riva del Garda on the north side of the lake is very pretty. We also enjoyed Sirmione on the south end and Bardolino, LaZise and Torre del Benaco on the east side of the lake.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Marcus,
Some thoughts......
- You could stop in Malcesine on the east side of the lake, as it's very scenic. While there you could take the cable car up Monte Baldo for some incredible views - http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/veneto/malcesine.html .
- Another possibility is Limone sul Garda on the west side of the lake, another scenic town with a nice lakefront promenade - http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/lombardy/limone.html .
- I was disappointed with Sirmione and won't ever return there.
Some of the roads along the lake are winding and narrow, so some caution is required. Don't drive like this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfYC_CBNtiM *(part of the chase scene was filmed along Lake Garda, starting at Malcesine).
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
We did the gondola/cable car thing to the top of Mt Baldo in Malcesine a couple months ago, it was incredible, even the kids loved it. On a clear day you can actually see the entirety of Lago di Garda but with all the rain here this week I'm not sure how clear it will be up there.
Since you have a car, I'd suggest just driving along the east coast of the lake, the road passes through several little small towns and such and the views are great. Sometimes when have a day with nothing to do we'll jump in the car and just head to Garda just for the drive.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City USA/Birmenstorf, Switzerland
453 posts
Thanks for the tips everyone. Are there any nice boat trips on the lake? Looking for a short cruise (ala whats on Lake Luzern in Switzerland) or recs on a point to point/return cruise.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15193 posts
With reference to Ken's YouTube clip from the James Bond's movie (Quantum Solace), somebody needs to explain to me how James Bond manages to drive along Lake Garda near Limone and a second later end up on top of the Fantiscritti marble quarries near Carrara in Tuscany.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2304 posts
Hi Marcus
we went to Bardolino, absolutely gorgeous. Was there for festa dell uva "wine festival" last weekend of september. happy travels
aloha princess pupule
Posted by
milwaukee, WI, USA
174 posts
I would recommend the northern part of the lake. Better scenery and less touristy. Riva del Garda is great. Nice waterfront cafe's and interesting old historic center. There is a lakeside path from there to Nago-Torbole that can be walked or ride bikes. From there Malcesine is a 15 minute drive, and absolutely gorgeous.
Have Fun !!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
" somebody needs to explain to me how James Bond manages to drive along Lake Garda near Limone and a second later end up on top of the Fantiscritti marble quarries near Carrara in Tuscany."
I noticed that too, as the filming locations specified the marble quarries in Carrera. After that Bond drove into Siena. I suppose one has to suspend all sense of reality when watching a James Bond movie.