What a great summer at Lago di Garda! We definitely got good friends this summer. I’ve actually started to appreciate and to love this great gem. ‘Gardameer’ (engl tranl. Sea of Garda) is how the Germans call it and now I understand why. At some points, it definitely looks like anywhere along the seacoast, i.e. along Croatia’s coast. The best summer feeling – and even better since there is freshwater.

In all those years since my dad had moved there, I’ve so rarely visited. Shame on me! I definitely changed the game this year and went there so many times. From South Tyrol, it’s the perfect distance for a nice weekend getaway. Mid July, Irina and Conny came down from Munich and we explored the region togheter. Moreover, I spent another weekend with my mum and friends on the other side than usual. The area around Limone is amazing too. Well, there are a lot of lovely places, which I don’t want to hold from you. Of course, I’ve included some great restaurant recommendations!

I’ve included all my recommendations. Let’s go down the memory lane a little bit! Allora incominciamo…

• By the way, Verona is super close to Lago di Garda. Find my travel guide for Verona here!

The Southwest
FROM LIMONE, PORTO DI TIGNALE DOWN TO TOSCOLANO

I can’t believe that I’ve never really been to the ‘other side’ of Lake Garda. The area from Limone toToscolano is beautiful too. It’s a little bit wilder than the North-East. Driving through the old tunnels is spectacular. We stayed at Porto di Tignale, which is a great recommendation for all surfers. In fact, it’s the most Southern part where the wind is still strong enough. I highly recommend Gargnano, Bogliaco and Toscolano Maderno too.

• Fun Fact: Why would you get stressed and look for a hotel for just one night? We spontaneously decided to stay over the night and simply slept in the car. Why not? Waking up front row with the lake in front of your feet was such a great feeling of freedom!

my favorite places in the South-East
TORRI DEL BENACO, ALBISANO, CAVAION

Let’s head over to the South-East now. The area around Bardolino is very popular and I definitely konw why. On the one hand, it is super close to the highway exit Affi. Of course, in summer time there are looots of tourists. I’ve often asked myself who loves such crowded places. However, there are people who love the fuzz. Moreover, summer is only once!

Luckily, there are smaller villages in the hinterlands or further north, which are not overrun with tourists: Torri del Benaco, Albisano, Cavaion Veronese or Castion Veronese.

• I’ve noted a great car round trip in my Google Maps!

Castion Veronese

A small village where you can stop for a coffee. The palace / villa you see on the picture above is an event location. Of course, not for a little budget. And how idyllic are the pictures below? Love it!

Albisano

Albisano lies on the mountain and you’ll be looking down to Torri del Benaco. The view over Lago di Garda is so beautiful. Best is to come here in the morning. In the afternoon the lake gets usually quite damp and the sight is not so clear.

beautiful view onto the Lago di Garda – best is to get there in the morning! Osteria degli Spiriti – great view onto the lake. Prices are a little bit higher there

Torri del Benaco

Torri del Benaco compared to its neighbor villages is still not so crowded. The charming small port is one of my favorite spots. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more relaxed place it’s the right choice (however, in high season I can’t guarantuee anything!)

• If you’re coming from Torri and heading down to Bardolino you’ll find a great ice cream shop, Gelateria al Borgho in Garda – highly to recommend!

Cavaion Veronese

Cavaion is a cute little village close to Affi. Due to its hill side it offers a great view onto Lake Garda. The village has some cute old Roman streets.

• Recommendation: enjoy the sun down at ‘Ceriel’

View from Ceriel in Cavaion

RESTAURANT-TIPS LAKE GARDA Bardolino and surroundings

Of course, you’ll get great Italian food in most of the places. However, as soon as you’ll see German translations on the menu, you are in the wrong place. Luckily, my dad knows some unpretentious, delicious trattorie. Here are couple of his favorites! I’ve already been to some!

my favorite restaurant
LA ROSA in Cavaion

There’s never been a visit to the Lago di Garda without eating at La Rosa in Cavaion. We have been going there for over ten years now, so we already know the staff and just love their dishes. They have a great terrace in summer time and good value for money. My favorite dish is the ‘spaghetti alla chitarra’. The pizza is great, the wine is delicious – what else do you need? I also recommend the lunch menu!

LOCANDA BONAPARTE in Rivoli

Another great recommendation is the Locanda Bonaparte in Rivoli Veronese. The restaurant is a little bit more chic. I recommend to share an ‘antipasto misto di pesce’ (we ordered it for two and ate it in three). The portions are huge and they’ll bring one dish after the other. Super delicious!

Boat tour at Lago di Garda

My summer at Lago di Garda ended with a beautiful boat tour. We took off in Bardolino and headed southwards. It was such a relaxing day. Well, life on a boat is just too good! We ended the day with an aperitif.

Strandbar Torre al Casello in Bardolino (Passeggiata Rivalunga 12, 37011 Sportsman-ceola VR)

Weekly market in BUSSOLENGO

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian weekly market, you should head to the hinterlands. We stopped on our way to Verona and experienced the one in Bussolengo. You’ll find everything from clothing, vegetables and fruit, meat, stationery and more.

• You can combine the weekly market with a daily trip to Verona!
• Here you’ll find all weekly markets around Lago di Garda!

Evening strolls at PESCHIERA DEL GARDA & BARDOLINO

It was just too hot during the day. Therefore, we enjoyed the time at the pool and headed to the surrounding villages in the evening. Bardolino is always a great place to go. Moreover, we drove more southwards to Peschiera del Garda. Lazise is cute too.

Peschiera del Garda

Bardolino

• Get the best ice cream at Gelateria Biancaneve. Gelateria Cristallo is a great choice as well!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my recommendations. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.

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