Top Things to do in Lake Garda
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10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Lake Garda That You Shouldn't Miss
The largest of Italy’s fresh-water lakes, Lake Garda is located in northeast Italy. Tourists traveling here will find plenty of excursions and activities to keep them entertained year-round—everything from visiting hilly wine regions to exploring 14th-century castles. The towns and communities surrounding Lake Garda offer easy day trips from Venice, easily accessible by car or train. Major sights include the towns of Sirmione (which attracts most Lake Garda visitors thanks to its historic Rocca Scaligiera castle) and Riva del Garda (for the Varone waterfalls located nearby), as well as the region’s hills, which offer numerous hiking trails for adventurous walkers.
Restaurants in Lake Garda
1. Strada della Forra
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,121 reviews
Panoramic route into the torrent Brasa gorge From 27/07/2020 till 30/09/2020 one way uphill in the first part - Atm closed for work in progress
Reviewed By 9000Gent - Ghent, Belgium
A really must do. Road is narrow with lots of curves and with very nice views on the Garda lake. It is a one way street (as of this year from 10 am till 17 pm) when you climb, so normally you cannot have oncoming cars. (otherwise there are traffic lights). To get back you simply follow in the little village of Pieve at the round about the indications for Voltin, Vesio, follow that road untill you see a sign Limone to the right. So you will get back on the road around the lake.
2. Castello Scaligero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,572 reviews
Reviewed By rokznidar
For a very appropriate entrance fee (6e) you see a very well thought out presentation of history and natural habitat. Together with a beautiful view and a pleasant town, this is a great destination to see.
3. The Bastion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 925 reviews
The Bastione, a tower of grey stone, located at the foot of Mount Rocchetta, is one the symbols of Riva del Garda, overlooking the city and Lake Garda. It was built in the early XVI century, just after the end of Venetian domination over Riva. It was destroyed in 1703 by the French troops under leadership of general Vendôme, who mined the main body thus rendering it unusable. It’s a few minutes walk from the port of Riva, along a road that winds through the black pinewood of the lower Rocchetta. The path then rises further to the chapel of St. Barbara on the mountainside (610m) and the Rocchetta itself (1520m). The Bastione has recently been restored. Visitors may see the imposing external bodywork and what is left of the inside from a winding staircase. The locations enjoys an excellent view.
Reviewed By 535janetr - Burgess Hill, United Kingdom
An easy walk up to The Bastion as the funicular wasn't open till 11. Fantastic views from the top with a very nice cafe where you can get good coffee and admire Riva from on high. Be careful to check what time the funicular opens, on the day we went it wasn't till 11 as it was closed for maintenance. Very busy by the time we left.
4. Torre Apponale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By annem6432
This area is a super area for relaxing over a cool drink with loved ones and people watch. There is always something going on in the square next to the harbour.
5. Casa del Dazio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
This was the headquarters of the Austrian customs who built it in the early 18th century. The little building gives the small harbour of Torbole a somewhat Venetian atmosphere.
Reviewed By sinarak - Hong Kong, China
The Austrian customs house is located at the waterfront just across from Hotel Lago di Garda. A beautiful and quaint small house always decorated with flowers!
6. Piazza 3 Novembre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Formerly called Piazza Granda and then Piazza Benacense, this piazza is the heart of both the old and modern town. It is the location for the Office of the Podestà and the Town Hall, the Torre Apponale a several houses of the nobility. The arcades dating back to the period of Scaligera rule, which close off the piazza towards the harbour and the lake, used to house the markets and shops.
Reviewed By miacabrerm - Miami, United States
Riva del Garda is at the north end of Lake Garda, next to the lake and surrounded by mountains. The piazza is right next to the lake and there are coffee shops and restaurants all around and surrounded by mountains, it can't get better than that ! Beautiful place to visit or to spend a week there as a base to visit all the towns bordering the lake and the hilltop towns nearby some of which have a huge Austrian influence like Bolzano for example. I absolutely love this area!
7. Belvedere Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
A panoramic viewpoint on a small rocky outcrop overlooking Torbole. From here the eye can roam over the lake and the houses below. The remains of a some walls suggest the existence in the past of a settlement or maybe a tower.
8. Centrale Idroelettrica di Riva del Garda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
This imposing structure was built in the 1920s to generate power from Lake Ledro which is channelled through a pressurized tunnel in the rock. The architect behind the project was Giancarlo Maroni. The numen aquarum on the facade was the work of the sculptor Silvio Zaniboni.
9. Duomo Santa Maria Annunziata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By ClaireP662 - Dublin, Ireland
We went into this church everyday to look at all the different altars each with their own most amazing history and art. Lovely oasis of calm. Good leaflets explaining everything. And then a tasty ice cream when you came out
