It’s practically the same distance from Milan as from Venice (choosing one city or another to start your trip is up to you) and is one of the most spectacular natural places in Italy. This is Lake Garda, an area surrounded by snow-capped mountains, countless charming villages and of course, a huge lake where you can while away the hottest months of summer. Let’s head to this natural wonder!
To get to Lake Garda you have several options, but the best is to drive along the lake at your own pace. You can also catch a train (from either Milan or Venice) if you don’t feel like driving on holiday. It’ll be just two hours of pleasant rattling along the tracks to get to the lake, although you will have more limitations when traveling around the area.
If you want to start with one of the must-sees on Lake Garda, the town of Sirmione should be the first place you visit. It has a spectacular location on a small peninsula that juts into the water, in addition to having its own thermal baths, an impressive castle and the ruins of a Roman villa that seems to be in the middle of an ocean.
Lake Garda also has a few islands that you’ll also want to check out. The largest is Isola del Garda, about two hundred metres from the coast. The most impressive thing about this island is the Roman villa that seems to emerge from the crystal-clear waters of the lake. A must-see without a doubt.
Finally, to end this small sample of everything that Lake Garda has for a perfect getaway, another of the cities that you absolutely have to see is Riva del Garda. It’s an ancient medieval Roman town that oozes history from its pores. Among its attractions are the Apponale Tower, the Town Hall and the Praetorian Palace, all of which are perfect for a quiet stroll through the city.
Wanna get the low-down on Lake Garda? Book your cheap flights to Milan and Venice now with Iberia so you don’t miss it.
Photo: Harry Fabel
