Holidays to Garda

Top attractions

Those who love driving will enjoy the Strada della Forra. With every twist and turn the scenery gets more and more beautiful. This is an excellent way to spend a day getting to know the area and taking in the sights. Those feeling slightly more adventurous may even like to make the journey on a motorbike. Sightseeing has never looked more stylish as you sit atop a Vespa.

The southern shore of Garda is dotted with great beaches, and on hot summer days they are the perfect destination for holidaymakers looking to cool down. Sirmione is a postcard perfect town that offers a fairytale-esque atmosphere to visitors. Holidaymakers can explore the town's unique entrance and wander the castle that is surrounded by water.

Bardolino is another quaint location on Lake Garda that visitors must see. The town is also home to Bardolino wine, an excellent take-home souvenir to remember your getaway by. While in Bardolino stop off at the San Severo, the eighth century church houses beautiful frescoes to be admired.

Beaches

Despite Garda not being located on the coast, holidaymakers can spend their days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Lake Garda. Around the lake there are stunning beach communities that offer sandy shores and plenty of watersports. Many of the beaches around the lake are smooth, shingle beaches that give visitors an authentic lake experience.

Just south of Lazise, visitors can find one of the three sand beaches. The narrow shore is backed by lush greenery and mountains can be seen in the distance. The sandy shores are perfect for families with young children.

If you want some privacy while sunning yourself on the shoreline, head to Riva on the northern side of the lake; but you may have to look twice to find it. Unlike the ocean, the beaches around Lake Garda do not experience any waves. Anyone looking for surfing will be out of luck. However, visitors can rent jet skis or water ski on the lake during their holiday in Garda.

Eating out

If Italy is famous for one thing, it is food. After playing in the water all day or hiking the trails around Garda, you’ll be in need of some well-earned nourishment. Garda is home to several restaurants, where you can sample the authentic tastes of Italy. Osteria al Piscatore is a popular fish restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. Another favourite is Marco e Daniela Time. This restaurant come deli is the perfect place to refuel after a hike along the river.

No holiday in Garda, or Italy for that matter, would be complete without an authentic pizza. Sit outside and enjoy a pizza from La Lanterna as you watch the world go by. Of course, you must try Bardolino wine, which is produced in the area. The famous wine can be found in a number of restaurants and bars around Garda; and if you are visiting in late September or early October, be sure to visit the Bardolino Wine Festival.

Nightlife

Garda has plenty of hot nightspots that attract travellers and locals from the region. For a classic beach bar hangout, pull up a deckchair at the Classic Rock Beach Café. The bar has a great atmosphere and if you want to play foosball or beach volleyball between drinks, you will have the opportunity to do so.

For a little more romance there is Golden Beach. This bar offers aperitivo to visitors along with outside sitting, so you can gaze up at the stars in between staring at the one you love.

If you want to get out on the dance floor, head for Coco Beach. Part loung, part disco, Coco Beach will have you dancing until dawn. The disco often occurs on the beach during the warmer months, so you can experience an evening under an Italian sky.

Lido Garda Beach Café is another tourist favourite. Sand, sun and cold cocktails are available from the café, and guests can listen to great music while sitting on the waterfront.

Family holidays

Families that love outdoor activities will love a holiday in Garda. The beaches provide plenty of space to splash about, and there are watersports like water skiing and jet skiing available. If one bench is too busy, then just head a little way down the shoreline as there is ample space for everyone. The lake also gives families the chance to sail, windsurf, and kayak or canoe around the largest lake in Italy.

Thanks to Garda's rugged landscape, the entire area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Whether you want to push yourself to the limits or just want a casual stroll, you will be able to find it all on the trails around the resort.

If you want to take the kids to see iconic architecture during your Garda holidays, there is culture and history all over the region. Arco rises beautifully toward the heavens on a dramatic cliff, and the Castello di Arco looks down across the lake. It is a sight straight out of a storybook. Malcesine is home to another magnificent castle for the family to discover. Visit the 13^th century built Castello Scaligero and see the true history of the Garda region from within.

Couples holidays

Garda is full of romantic spots for couples and places for loved ones to relax. Enjoy one of the resort’s wellness and health spas to revitalise your body. After you have restored your body after a long night out, visit one of the regular food and wine festivals that take place around Lake Garda. It is a great chance to sample some of the region's locally produced goods.

If you are looking for a magical night out, head to Gardone Riviera and stroll the waterfront at dusk. With traditional northern Italian buildings on one side and the harbour with its moored boats on the other, a truly romantic atmosphere is created as the sun sets. Find a quaint Italian restaurant serving up traditional bowls of pasta and sip locally made wines to feel the romance that Italy unearths.

Action & Adventure

If you love the outdoors, a holiday in Garda in 2018 is for you. Of course, the rugged terrain provides ample opportunity to hike and mountain bike. But the area also gives visitors the chance to climb the steep cliffs. Book a climbing tour and scale the rugged mountains that look down over the resort.

Want to try out your sea legs? Head to the beach and set sail on one of the boating tours that sail out onto Italy's largest lake. Cast your line while you are out there and spend a few hours fishing the lake's calm waters.

The area is also home to top events to watch, and sometimes to participate in. During your Garda holidays there is a chance to see a road cycling race rush through town or to catch one of the mountain running races that takes place in the hills.

Culture

Culture is everywhere on a holiday in Garda. The little towns and resorts that dot the lake are filled with history and architecture. Exploring the buildings transports visitors into the past, and provides a learning experience that cannot be found in a tour guide book. Whether it is one of the castles that you want to discover or a museum, Garda has your ticket to culture.

In June, Garda is home to the Bandiera del Lago, which is a bisse race. Bisse are boats that often sail on the lake, and the race gives holidaymakers the chance to see the traditions of the resort. July is the Garda Festival, which showcases music, and you will also find the Sardellata al Pal de Vo, which gives holidaymakers the chance to experience the traditional light of the full moon festival.

A holiday in Garda can be the magical trip you have always dreamed of. From iconic castles to glorious beaches, Garda has it all – make it top of your to-visit list  in 2018.