With a surface area of 370 square kilometers, Lake Garda is the largest lake in our country. Its waters touch three regions of northern Italy: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, offering an endless variety of landscapes and diverse places. From the Alps to the Po Valley, passing through islands and fairy-tale villages with medieval castles perched above the water.
Lake Garda is a perfect destination for trips and weekend getaways all year round, even in winter thanks to a mild climate that never lets the waters freeze and allows excursions even in the coldest months. With so many options, it's hard to decide what to see at Lake Garda, so let's explore together the most enchanting destinations!
Garda Trentino: Riva del Garda and Its Secrets
Our journey along the shores of Garda begins in the north, where the lake narrows into a more elongated shape, surrounded by mountains. Garda Trentino is especially loved for its numerous nature trails, favored by trekking enthusiasts.
Riva del Garda is the first stop, a village embraced by Monte Rocchetta, inhabited since Roman times. A stroll along the lakeside and historic center to admire the Apponale Tower and the Palazzo Pretorio must be followed by an excursion into nature. Near the town, two of the most beloved hiking routes unfold, known for their high adrenaline levels. The first is the Ponale Trail, a steep road perched above the lake; the second is the Busatte-Tempesta Trail, a climb along breathtaking stairways.
The area around Riva del Garda is also rich in waters and especially waterfalls. Among these, the most famous is the Varone Waterfall, nearly a thousand meters high, enclosed in a natural gorge carved by water and accessible via walkways. Another waterfall that can be followed upstream to its summit is the Sajant Waterfall, accessible via a via ferrata where you can climb with the assistance of an expert guide.
Staying on the natural front, a beautiful excursion is also the one from Garda to the nearby Lake Ledro and its stilt houses. Today, there are many amusement and theme parks, perfect not only for families. Gardaland (in the municipality of Castelnuovo del Garda) is the largest amusement park in Italy, with many attractions and roller coasters for all tastes. You can also find Movieland, dedicated to cinema, and the Caneva Waterpark. On the natural side, the Parco Natura Viva in Bussolengostands out, a zoological garden that protects, conserves, and cares for over 200 animal species from around the globe; as well as the Sigurtà Garden Park in Valeggio sul Mincio which hosts flowers of every kind, centuries-old trees, and a splendid hermitage.
If this itinerary has helped you decide what to see at Lake Garda, take a look at our organized trips, weekend itineraries, and events of all kinds.