LAKE GARDA Lake Garda, in ancient times known as the Benàco, is the largest lake in Italy and is divided between the regions of Veneto, Lombardia and Trentino. Lake Garda is one of the most highly-appreciated tourist destinations in Italy, visited each year by millions of tourists coming from all over the world. It is situated in a favourable position, at the intersection of European motorway and railway links and just a few kilometres from an international airport. The area to the south of Lake Garda is flatter and surrounded by gentle hills. Here the lake is so wide that almost resembles the sea. Moving towards the north the lake becomes increasingly narrower and elongated, enclosed by high rocky banks, a long blue strip which recalls the appearance of a Nordic fjord.

 
FACTS ABOUT LAKE GARDA
65 metres above sea level
369 sq. km surface area
51.6 km long
17.5 km wide
162 km perimeter
346 metres deep max.
5 small islands: Garda, Olivo, San Biagio, Sogno, Trimelone
24 - 28 °C average summer temperature
16 - 20 °C average temperature in spring and autumn
16 - 24 °C temperature of the surface water

THE RIVIERA DEGLI OLIVI
The Riviera degli Olivi is a stretch of coast along the eastern bank of Lake Garda, 50 km long, in the province of Verona, characterised by the large number of olive trees, but which is also marked by the presence of vineyards, cypress, oleander and palm trees and other typical Mediterranean plants.
Along the southern stretch of the coast the gentle hills and flatter areas enclose the wide expanse of the crystal-clear azure waters, offering a variety of magnificent views. The northern coast is instead dominated by the grandiose and spectacular landscape of Monte Baldo (2218 m high) which stands directly over the lake. This mountain is famous for its exceptional variety of fauna, to the extent that it is known as the “Garden of Europe”.
The climate is mild and relatively dry all year round, with moderate winds present almost constantly around the upper part of the lake, ensuring pleasant temperatures in summer. Rainfall, relatively limited, is concentrated above all in the spring and autumn months.
The enchanting landscape, the opportunity for bathing at long stretches of beach in the clear waters, the historic and cultural attractions, the wholesomeness of typical local products, the vicinity to the artistic cities of Verona and Venice, the range of events and performances and the infinite possibilities for sport and entertainment make a visit to the Riviera degli Olivi on Lake Garda a complete experience for the visitors who come here each year.

Here one can choose to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful stay or an active and more animated holiday taking advantage of the various recreational possibilities.
The Riviera degli Olivi on Lake Garda boasts a long tradition of hospitality and each year tourists from all over the world come here, with a total of more than 10 million visitors.
The range of accommodation offered on the Riviera degli Olivi on Lake Garda is extensive and generally of a high quality. Most of the hotels and residences, from the most refined and exclusive to the more economical, are small and medium-sized and family run. They are capable of satisfying the requirements of every kind of tourist clientele.

The images of Lake Garda, with its ancient villages, churches, aristocratic villas and castles, set in a fabulous setting, surrounded by the azure blue of the lake and the greenery of the luxuriant vegetation, are a magnificent gift of nature. We would like to share this magical environment with you. Come and enjoy the unique and unforgettable experience of a holiday on Lake Garda.
We look forward to seeing you!!!

Unione Gardesana Albergatori Veronesi
The President
Dr. Antonio Pasotti

 
CONFERENCES
In the commune of Garda there is a Conference Centre seating 300 people. Another conference centre is in the old customs house in Lazise. Many hotels, especially in the central area of the lake and the area immediately inland, have rooms equipped for meetings and conferences seating from 50 to 1000 people.
Info: 045 6270799.

 
OUR RESORTS

Affi
The small town of Affi at the A22 Brenner motorway exit is within easy reach of many tourist resorts from the hinterland to the south-shores of lake Garda. The presence of extensive modern shopping malls makes Affi a real market town, however its historic centre still maintains the charm of the old peasant community. Nearby the Monte Moscal and the surrounding hillside lend themselves perfectly to pleasant walks and bicycle rides.

Bardolino
Bardolino is an important holiday resort at the centre of the Olive Riviera with extensive beaches. It is famous the world over for its "Bardolino" ruby red wine and rosé produced from the vineyards of the surrounding hills. The historic centre dominated by the bell tower of the church of San Severo with its characteristic houses and streets where one can admire masterpieces of art and local history.

