A profile defined not only by olive groves and hills of vineyards reflecting on the lake, but also by cypress trees straight as spindles, palms, oleanders, and the thousand other plants and blooms that the lakeside spring offers.
Distinguishing these shores is also an outstanding enogastronomic heritage, the result of the union between land and water, which brings fish, a light and fruity extra virgin olive oil; flavorful vegetables, such as 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 exit the lake right here, it does not deny its eternal fame as guardian of the southern Garda side, despite its lively and cosmopolitan verve, with many venues to stay late at night and amusement parks (Gardaland is just a few minutes by car), which delight families and youth. Walking slowly through its streets and small squares of unmistakable Venetian layout is delightful, browsing shop windows and more secluded corners, finally emerging onto the elegant and intricate lakeside promenade.
Going up the Verona shore along the Gardesana coast road, one admires views of extraordinary beauty, and meets successively, like pearls on a necklace, villages and towns with character. Lazise, with the battlemented walls of the Scaliger castle, the Venetian Customs House and the Villa dei Cedri Thermal Park.
Cisano, which dedicates a complex Museum to extra virgin olive oil, with a sales point.
Bardolino, capital of the namesake red nectar and a spectacular Wine Route, which runs towards Cavaion Veronese, passing through Affi and the Garda fortress.
Returning to the Gardesana and passing the town of Garda, home to the Fra Pescatori Garda Cooperative, a precious address to buy lavarelli, tenches, pikes, whitefishes, and other very fresh fish, the lake reveals the wonder of Punta San Vigilio, the last spur of Monte Baldo, covered with centuries-old olive and cypress trees, flanked by two enchanting coves, the Bay of the Sirens and the gulf of the small harbor.
Stopping here means admiring the lake precisely at the point where it is widest and most open, practically discerning its shape.
Continuing along the Gardesana, you encounter the last pearls of the Verona shore: Torri del Benaco, gathered around its towered castle, in the shade of which dozes an ancient lemon house, a rarity now on the lake; the charming Calderini square and the seashell-shaped harbor.
And Malcesine, nestled between lake and Monte Baldo, animated by a tangle of alleys, small squares, secret gardens, with small secluded beaches and windy clearings, delighting sailors and surfers.
From the town, you can take the cable car to Monte Baldo, in a crescendo of panoramas and lights (the same that Gustav Klimt brought to his canvases), which also flood the opposite shore and the mountains forming a crown.
