Lake Garda is very large. Its northern and southern parts are very different, and getting from one end to the other is not so easy: the roads are slow and congested. The north is more nature-recreational, the south is tourist and entertainment. This topic provides general orientation to the area: Lake Garda buses, tickets, ships, roads, beaches.
Travel in Italy
Tivoli Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana
Tivoli with its Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana is the best option for a day trips from Rome. And even for two trips, since there is still Villa Adriana. You will be able to see three different beautiful parks with fontains, waterfall or ancient buildings and get away from the sun and crowds of Rome.
Venice lagoon islands to visit
The main Venice lagoon islands to visit are Murano, Burano and Torcello. But before you visit them, make sure you have completed the basic Venetian program. Still, island excursions should be after a couple of days in the city itself and definitely not together with Venice on a one-day excursion.
What to see in Ravenna
A long time ago, Ravenna flourished: under the Romans – the most important port, from the beginning of the 5th century – the capital of the Western Roman Empire, from the end of the 5th century – the capital of the barbarian kingdom. Then the Byzantines came and decorated it with mosaics. But the sea left, the old port was abandoned. The Byzantines were replaced by the Lombards, the Lombards by the Franks, the local feudal lords, the Venetians…
I love such fallen asleep great cities that have preserved something valuable.
Lake Maggiore Attractions of Italian part
Lake Maggiore justifies its name (“big”) – it is an infinitely long lake, a trip along which either by car or by ship seems endless long. The most beautiful parts of the lake are near Stresa (the Borromean Gulf) in the Italian part and the northern end of the lake around Ascona.
What to see in Padua
Usually tourists visit in Padua Prato della Valle Square and the Cathedral of St. Anthony. Of course, Padua was heavily bombed during the Second World War, but still there is something to see, except for the square and the cathedral, and spend at least half a day.
Lake Garda East side
The most popular destinations on Lake Garda East side are Garda and Malcesine.
From Bardolino to the north, the mountains begin to rise gradually. In the Garda they are still small, in Torri they are already of a decent height. Each village offers hiking and cycling trails of varying difficulty in these mountains.
Starting from Torri, the proposed accommodation is often high above the lake level.
Lake Garda South
The most popular of the Lake Garda South are the amusement parks between Lazise and Peschiera, Sigurta Park and the old town of Sirmione. But even smaller sights deserve attention.
Lake Garda. What to see in Sirmione
The old part of Sirmione is a busy and overcrowded very small old town surrounded by walls. What to see in Sirmione? There are a fortress, Roman ruins, a thermal pool and an ancient water source for it, and one special beach. Picturesque, but tiring, it’s more suitable for excursions than for recreation.
The place with healing waters was used as a resort even by the Romans. The next generations were not so smart and valued the protective function more. In the 19th century, tourism was rediscovered. And now the tourist plan is clearly being overfulfilled.
Lake Garda North
Lake Garda North is very beautiful: the lake is narrow, the banks are high, and the water is emerald. It is the best choice for hikers and surfers.