Garda Holidays

Lakeside life

Garda's tree-lined promenade stretches along the water's edge for over a mile and is the centre of town life. Whether you stroll along taking pics of the view or add in some pedal power and make it a family cycle trip, there’s always a gelateria or café when it’s time for a treat. Garda sits on a wide bay, so you’ve a few beaches to choose from. Close to Garda’s centre is La Cavalla beach, just the spot to enjoy a pebbly paddle or go for a splash in the lake. The peninsula is in a class of its own when it comes to old-world romantic charm, and you can tie a trip to the beach here with a wander down to the harbour past centuries-old buildings and olive groves.

Family-friendly fun

Garda’s in a top spot for getting out and about with the kids. Gardaland theme park – one of Italy’s most famous amusement parks – is close by, with everything from laugh-out-loud rides to ocean wonders in the Sea Life Aquarium. Both the huge water park at Canevaworld Resort and Movieland theme park are a hop on the bus away too. Pick from hotels with pools and convenient self-catering stays, add in boat trips and beach days and it’s easy to keep the smiles coming.

Fortresses and palaces

Hard to miss is La Rocca – the steep hill between Garda and Bardolino where the ruins of a 5^th century fortress and watch tower lie. This imposing landmark gives the lake its name, ‘Garda’ coming from the ancient Germanic term Warda, meaning ‘watch’ or ‘lookout’. It goes without saying that you’ll be met with spectacular views and you can keep the history feels going with lunch on the piazza outside the Palazzo dei Capitani, a 14^th century building in Venetian Gothic style which was once a palace for the Captain of Lake Garda.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Garda:

• Lakeside promenade with cycle paths
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Tennis courts
• Markets
• Local museums