Brenzone
Brenzone a much frequented tourist resort made up of many hamlets along the Olive Riviera. Close to the shore the island of Trimelone with the remains of an ancient fortress. Thanks to its position between the lake and Monte Baldo it lends itself perfectly to sailing events, windsurfing and inland excursions to the top of Monte Baldo. From its extensive olive groves and farming tradition it produces some of the most exquisite extra virgin olive oil in the area.

Caprino Veronese
Caprino is in the immediate hinterland of lake Garda at the foot of Monte Baldo, the most important service centre in the district. The hamlet of Spiazzi is much favoured by tourists and visitors to the Madonna della Corona sanctuary on the cliff overlooking the Adige valley from a height of over 500m. Set in the traditional agriculture of the area there are many elegant villas to admire as well as the oldest plane tree in Italy, an established national treasure..

Castelnuovo del Garda
Castelnuovo is in a beautiful hilltop position. The battlemented tower a reminder of the castle, the site of many historic battles. The tourist interest is concentrated mostly along the shores of the lake at Ronchi between the villages of Lazise and Peschiera where you find Gardaland the biggest theme park in Italy. In the hinterland sweeping olive groves and vineyards.

Cavaion Veronese
Cavaion Veronese, a charming village in the hinterland of the Olive Riviera, surrounded by green hills framing the south-east shores of lake Garda. with its favourable position Cavaion lends itself to a quiet stay but is also a starting point to visit the many villages of the Olive Riviera or for nature walks on the mountain and along the lake. In the area there are many courtyards, wells and fountains, testimonials of the farming community as well as interesting evidence of prehistory.

Costermano
Costermano is a small tourist centre in a panoramic position overlooking the beautiful bay of Garda. It has a well tended war cemetery which houses the remains of over 22.000 german soldiers killed in the second world war, also a small museum. In the neighbourhood amidst flourishing mediterranean vegetation, villages and beautiful villas you can enjoy walks and rides by bicycle or horseback. At Marciaga there is a 18 hole + 19 executive golf course.

Ferrara di Monte Baldo
Ferrara di Monte Baldo is a small village in a panoramic position on the east face of Monte Baldo, enjoyed by tourists and excursionists in both the summer and winter seasons. At Novezzina there is the Botanical Garden of Monte Baldo, a real paradise for lovers of nature and the mountains rare and rich flora. The installations at Novezza (1.400m-1.680m) take you to ski slopes with four ski-lifts and ski school.

Garda
The village which gives its name to the lake, in ancient times called Benaco, is one of the major tourist centres of the Olive Riviera. In a magnificient bay dominated by La Rocca, once used as fortress. The historic centre of the medieval village with its multicoloured houses and narrow alleys maintains all its charm. To the north villas and olive groves lead to the point of San Vigilio and the bay of Sirens, one of the most beautiful spots on the lake.

Lazise
Lazise is a renowned tourist resort of the Olive Riviera with its characteristic historic centre within the medieval walls and towers. Around the harbour among elegant houses, alleyways and squares you will find the castle, the church of San Nicolò and the venetian Customs House. For its enviable position on the lake the harbour of Lazise had for many centuries both military and commercial strategic importance. Nearby at Colà the thermal spa "Villa dei Cedri"

Malcesine
Malcesine at the northern end of the Olive Riviera is one of the most favoured tourist resorts facing the lake and backed by olive groves at the foot of Monte Baldo. The ancient picturesque village is built round the rock on which stands a superb medieval castle overlooking the lake, mentioned by Goethe in his 'Travels in Italy' in 1786. Nearby the cable-car taking you in a few minutes to Tratto Spino (1.700m), Ideal starting point for wonderful walks or biking on Monte Baldo. In the winter a chair-lift and ski-lift provide over 11km of piste.

Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera is a much frequented tourist and comercial centre at the southern end of the Olive Riviera and the source of the river Mincio. Peschiera has the typical aspect of an ancient military fortress with walls and battlements rising from the water in the form of a pentagon to protect the historic centre and playing an important part in Italy's history. The oasis of the little lake Frassino and the valley of the Mincio river provide pleasant walks and bicycle rides.

