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The largest of Italy's lakes, Lake Garda is a study in contrasts. From the ancient fortress town of Sirmione to the picturesque village of Garda, visitors delight in quiet shore towns and bustling city centers . . . but should be prepared to stumble on the unexpected. Traveling around the lake, surprises await. Carved out of the woods are modern-day theme centers: Gardaland, Italy's first amusement park; Movie Land Studios; Medieval Times and the Rock Star Restaurant! 

For the shopping enthusiast, Garda and Malcesine each offer unique wares; Riva del Garda is a much larger, but nonetheless interesting town, with lanes of every kind of shop.

 

There are great leather goods finds as well as hard to resist glassware (but do remember whatever fragile items you buy still have to make it home intact!). Something to keep in mind - metric is the measurement used in Europe, so if you plan to buy a leather belt as a souvenir, make sure you know the conversion (ex. a 36" waist needs a 91+ cm belt). As friendly as locals are, some do draw the line at serving as stand-in mannequins!

 

Mouse over some of these shots of Lake Garda towns to learn a bit more about these lovely villages, or click the set to view as a slideshow.

On a peninsula at the southern end of Lake Garda, Sirmione proudly juts into the lake as it has since the 1st century BC.

 

Throughout the centuries, ownership changed countries and A-listers for each generation reportedly enjoyed the beach and views from Sirmione. The small spa town is still a destination for the well-to-do, as attested to by the steady stream of Aston Martins and Lamborghinis squeezing down narrow passageways and around curious tourists.


Scaliger Castle, built in the 13th century, is an imposing landmark, whether viewed from land or lake. Winding through the town in the shadow of the commanding castle is a delight to all the senses. Don't try sampling gelato from every shop, though; no one could survive that!

Continue your trip through Italy with a visit to the Milan, Verona, Lake Como, Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore pages,

or go back to the Italy home page.

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