The shores of beautiful Lake Garda are shared between three Italian regions: Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto. And four provinces for that matter: Brescia, Trento, Verona and Mantova. It is Italy’s largest lake being over 50 km long and just over 17km wide.
It is difficult to not be enchanted by the Lake Garda. All the romantic greats have been inspired by its natural setting from Latin poet Catullus to Dante Alighieri, Goethe, Lord Byron and Stendhal. Even Franz Kafka stayed near Malcesine for 4 years.
But if you are considering throwing yourself into it, then do so in winter when the water is at its 346 meter deepest.
In the province of Brescia the smaller localities to look out for are Gardone Riviera, Bogliaco, Campione and Limone, all big favourites with sailing and windsurf enthusiasts.
Limone does refer to lemons if there was any doubt as the zone has a long tradition of fruit production. The Andre Heller (formerly Hruska) Botanical Gardens are worth a visit in Gardone Riviera.
Indeed, the self styled Riviera of Olives on the Verona side of the lake (not to be confused with the again confirms the mild micro-climate of this territory so close to the Alps. Garda’s extra virgin olive oil is also known for its low acidity level is one of the most prized in Italy.
Culinary wise you might think you are in Capri; fish, olive oil, citrus fruits and wine form the basis of the local cuisine. Fresh water fish that is including the rare Lake Garda carp, as well as trout, eel, pike, tench, carp and perch.
SUGGESTED LINKS
Riviera dei Limoni places - www.rivieradeilimoni.it
Ancient paper route walking itinerary - www.valledellecartiere.org
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