Stunning scenery, ancient ruins and delicious Italian food – there’s plenty to love about holidays to Lake Garda. The shores of Italy’s largest lakes are lined with luxury hotels, making summer breaks here a great alternative to the seaside. To the north of the water, the scenery is all dramatic mountains, whilst to the south, it’s rolling countryside and rich vineyards. The resorts around the lake’s edge offer a mix of enchanting cobbled streets, inviting eateries and smart shops. There’s a host of interesting things to see and do on Lake Garda holidays, from shopping to wine tasting. As for the lake itself, it’s the perfect place to try out watersports, or cool off in the crystal clear waters. Stylish, scenic and sophisticated - it’s easy to see why so many choose to holiday in this beautiful part of the world.
In summer, the warm, clear waters of Lake Garda are perfect for swimming and watersports. Some of the activities available on the lake include sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. On dry land, the mountains in the surrounding area are excellent for hiking, mountain biking and paragliding. The resorts around the lakes edge tend to be charming and rustic, with plenty of pavement cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. If youre a history buff, theres plenty to discover here, including Sirmione on the south shore, where you can discover spa complexes and shop in the vibrant market. Pretty 13th century castle Scaliger is well worth a visit, as is the Roman spa named after poet Catullus. For a fun family day out, head to nearby Gardaland, one of Italys bestloved theme parks.
Theres plenty to do after dark in Lake Garda, with the resorts of Bardolino and Desenzano being especially good for nightlife. Entertainment after sunset is low key, but plenty of venues stay open late. Generally, pubs and wine bars stay open until 2am, with nightclubs closing their doors even later, at around 4 or 5am. Despite these late opening hours and the bustling atmosphere around the lake, Lake Garda holidays definitely dont attract the clubbing crowds.
Unsurprisingly, food and drink is a big part of life in Lake Garda. Choose from countless coffee shops, trattorias and ristorantes, many with beautiful lake views. Try freshlycooked pasta and pizza, or took into delicious, refreshing gelato. When it comes to drinks, the areas wine is famously good.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct vaccinations and / or special medication for your destination. Please consult your GP for advice at least one month ahead of travel. It is essential that you meet the visa and passport requirements for your chosen destination. Visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk) website for up to date entry requirements listed by country.
Popular destinations in Italy you may be interested in:
Florence, Lake Garda, Milan, Naples, Rome, Rimini, Sorrento, Venice, Verona
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