Calling Lake Garda simply “a lake” is an understatement, given that it is the largest Italian lake with a surface area of 370 square kilometers. It would be right to consider it a sea between the mountains, because this is the feeling you get when you look at it: no matter which direction you look, you cannot see its boundaries. In fact, Lake Garda touches three Italian regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto-Adige, offering an extraordinary variety of landscapes. From snow-capped mountains to rolling hills, from small towns on the shores to islands in the center of the lake, Lake Garda is a destination that manages to please everyone, at any time of the year. But what are the gems to visit on Lake Garda, for those planning a weekend away?
Let him tell you about it with Luca and Sara's romantic getaway: listen to the fifth episode in the podcast of E-VAI!
Lake Garda: how to get there by car sharing
How to get there, with E-VAI, it's very easy: just rent a car E-VAI in one of the over 150 stations in Lombardy, the electric charging will be complete and included in the price.
Once you jump aboard E-VAI, you need to take the A4 Turin-Venice motorway or the A22 Brennero-Modena motorway, heading towards Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda, to best start our 3-day tour of Lake Garda between dream roads, walks in history and relaxation among lemon groves and cycle paths on the lake. The first place of our weekend will be Peschiera del Garda, but first it is always good to stop at the Madonna del Frassino.
Peschiera del Garda: Madonna of the Ash
At the end of this immense cypress-lined avenue, on the sides of the Garda hills, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino, a Renaissance building erected between 1511 and 1514. A single, stupendous nave: harmony that pervades the entire church, from eight side altars and the two chapels, namely the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament and the Apparition. This church is the point of arrival for many pilgrims who go there every single year, where on May 11, 1510 a miraculous event took place: the apparition of the Madonna to the farmer Bartolomeo Broglia.
In an era marked by violent battles, destruction of cultivated lands, burned houses and epidemics, Our Lady Consolatrix of the Afflicted responded to the pleas and tears of our ancestors by bringing joy and peace. The apparition to the farmer Bartolomeo Broglia on an ash tree, in the form of a statuette illuminated by a ray of light, was an extraordinary event. The small miraculous statue of the Madonna and Child, just over 14 cm tall, is still exhibited today in its original location, in the Chapel dedicated to Her.
Looking for an image of the Madonna, one comes across a statue so tiny that it almost imposes humility: it is humility in its smallness, a symbol of the love for humility that the Madonna has always embodied. “Never try to be great, stay small. It will be the love of the Lord that will make you grow, it will be his love that will give you importance, because you are his son. But always remember to remain humble”, these words of Monsignor Eugenio Ravignani, Bishop of Trieste, resonate in the hearts of those who approach this extraordinary figure.
Peschiera del Garda: its history and its “defensive system”
During the medieval period, Peschiera was the object of disputes between the nobles and the monastic community of Bardolino, and later between the Lords of Milan and the Scaligeri of Verona. Later, Venice, with over four centuries of rule, gave Peschiera its definitive form of “fortified citadel”. In 1797, following the Treaty of Campoformio, the city came under the control of the Habsburg Empire. During that historical period, the Austrians invested considerably in strengthening the defenses, adding further military fortifications.
After the completion of these works, Peschiera, together with Legnano, Mantua and Verona, became part of the famous “Quadrilatero”, a defensive system designed by the powerful Habsburg General Radetzky. Peschiera del Garda is a fortified town completely surrounded by water, an easily defensible town, where the waters of the lake transform into the Mincio River which becomes a natural moat.
This peculiarity, which once had a totally military character, today allows you to visit the city with imagination: a tour of the walls of Peschiera del Garda by boat, to explore its hidden corners and discover what many tourists cannot see.
Today, during the tour of the walls by boat, you can admire the imposing pentagonal walls with their 5 bastions, a uniqueness also underlined by the UNESCO recognition obtained in 2017, which gave Peschiera del Garda the status of world heritage site.
Lake Garda: Molina Waterfall Park
Always on board E-VAI, about 50 minutes from Peschiera del Garda, you can reach the Molina Waterfall Park. The latter is located in a protected area within the Monti Lessini Regional Park, in the south-east area of the town of Molina.
To enter the park you cross a dreamy medieval village that leads to the protected area. The Park extends over a surface of about 80.000 square meters and includes the last stretch of the Valle di Molina and the confluence area with the Val Cesara and the Vajo delle Scalucce.
The formation of the Lessini Mountains dates back to about 30 million years ago during the Tertiary era, when the limestone rocks were gradually shaped by atmospheric agents. The presence of water on the surface and in the limestone rocks created a karst landscape with springs and surface waters. These wonderful shining waterfalls that blend within the wooded landscape were formed along the watercourses due to the differences in the erodibility of the rocks.
