When should I go?
June to September is best for the really good weather, when daily highs average 23 – 28C/73 – 82F. Tourists flock to the lake in July and August. But all year, Lake Garda has something for everyone and is an ideal holiday destination. Many of our apartments and villas are available all year.
Where is it?
The 48km long lake is in Northern Italy, east of Milan and fairly close to the provincial town of Brescia and the famous city Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Who goes there?
Families, mature holiday-makers, couples, walkers and watersports enthusiasts looking for a sedate holiday in a beautiful location. Desenzano has some nightlife but this is not the place for loud partying.
How to get there?
Fly to Verona Brescia, Milan Bergamo or Verona Catullo airport with a no-frills airline such as Ryanair for unbelievable deals, then hire a car for total independence. Alternatively get a taxi transfer from the airport, or catch a bus from Verona, Brescia, Mantua or Milan, or go by train to Desenzano del Garda, on the main Milan – Venice line. Fly-drivers should take the A4 motorway and S11, which link Milan with Venice, or the A22 which connects Verona and Trento.
Where to stay?
Salò on the western shore is the most fashionable resort on Lake Garda and a favourite with Italian holiday-makers coming from Brescia and Milan, with designer shops, boutiques, fabulous restaurants and a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere. Visit its old centre with cobbled streets and squares and enjoy a walk along the lungolago, one of the largest promenades on the lake. At the southern tip of the lake on a peninsula sits Sirmione, loved by bathers but often full of tourists. We recommend staying elsewhere and saving Sirmione for a day trip.
Need a treat?
Splash out on a massage, sauna or choose from dozens of body treatments at the Terme di Sirmione’s Catullo or Virgilio spas. Leisurely cruises from small and friendly Malcesine to Riva or tiny, laid-back Limone are also relaxing. The Grand Hotel Fasano near Gardone Riviera has a fabulous day spa with excellent prices and a very luxurious feel.
If culture is more your thing, head for Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda’s most elegant holiday spot for decades. Here you can tour Il Vittoriale, an amazing villa once owned by the notorious 20th century poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. D’Annunzio’s Second World War museum and an open-air theatre staging opera, ballet, plays and classical concerts in July and August are among the highlights.
If you are feeling active, just north of Toscolano Maderno is Campione, an excellent and world-renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing spot. Alternatively, try wakeboarding at Padenghe del Garda, further south where the lake widens and the wind drops. You can also learn to sail, go mountain biking, paragliding and even canyoning – jumping into rapids and floating downstream. Pleasant, undemanding walks are possible from Gardone Riviera, inland to Monte Spino or Monte Pizzicolo, and you can hike all around the hills behind Salò, Gardone, Tignale and Toscolano Maderno.
Golf
Lake Garda offers a truly wonderful experience for both the novice and experienced golfer alike.
With the variety of courses out there, you will be certain to find one that fits your style, your experience, and your preferences.
46° Parallelo Golf Club lies on the outer part of Lake Garda to the north. This golf course offers golf
training and driving range, pitching green and a three hole golf course with experienced golf trainers to perfect your technique.
46° Parallelo Golf Club
Loc. Cargadori 1
I-38074 Dro (TN), Fraz. Pietramurata
Phone: 0039/ 0464/ 507092
Email: info@46pgc.it
Website: www.46pgc.it
Golf Cà degli ulivi provides an amazing view of Lake Garda. Located 3km above Garda, you will stand
in awe of the beautiful panorama. This club offers an 18 hole Champion’s Course as well as a 9 hole course that is designed more for the advanced players due to the precision shots required. Tournaments are held each Sunday.
Golf Cà degli ulivi
Via Ghiandare 2
I-37010 Marciaga di Costermano (VR)
Phone: 0039/ 045/ 627903-0
Fax: 0039/ 045/ 627903-9
Website: www.golfcadegliulivi.it
Golf Club Paradiso del Garda has an 18 hole course and a 4 hole Course paradisetto designed as a training course for beginners.
Golf Club Paradiso del Garda
Localitá Paradiso
I-37019 Peschiera del Garda (VR)
Phone: 0039/ 045/ 64058-02
Fax: 0039/ 045/ 64058-08
Email: info-golf@parchotels.it
Website: www.golfclubparadiso.it
Golf Club Verona is the place for nature-loving golfers. It has received the honored Green Flag for its combination of sport and conservation. Its 18 hole course starts out narrow and leads to wider fairways for the second half.
Golf Club Verona
Loc. Cà. del Sale
I-37066 Sommacampagna (VR)
Phone: 0039/ 045/ 510060
Fax: 0039/ 045/ 510242
Email: golfverona@libero.it
Website: www.golfclubverona.com
Chervò Golf San Vigilio is a new addition to the golfer’s paradise which is Lake Garda. It has a 27 hole course and 9 hole short course set among the hills.
Chervò Golf San Vigilio
Località San Vigilio
I-25010 Pozzolengo (BS)
Phone: 0039/ 030/ 9918248
Fax: 0039/030/9918248
Golf Club Villafranca is a wonder of nature. With its olive trees, pine trees and cypresses, the nature lover will find this is a beautiful course to play on. With its 27 hole course, every golfer will find the challenge they are seeking.
Golf Club Villafranca
Loc. Casella 32 Pozzomoretto
I-37069 Villafranca (VR)
Telefon: 0039/ 045/ 6303341
Fax: 0039/ 045/ 6303341
Email: info@golfvillafranca.com
Website: www.golfvillafranca.com
Bogliaco Golf Resort is located 100 metres above Lake Garda which offers a spectacular view of the entire lake and the mountains beyond. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Bogliaco Golf Resort
Via del Golf 21
I-25088 Toscolano Maderno (BS)
(Brescia) Lake Garda Italy
Tel: 0039/ 0365/ 643006
Fax: 0039/ 0365/ 643006
Email: golfbogliaco@tin.it
Website: www.golfbogliaco.com
Golf Club Arzaga is the course for the Arazaga Golf Resort. Here you can combine the 18 hole and 9 hole courses with a relaxing visit to its renowned spa and health centre.
Golf Club Arzaga
Loc. Carzago
Carzago di Calvagese della Riviera (BS)
Tel: 0039/ 030/ 6806266
Fax: 0039/ 030/ 6806473
Email: golf@palazzoarzaga.com
Website: www.palazzoarzaga.com
Golf Club Il Colombaro offers a relaxing game for the experienced or the beginner golfer.
Golf Club Il Colombaro
Via Colombaro 1
I- 25087 Salo
Tel: 0039/ 0365/ 43327
Fax: 0039/ 0365/ 43327
Email: info@villenparksanghen.com
Website: www.ilcolombaro.it