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Lake Garda
The largest lake in the Italian countryside is known as lago di Garda (Lake Garda), located between the cities of Venice and Milan in the northern part of the country.
A foremost resort-town in an alpine region, the crystal clear waters of the lake hark back to ancient glaciers at the end of the last ice age. With the mountains of Gruppo del Baldo hugging the northernmost parts of the lake and verdant hillsides facing its southern tip, Lake Garda’s expansive mirror surface glimmers deep within two rocky coastlines, its deepest point reaching down over 340 meters.
Throughout the lake region, a pleasant and mild climate is enjoyed, stimulating the growth of predominately Mediterranean produce such as olives, grapes, figs, etc.
Five islands on the lake are available for adventure—the Isola del Garda, the largest, the Isola dei Conigli (Rabbits Isalnd), the smaller Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno and Isola di Trimelone.
Today, its vast shores stretch across the provinces of Verona, Brescia and Trento, making the area a familiar weekend water-sports destination among locals and their international guests. Water-skiing, wind-surfing, boating and fishing are typical activities on the water.
For land-lovers, there are rounds of golf, trails to go exploring either on horseback or on foot—to explore the verdant hinterland and vineyards in the area.
The south of the lake invites travellers wanting a taste of cultural heritage in the Garda Lake. The ancient fortified town of Sirmione, located there is one particularly popular destination. Its castles from the 13th Century and grottoes were once immortalized by the poet Catullus whose own Roman villa is found in the region.
