12 things to do on Lake Garda in spring

Lettura: 6 min

Spring is here: what could be better than enjoying the liveliest season of the year on Lake Garda? Here are 12 ideas for enjoying the spring to the fullest in the magnificent landscape of this wonderful lake!

1. Discovering Sirmione, the peninsula on Lake Garda

Sirmione is a veritable open-air museum, and the Grotte di Catullo are a fine example! The Roman villa that belonged to the famous Latin poet Catullus is located in the most poetic and scenic spot that Sirmione can offer: the vert tip of the peninsula, with breathtaking views over the lake!

The Castello Scaligero di Sirmione is also not to be missed: among the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Italy, it is surrounded by the water of Lake Garda. From the top of the walls, you can look down over the stunning dockyard and across the lake.

One lovely way to enjoy the longer spring days is to watch the sun rising at dawn: Sirmione has some beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, in particular Jamaica Beach and Lido delle Bionde.

2. La Terrazza del Brivido in Tremosine

The village of Tremosine, perched on a terrace overlooking Lake Garda, can only be reached via the Strada della Forra, the eighth wonder of the world according to Churchill. This amazing road was carved out of the cleft in the rock created by the Bras water course, and was the backdrop for a chase by the world’s most famous secret agent, James Bond, in Quantum of Solace.

You can admire the view from the Terrazza del Brivido (literally Spine-tingle Terrace), with its sheer drop over Lake Garda, and taste the famous Formaggella di Tremosine, a typical cheese from what is officially one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy!

3. Picnic at the Rocca di Manerba

Manerba del Garda is the perfect place for nature lovers: full of lush green hills, olive groves, vineyards and pathways. The best walks lead up to the Rocca di Manerba, the remains of an ancient medieval castle standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake!

In addition, the park is full of flowers and lush vegetation, making it the perfect place for a picnic on a sunny spring Sunday!

4. Visit to the Rocca di Lonato and Casa del Podestà

The striking Rocca di Lonato is the perfect combination of history, art and nature: always considered strategic from a defensive and military point of view, the 15th-century fortification is still in perfect condition.

The area is full of beautiful green meadows and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the lake. Also not to be missed is the nearby Casa del Podestà, among the most interesting Italian house-museums, still fully furnished with antique furniture and furnishings, and with a wonderful library containing over 50,000 books!

5. Discover the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia

Nestled in a large park, the Tower of San Martino is certainly worth a visit!

Admired for its majestic exterior and artistic interior, it is an expression of Italian patriotic sentiment. It was in fact erected in memory of King Victor Emmanuel II and those who fought for the independence and Unification of Italy. From the top of the tower (74 m) there is a wonderful view over the plain below.

6. The great Vittoriale degli Italiani

The Vittoriale degli Italiani is a complex of buildings, streets, squares, gardens and waterways built by the Italian poet Gabriele D’annunzio in Gardone Riviera, officially one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

In addition to being a place of great artistic importance, it is fascinating simply for its uniqueness: the extravagance of D’Annunzio can be found in every room of the Vittoriale, each with its own peculiar design. In addition, the park, which is one of the most beautiful in Italy, is superbly kept and directly overlooks Lake Garda, offering a fantastic panorama.

7. Relaxing at the Terme di Sirmione spa

Set in a large park and directly overlooking Lake Garda, Terme di Sirmione – SPA & Thermal Garden is truly unlike any other spa! It offers everything you need to relax and restore mental and physical health.

8. Trip to Garda Island

In spring, nature in full bloom can create truly fantastic views, and nowehere is better than Garda Island to enjoy the best of this season of renewal!

You can reach the Island by a leisurely boat ride, immediately presenting you with the extraordinary beauty of the elegant Venetian neo-Gothic palazzo. Another must is a tour of the park surrounding the villa, among the most beautiful Italian gardens ever to have existed.

9. Enjoy a Pirlo in the ancient villages of Lake Garda

After the New York Times loudly praised this traditional Brescian aperitif – complete with recipe – what better time than a mild spring afternoon to try a Pirlo?

We recommend that you enjoy it in one of the ancient villages around Lake Garda: from the lakeside town of Salò with numerous bars overlooking the water, to the quaint historic towns of Toscolano Maderno, Padenghe, Moniga, or Manerba for a refreshing aperitif and stunning views!

10. Limone del Garda and the enchanting lemon houses

One of the most popular tourist locations on the Brescian Riviera is Limone del Garda, a lakeside treasure, with its picturesque corners, old houses huddled around the pretty little harbor and intimate atmosphere typical of a fishing village. Visitors are always enchanted by the narrow streets and the pretty, colorful center!

The village is also home to interesting and characteristic limonaie (lemon houses), which protect the village’s lemon trees from the northern winds.

11. Enjoy a romantic day in Desenzano

Desenzano is the perfect town for a romantic outing: we recommend a lovely walk along the lakefront to the poetic Venetian Old Port, surrounded by elegant buildings.

Don’t miss the Villa Romana overlooking the lake, full of brightly colored mosaic floors, and the imposing Castle of Desenzano, also directly overlooking the water.

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12. Exploring the André Heller Botanical Garden

Gardone Riviera is home to the Botanical Garden featuring the oriental charm of André Heller, among the world’s most influential and successful multimedia artists. A true piece of paradise, it is home to more than 3,000 species of plants from the far-flung corners of the earth, and is filled with magnificent colors, water pools, statues and peaceful little corners.

It has been decorated with art installations of various kinds – from highly original and contemporary to Eastern spirituality – in special combination that gives the garden an inimitable charm!

For things to do on Lake Garda in the coming season, take a look at the “events” section.