San Zeno di Montagna
San Zeno di Montagna is both a winter and summer resort in the unique environment of Monte Baldo from which you can admire the breathtaking panorama of lake Garda and the surrounding landscape. Chosen by families and people of every age for a pleasant healthy stay. San Zeno is the destination for many mountain lovers since it offers innumerable possibilities of walks and excursions at altitude and in the nearby resorts of the Garda area. The lift installations of Prada- Costabella - 1.850m take you to pistes with 3 ski lifts.

Torri del Benaco
Torri del Benaco is a much frequented tourist resort of the Olive Riviera at the foot of Monte Baldo in the enchanting setting of pine trees and olive groves. The ancient village one of the most characteristic on the lake is enclosed by typical medieval walls and towers. Facing the little roman harbour is the scaliger castle and the Palazzo del Consiglio Gardesana. The hinterland provides valuable evidence of prehistory. Torri is linked to Maderno on the west coast of the lake by a car ferry.

 
QUOTATIONS REFERRING TO LAKE GARDA
Many famous figures from the past stayed on Lake Garda, remaining enchanted by the landscape and dedicating some beautiful passages to the landscape. Among these we choose to recall:

Stendhal: “For those who are sensitive to the sublime, I beg the reader to look at a map of Lake Garda. The banks of this lake, with their contrast to the attractive forests and the tranquil waters, make up perhaps the most beautiful landscape in the world”
Goethe: “Do you know the town where lemon trees flower and golden oranges glimmer among the dark leaves? A gentle breeze blows from the azure sky; myrtle blossoms peacefully and the laurel bushes stand high. Do you know it? There ! There ! I would wish to go with you oh my beloved!”
Dante: “Suso in Italia bella giace un laco, a pié de l'Alpe che serra Lamagna sopra Tiralli, ch’ha nome Benaco. Per mille fonti, credo, e più si bagna tra Garda e Val Canonica Pennino de l’acqua che nel detto laco stagna.”
Carducci: “Somiglia d’intorno il Benaco una gran tazza argentea, cui placido olivo per gli orli nitidi corre misto a l’eterno lauro.”
Gide: “From the marvellous memory of it which I hold in my mind I will draw the force to live through the winter.”
Lawrence: “A lake as beautiful as the beginning of creation.”

 
USEFUL INFORMATION

In this page we provide some simple information which will help you to best organise your journey and visit to the Riviera degli Olivi on Lake Garda.

Documents
For citizens from a member state of the European Union a valid identity card is required. For all other citizens from outside the European community a valid passport is required.

Currency
In Italy the official currency is the €uro. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks.
Payment using the most widespread cash and credit cards is frequently accepted in the hotels, shops and restaurants in the area.

Language
There is widespread knowledge of German and English, but French and Dutch are also spoken relatively frequently by those in the tourist sector.

Health services
There are good hospitals and first aid facilities in the area, covering every possible eventuality. Where applicable, request the health service certificate valid for ltaly. There are no obligatory vaccinations.

Telephoning Italy
To telephone Italy from abroad it is necessary to first dial the prefix 0039, followed by the telephone number of the person required.

Climate
There is a mild and pleasant Mediterranean climate. The average temperature in summer is between 24 and 28°C, whereas in the intermediate seasons it generally falls between 16 and 20°C, with limited rainfall in spring and autumn.

Clothing
Practical and comfortable garments are recommended, with comfortable shoes, a pullover for cooler evenings and a light waterproof jacket. Swimming costume, cap, sunglasses and suncream should not be forgotten. A few elegant garments for the evening in higher class hotels will be appreciated.

Beaches
With a few exceptions, all the beaches are free. However some hotels close to the banks of the lake offer a beach service, with deckchairs and beach umbrellas.

Cooking
In the many hotels, restaurants and eating places on the Riviera degli Olivi on Lake Garda there is a wide choice of regional dishes, Italian cooking and local gastronomic specialities, with extensive use of lake fish, local and other Italian wines and extra-virgin olive oil from the area. However there is also pizza in the best Italian tradition.

Shopping
One can choose to go shopping in the many shops in the tourist centres, in the large shopping centres or at the traditional local markets. The extra-virgin olive oil and local wines are among the most popular and highly appreciated products.

Car hire / Taxis
The main car hire companies have offices at the airport and Verona station. In the main tourist centres on Lake Garda it is possible to hire cars, mopeds and bicycles. It is easy to book taxis from the hotels.

 
MAP OF LAKE GARDA