Things to do
FOOD
Lake Garda is famed for its delicious olive oil. Try it as an accompaniment to the lake’s freshwater fish. You’ll find the region’s citrus fruits in many of the local specialities, including Limoncino liqueur. And while you’re wandering, pick up freshly picked peaches and plums to snack on as you travel.
CULTURE
Lake Garda’s medieval villages, Venetian palaces and castles are architectural delights, giving a glimpse into what life here was like through the centuries. The lake’s villas highlight the wealth and power that have always been associated with the region. Today, Lake Garda still attracts a cosmopolitan and exclusive crowd from across Europe.
HISTORY
The castles that stand proudly upon the hills around the lake each have a story to tell. From medieval princes to poets, Lake Garda has always exerted a pull on those with a romantic leaning. Visit the Roman villa in Sirmione – known as the Grotto di Catullo – that’s one of the finest examples of a private building from the Roman period in all northern Italy.