Lemons & Olives - a Travel Guide for Lake Garda

My Lake Garda:

One of Goethe's first impressions of Italy was of Lake Garda (or Lago di Garda). In a letter dated 12th September 1786, he wrote: How much I wished to have my friends for a moment near me in order that they might rejoice over the view which lies before me. Lago di Garda is also mentioned in the poems of Virgil and in Dante's 'Divina Commedia'.

The lake lies 65 metres above sea level and is the largest of all the Italian lakes with the Riviera degli olivi (Riviera of the olives) on its eastern shore and the Riviera dei Limoni (Riviera of the lemons) on its western shore. Set in the foothills of the Dolomites, it is a meeting point for the three regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy and Veneto. The lake has a unique atmosphere with a combination of Renaissance architecture, stunning scenery, citrus groves, vineyards and a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Lake Garda's Attractions: Top Ten Things to See and Do

1. Visit the ancient fortified town of Sirmione
2. Stroll through the botanical gardens in Gardone
3. See Scaligeri castle perched on a cliff overhanging the lake
4. Breath in the air at Sirmione's sulphur springs
5. Walk along the lake front at Salò
6. Admire the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo
7. Explore the old town of Peschiera
8. Wander through Limone's narrow streets
9. Visit the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio's grandiose Il Vittoriale at Gardone Riviera
10. Take a guided tour of the Isola del Garda from Gardone Riviera, Garda or Simione

Local Events

There are numerous events, festivals and firework displays held near Lake Garda, many revolving around food and wine, especially during the summer months. There are also musical and theatrical festivals.

Here are just a few:

January:
Olive Festival at Torri del Benarco

May:
Bardolino Chiaretto Wine Festival in Bardolino and the Gran Galà of Asparagus in Pastrengo

September:
Sagra dei Osei (Bird Festival) held at Cisano di Bardalino

October:
Festa dell'Uva e del Vino Bardolino in Bardolino, Baccalà and Polenta Festival in Thiene and the Honey Festival in Lazise

October:
In Canto sul Garda an annual event featuring some of the best choral groups in the world for this international choir competition.

Local Food and Drink

The three provinces that meet on Lake Garda, Brescia in the southwest, Trento to the north and Verona to the southeast each have their own individual character and influence on the local cuisine. The temperate climate ensures the abundance of Mediterranean style vegetation including vines, olive trees, lemon trees and orange trees.

The eastern shore is where you find the wines of Bardolino, Soave and Valpolicella. In the north you can find Cabernet, Merlot and Vino Santo. The extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its lightness and delicacy whilst the citrus fruits are an important ingredient in many local recipes, such as the lemon cream of the Riviera dei Limonithe and Limoncino liqueur.

There are more than 30 fresh-water fish species that thrive in the lake, including bleak, chub, perch, pike, sardine, tench, trout and whitefish. You can also find asparagus, chestnuts, cheese, honey, pumpkins, and truffles.

Local dishes:

Taste the Chestnut Soup or the Ravioli with a filling of whitefish and smoked Tench or maybe the Risotto with asparagus. Perch fillets in a butter or white wine sauce or the Carpaccio of Lake Garda Trout are also local delicacies.

Spotlight on: 'The Malcesine - Mount Baldo Cableway'

Take a unique cable car trip to the top of Monte Baldo for a breathtaking panorama of the lake. The first section, from Malcesine to San Michele is 1512 metres in length. The second section, from San Michele to the top of Mount Baldo is 2813 m in length, offers a remarkable sensation as the cabin slowly rotates ensuring a spectacular 360° view of Lake Garda on a clear day, unforgettable.

How to Get There

By Air: Lake Garda is within easy reach of a number of national and international airports. The nearest being Verona/Villafranca, about 35 km and Verona/Brescia Montichiari about 35 km. Both are located south of the lake with coach services to Brescia and Verona railway stations. Milan/Bergamo, Orio al Serio airport is approximately 85 km whilst Milan/Linate, Milan/Malpensa and Venice airports are about 100 km from Lake Garda.
By Bus: From Verona railway station you can reach Lake Garda by using the regional, blue coloured buses.
By Car: The A4 Milan to Venice motorway is best for south shore locations whilst the A22 Brenner to Modena motorway is best for the east and north areas of the lake. Alternatively try the SS249 Gardesana Orientale which runs along the east shore of the lake or the SS45 Gardesana Occidentale which runs along the west shore. Exit 22 and A4 will bring you to the main destinations around the lake.
By Train: For the southern shore the nearest stations are Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda.
Watch out for connections from Milan to Lake Garda as the express train does not stop at Desenzano, Peschiera or Sirmione. For the northern area of the lake, the nearest station is Rovereto.