The Park offers a landscape characterized by woods, waterfalls, streams and watercourses, where the green of the vegetation keeps company with the variety of fauna and the grey rocky spurs. This environment is home to various animal species, including foxes, badgers, roe deer, squirrels, dormice, dippers, peregrine falcons, eagle owls, Dalmatian frogs and yellow-bellied toads, as well as macro-invertebrates that are indicators of the purity of the water in the Park's streams.
The Molina area has always attracted human interest due to the presence of natural caves, surface waters and a variety of environments and wildlife species. Inside the park you will find natural cavities that testify to human presence since prehistoric times. These caves have provided important traces of ancient human settlements, dated back to over 100.000 years ago for Neanderthals and about 40.000 years ago for Homo sapiens. The Fumane Cave, located near Molina, is one of the most significant sites in Europe for the study of prehistoric human activities.
From this park, you can take the car again, drive 40 minutes until you reach Spiazzi.
Lake Garda: Madonna of the Sanctuary in Spiazzi
To reach this mysterious sanctuary, you have to head towards Spiazzi, from where you can start a very pleasant 20-minute walk. A two-hour path that is steep, narrow, dangerous in some places, with a difference in altitude of 600 meters and 1500 steps to climb.
Once you reach the end, you will see the sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona, a church that has clung to the side of the mountain since the mid-17th century.
Inside the church, the central nave culminates with the wall of living rock that allows a glimpse of the mountain on which the church rests. The harmony between nature and architecture, between the earthly and the otherworldly world. Rock on which the sculpture of the Pietà stands out, dominating the altar. Pietà, on which the legend of the church is based.
The history of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona is surrounded by a fascinating legend. It is said that a statue depicting the Pietà was miraculously found on the edge of a cliff. According to legend, this statue was originally kept on the island of Rhodes, but was moved to Mount Baldo to protect it from the looting of the Turks of Suleiman II. A group of locals saw a light shining and heard angelic singing coming from the rock face. To reach the statue, they lowered themselves with ropes and decided to build a chapel on the exact spot where it had been found. The story spread quickly and more and more pilgrims began to visit the place. However, due to the dangerous position of the chapel, located on a cliff, it was necessary to build a path with steps in the rock along with the famous “Tiglio Bridge” to facilitate the pilgrimage. The sculptural group is said to have been donated to the sanctuary by Lodovico Castelbarco, a nobleman from Rovereto, in 1432. The painted stone sculpture dates back to the early fifteenth century and reflects the Vesperbild style from beyond the Alps.
Lake Garda: Limone sul Garda
Situated on the western shores of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a charming village. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, it offers spectacular views of the lake. Limone sul Garda is the watershed between water and land, the lake on one side and the mountains on the other. The landscape is characterized by ancient olive groves, fragrant lemon groves and lush vineyards. The combination of the deep blue of the lake, the green of the hills and the blue sky creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. In the heart of the historic center of Limone sul Garda, you will find yourself immersed in a charming environment, with narrow paved streets, brightly colored houses and pretty squares. The traditional buildings contribute to the authentic atmosphere, inviting you to take a pleasant stroll.
One of the jewels in the crown of Limone sul Garda is undoubtedly its endless cycle path overlooking the lake and since you will arrive in the evening, arm yourself with the sunset and let yourself be fascinated by an enchantment that only nature can offer. When the sun begins to set behind the majestic surrounding mountains and the sky is tinged with shades of orange, pink and purple, the cycle path transforms into a magical path immersed in a dreamlike atmosphere.
The reflection of the sky and mountains on the water creates a picture so perfect that it seems painted by an impressionist. The light breeze of the lake caresses your face as you pedal, giving you a feeling of freedom and serenity.
The cycle path, lined with centuries-old olive trees and fragrant lemon groves, takes you through a picturesque landscape that seems to have come straight out of a postcard. The lemon trees, laden with fruit, give off an enveloping scent, while the olive trees stand out against the colorful sky. Along the way, you will encounter quiet squares and narrow cobbled streets, where the ancient history of Limone sul Garda comes to life. Along the cycle path, there are panoramic points that give you a breathtaking view of the lake, with the mountains standing out against the sky in perfect contrast as they pose and wait for someone to capture the moment with a click of the shutter.
The first section of the Garda cycle path was inaugurated in 2018, and is the first part of a project that will connect with a long and unique cycle path touching 19 locations on Garda, giving life to the longest cycle path in Europe.
Lake Garda: The Forra Road and the Brivido Terrace
Strada della Forra, more commonly known as “Strada Provinciale 38” or “SP38”, is an enchanting scenic wonder located in the majestic mountains of Trentino. This breathtaking route winds through imposing and steep rock walls, creating a natural canyon through which the road picturesquely meanders. Its peculiarity lies in its unique geological composition: the rock walls that surround it create a suggestive and spectacular atmosphere. The route features numerous hairpin bends, creating an exciting driving experience and offering spectacular panoramic views of the largest Italian lake.
