A varied landscape, shaped not only by patches of olive trees and vineyards hills reflecting on the lake, but also by tall cypress trees, palm trees, oleanders, and the thousands of other plants and blossoms that the lakeside spring generously offers.
Distinguishing these shores is also a remarkable gastronomic heritage, born from the union of land and water, bringing fish, a light and fruity extra virgin olive oil, flavorful vegetables like Rivoli asparagus, white and fleshy, and renowned wines such as Bardolino, Chiaretto, Lugana….
Peschiera del Garda is the first town encountered on the itinerary from south to north. Surrounded by walls and nestled among the Mincio canals, which flow out of the lake right here, it lives up to its timeless reputation as the guardian of Lake Garda’s southern shore, despite its lively and cosmopolitan spirit, with many venues to enjoy late nights and amusement parks (Gardaland is just a few minutes away by car) delighting families and young people alike. Wandering its narrow streets and Venetian-style squares is delightful, allowing leisurely exploration of shop windows and secluded corners, eventually opening up to the elegant and complex lakeside promenade.
Heading north along the Veronese shore via the Gardesana coast road, one admires views of extraordinary beauty and quickly passes, like pearls on a necklace, distinctive villages and towns. Lazise, with the crenellated walls of the Scaliger castle, the Venetian Customs House and the Villa dei Cedri Thermal Park.
Cisano, which dedicates a remarkable Museum to extra virgin olive oil, complete with a shop.
Bardolino, the capital of the namesake red nectar and a spectacular Wine Road that winds towards Cavaion Veronese, passing through Affi and the Garda fortress.
After rejoining the Gardesana and passing the town of Garda, home to the Fra Pescatori Garda Cooperative, a valuable address to buy lavarelli, tenches, pikes, whitefish and other fresh fish, the lake reveals the wonder of Punta San Vigilio, the last outcrop of Monte Baldo, covered with olive trees and centuries-old cypresses, flanked by two enchanting coves, the Bay of the Sirens and the gulf of the small port.
Stopping here means admiring the lake at its widest and most open point, practically tracing its shape.
Continuing along the Gardesana, you encounter the final gems of the Veronese shore: Torri del Benaco, gathered around its turreted castle, under the shade of which dozes an ancient lemon house, a rare sight on the lake; the charming Calderini square and the seashell-shaped small port.
And Malcesine, wedged between lake and Monte Baldo, characterized by a tangle of alleys, squares, secret gardens, with small secluded beaches and windy clearings, a delight for sailors and windsurfers.
From the village, you can take the cable car up to Monte Baldo, in a crescendo of panoramas and lights (the very same that Gustav Klimt brought to his canvases), which also flood the opposite shore and the surrounding mountains.
