Living "la dolce vita" on Italy's largest lake
George Clooney put Lake Como on the map, but Lake Garda takes up more of it. Situated in Northern Italy, this expansive lake sits on the edge of the Dolomites. With small villages and towns nestled into its coast, you'll find slightly different vibes but the same Italian embrace of "la dolce vita." Hop from town to town, stopping for drinks on the terrazzas as you please. Browse the Lake Garda vacation rentals available, and envision your travel crew spending their days enjoying all that Northern Italy has to offer.
A region rich with Roman ruins and ripe with wine
The area around Lake Garda is full of Roman ruins, with plenty of museums and historical sites dedicated to these relics. Travel to the Sirmione peninsula for the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo, which is a former Roman villa, and features an olive grove and a nearby archeological museum. Visit the Museum of Lake Garda, which explores the region's argicultural history, daily life, and local flora and fauna. A worthy stop for the wine fans in your crew is the Wine Museum, which showcases the history of local winemaking, plus a 15th-century grape press.
Ask yourself: are you a lake lounger or a land lover?
The best way to explore Lake Garda is on a boat. You can hop from lakefront village to village and enjoy the local life, or float aimlessly with a bottle of prosecco and other picnic necessities. If you're more of a land lover, book yourself in for a day at a spa at any of the luxury resorts that dot the coastline. Browse the Lake Garda vacation rentals and decide if you picture yourself sunning lakeside, or diving into a pool with a view, set up into the hillside.
The morning winds just make you look more like a movie star
Lake Garda is famous for its surprisingly mild climate, with infamous local winds that occassionally disrupt the serenity. They tend to happen daily and in the morning, so time your boat rides accordingly. Seasonally, your best bet is to visit from May through October, as much of the area closes down for the off-season. July and August see lots of crowds, as travelers from all over Europe look for a summer escape. To avoid the peak season crowds and prices, check out Lake Garda vacation rentals in the spring and fall.
Every morning should start with a fresh lemon for your tea
Formed from a glacier, Lake Garda's stunning surface is only disturbed by a handful of small islands. The lake is narrower along its northern tip, where the blue waters are surrounded by the Monte Baldo mountains. The lake's tributaries are formed from nearby rivers and mountain streams, with the Mincio River as its only outlet. Further south, the lake widens, and the historic Sirmione peninsula, adorned with Roman ruins, juts out into the water. Lake Garda is also surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees, normally a rarity this far north.
Transportation options to and around Lake Garda
If you're traveling by train, make your way to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione Station or Peschiera Station to see more of the city.