Over the years, the Strada della Forra has been the backdrop to several car races, attracting the attention of celebrities and classic car enthusiasts. Its fame is further enhanced by its appearance in numerous films and cinematographic productions, making it one of the most iconic and photographed roads in Italy.
The Strada della Forra is much more than just a mountain road; it is an experience that will remain etched in the memory of anyone lucky enough to travel it. Its timeless beauty and enduring charm make every journey along this route unforgettable and fascinating.
Exactly 600 meters from the end of the gorge road, you reach the Terrazza del Brivido. The elevated position of the Terrazza del Brivido offers a breathtaking view at over 350 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy a unique perspective of Lake Garda and the sinuous curves of the Gardesana road. From the terrace, you can admire the town of Campione, the first hairpin bends of the Strada della Forra that are lost among the waves of Lake Garda and the deep canyon of the Val di Brasa.
Lake Garda: Lemon House Pra de la Fam
The name “Pra de la Fam”, meaning 'Meadow of Hunger', has a rich and fascinating history. In fact, in the 16th century, fishermen and sailors who sailed the lake would often find themselves stranded on this stretch of coast due to adverse winds, forcing them to stop for several days, sometimes without food or supplies. This name tells of a time when the rugged nature of the lake and its surroundings posed a challenge to those who depended on the resources of the sea and the land for survival.
Later, the introduction of lemons to the region, thanks to the intervention of the Franciscan friars of Gargnano, during the 13th century, led to an economic revival. The friars imported lemons from the Ligurian Riviera. The mild climate of the lake, the rocks that retained heat and the mountains that protected from the cold winds of the north created an ideal environment for growing lemons. Over time, the need to protect the plants from the harsh winter led to the construction of lemon houses, which became an integral part of the landscape, allowing the intensive cultivation of lemons that were resistant to the coldest temperatures.
The intensive cultivation of lemons led to a real economic boom in the region. The Brescia side of the lake, from Limone to Salò, became famous as the northernmost citrus growing area in the world. This commercial success was fueled by the growing demand for lemons in Germany and Russia. These fruits were valuable not only for their high vitamin C content, which helped fight scurvy, a disease caused by an inadequate diet lacking in vitamin C, but also for the citric acid that was extracted exclusively from lemons at the time, used as a food preservative and disinfectant.
The local economy underwent a radical transformation thanks to this thriving commercial activity. Fishermen, breeders and farmers converted to lemon cultivation, a much more profitable profession than their previous occupations. Entire families moved from the surrounding mountains to the lake, in search of better economic opportunities. The “Giardino vecchio” of Pra dela Fam, made up of still active terraces and others abandoned, was built in 1750, covering an area of almost 5000 square meters. This garden was later expanded with the addition of the “Giardino Nuovo” in 1850, located along the path leading to Tignale.
Lake Garda: Heller Garden
The narrative of the Botanical Garden seems to emerge from a distant era in the past, shrouded in an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. The story begins with Professor Arturo Hruska, an Austrian born in 1880, a prominent figure in his time, having been the dentist of the last Tsar and frequented by eminent personalities such as Sigmund Freud and Popes Pius XII and John XXIII. Fascinated by the timeless beauty of Lake Garda, Hruska decided to settle there in 1903, purchasing land and moving his practice to the region. Thus began the first steps to create one of the most enchanting and biodiverse private gardens in Italy, an ambitious project on a vast surface of 10.000 m².
The garden's epic took a fascinating turn in the 80s, when André Heller, an eclectic artist known throughout the world for his ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries, discovered this forgotten place in 1988, a garden that seemed suspended in time, a natural work of art hidden in the folds of the landscape. Determined to preserve and enhance this botanical treasure, Heller decided to take responsibility for Hruska's legacy.
Today, the André Heller Botanical Garden proudly houses an extraordinary collection of approximately 3.000 plant species from every corner of the globe. This astonishing diversity is further accentuated by contemporary works of art and stunning landscape architecture. The garden is a symphony of colors, shapes and scents, a place where nature blends harmoniously with art, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.
You are immersed in another planet dotted with exotic plants from the most diverse climates: Tropical palms, delicate orchids, scented roses and wild flowers in bright colors create a visual and olfactory spectacle that enchants the senses and nourishes the soul. Each plant is cared for with love and dedication, transforming the garden into a lush oasis that invites contemplation and admiration.
Along the paths that wind through the trees and flowers, a series of sculptures and artistic installations that blend with the surrounding landscape in a harmonious embrace between nature and human creativity. These works of art add a touch of surprise and wonder, turning every step into a fascinating discovery. Each work has been carefully placed, creating a visual harmony that captures the imagination and inspires the mind.
After visiting the garden, there will be nothing left to do but get on your bike. E-VAI and return home more in love than ever, after these romantic stops on Lake Garda for a weekend dedicated to the most classic romantic getaways.
