Lake Garda’s glittering wind-swept waters have long attracted poets, artists, writers and politicians, from DH Lawrence to Wolfgang Goethe – not least Mussolini, who ran the Italian Socialist Republic from the lakefront town of Salò on the western shore.
Fringed by the Dolomites to the north, Italy’s largest lake is Mediterranean both in feel and in flavour, with a mild, temperate climate and a decidedly slow pace of life. Hills are carpeted in olive trees and vineyards, while citrus groves are thick with plump, juicy lemons. In lakefront villages, restaurant tables spill out onto pretty waterfront squares, while boats zip across glimmering waters.
The lower basin is punctuated with sandy coves and gentle rolling hills, while travelling north, the lake takes on a new appearance, with hills replaced by sheer jagged cliffs that plunge into the waters. The northern shore is swept by mountain winds that create the perfect conditions for watersports, with windsailing, kitesurfing, and flyboarding making this a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
For further Lake Garda inspiration, see our guides to the area’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and things to do.
