Lake Garda, Italy.

Lake Garda is one of northern Italy's most popular tourist destinations. Tyroleans and Bavarians regard it as a home away from home a few hours' drive to the south, while the advent of cheaper flights to the many nearby airports has increased the attraction for those hailing from the north of Europe.

Take a look at the information about the lake itself:

Those who enjoy the more active style of holiday might want to see what is on offer in the way of sports in the area, while those who enjoy the pleasures in life can sample the local cuisine and wines:


Lake Garda Sports :-

Lake Garda is one of the favourite sporting destinations in northern Italy - to a large degree, because of the range of activities on offer. Four of them are picked out below, but there are also paragliding, horseriding, sailing and plenty of other options on offer - equipment and instruction is available from centres, outfitters and rental shops on the lake.

The north of Lake Garda is a windsurfing mecca, with the resorts of Riva - and especially the neighbouring village of Torbole - extremely popular holiday destinations for windsurfers from all over Europe.

The day is marked by two distinct wind patterns - a colder wind coming out of the mountains to the north (the "peler") in the early morning and a warmer wind which blows from the south in the afternoon (the "ora"). These are created by the rising hot air and sinking cold air in the mountains at various points of the day and night. The "peler" can be quite a strong wind, producing waves suitable for skilled riders.

Kitesurfing is also growing in popularity and tends to be centred a little bit further south in the resorts of Malcesine and Brenzone on the eastern side of Lake Garda. Kitesurfing is restricted in some areas of the southern lake.

Climbing

The best-known Lake Garda climbing is that at Arco. The village lies just to the north of Riva del Garda and is the location for the well-known RockMasters sport climbing competition.

Although Arco has a reputation as a centre for sport climbing, it can also boast some big walls with natural protection in the area. There are various areas around the valley heading up to the north and also to the south near the village of Torbole closer to the lake. This whole Arco climbing region has its own guidebook ("Arco Rock") which is in English and available in the area. It should be noted that south-facing climbs get extremely hot in high season.

The village of Marciaga near Garda on the south-eastern shore of the lake also has quite a number of good cliff climbs.

Walking

As a classic "lakes and mountains" destination, Lake Garda has a fabulous range of walking available - whether it's a stroll from village to village amongst the vineyards or a strenuous hike up over one of the peaks which tower above the northern part of the lake.

As well as the stunning views down onto the lake from peaks like the ever popular Monte Baldo (with cable car access from Malcesine for those who don't fancy the climb), there are also interesting routes to interesting locations (such as WW1 tunnels and fortifications or historic monasteries and churches).

Mountain Biking

Lake Garda has been called one of the best mountain biking locations in Europe. There are good networks of mountain biking trails all around the lake, with maybe only the southern coast not being as suited to the sport. However, even there the small hills and farming areas will be enjoyable for those looking for an easier day. To either the east or west, or up at the north, there is more than enough choice at all grades of difficulty.

In the summer there is a special Bike & Bus service for bikes to certain locations, such as Monte Baldo, allowing a good downhill run without the climbing.

Possibly the only negatives are the heat and the fact that the area is so good you are unlikely to have the trails to yourself.

Lake Garda Tastes :-

Lake Garda - like virtually anywhere in Italy - has its own treasure trove of tastes and dishes made from local produce. As Italy is the largest wine-producing country in the world, it's not surprising that both the red, white and rosé varieties feature on the list of regional specialities, while even close to the southern foothills of the Alps the fruit of the area also has a special place in the culinary history and culture.

Wine

The north of Lake Garda is part of the Trento-Alto Adige region and offers the distinctive Trentino dry white wines, as well as some sparkling and dessert wines as specialities.

On the eastern shore in the south is the major wine-producing area behind Garda and Bardolino. Bardolino wine is a light red (it also offers a "chiaretto") and the town has a popular wine festival at the end of the summer.

To the south and west is the region of Lombardy, with the Garda and Garda Classico DOCs in the area around the lake and between it and Brescia offering both red and white wines.

Olives

Although olives are grown all around Lake Garda the main concentration of olive groves is in the flatter southern areas.

Like wine, olives have their own specific classification system and the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Garda DOP is controlled by inspectors and certified by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The olive oil from the lake is considered to be the furthest north of all areas of production and the olive oil produced has a light, fruity and non-acidic taste. There is an olive oil museum on the road between Bardolino and Lazise.

Lemons

Lemons have been grown all down the east coast of Lake Garda and the farming dates back to the 15th century.

But it is probably Limone, with its lemon houses or "sardì" still visible from the ferry, which has the closest association with the fruit.

The Limone industry was fatally affected by a drop in price and competition from other areas, but the traditional structures and ways of growing the plants have been preserved in a number of areas and there is an interesting lemon house museum which it is possible to visit.

Facts About Lake Garda :-

Just a few facts about Lake Garda for new visitors to the area:

++ The lake is split between three provinces: Verona, Brescia and Trento
++ It is just over 50km in length (north-south)
++ It is just under 20km in width (east-west)
++ It is located at 65m above sea level
++ The circumference of the lake is around 160km
++ The maximum depth of the lake is about 350m
++ The area of the lake is approximately 370km² (143miles²), making it the largest lake in Italy
++ The earliest settlement on the lake is believed to date back to 2000BC
++ The northern part of the lake belonged to Austria until 1918 and the end of WW1