Garda Lake Loop Itinerary
Garda Lake Loop is a stunning 155 km road trip that starts and ends in Riva Del Garda, Italy. The journey takes you through Gargnano, Garda and Malcesine, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The best time to drive this route is during the summer months, when you can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful landscapes. The roads are generally in good condition, although there are some curvy and narrow roads along the route. Despite this, the journey can be managed with ease by every driver. The experience of this road trip is one of a kind and it is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Although it is possible to complete the trip in two days, it is highly recommended to take your time and enjoy all that Garda Lake has to offer. Keep in mind that this road trip can be quite pricey, so make sure to plan your budget accordingly.
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number of days
156 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Riva Del Garda
Distance 156 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: slow
35.8 kWh
Airports
VRN
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BGY
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Riva del Garda is a beautiful town located on the northern shore of the stunning Lake Garda in Italy. Perfectly situated for a road trip, Riva del Garda is the starting point of the famous Garda Lake Loop.
The town is a great spot for visitors to explore the lake and appreciate its natural beauty. With plenty of outdoor activities available, visitors can enjoy sailing, windsurfing and cycling around the lake or take a leisurely stroll through the old town and admire the historic churches and monuments.
Riva del Garda also offers a wealth of cultural attractions. The town is home to many art galleries and museums, as well as a theatre which hosts regular events. For those looking to sample local cuisine, Riva del Garda has a variety of restaurants and bars to explore.
The closest international airport to Riva del Garda is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), located just over an hour away by car. Car rental is available at this airport, making it easy to get to Riva del Garda and begin the Garda Lake Loop road trip.
Riva del Garda is a great place to start an unforgettable road trip around Lake Garda. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture and easy access to the rest of the lake, Riva del Garda is the perfect starting point for exploring this beautiful region.
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Riva Del Garda
- Gargnano
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
7.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Begin your journey in Riva del Garda, a charming town situated on the northern tip of Italy’s Lake Garda. From there, take a scenic drive along the lake, passing through Limone sul Garda. This picturesque village is known for its lemon groves and stunning views of the lake. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets or enjoy a leisurely boat ride. After a 30km drive, you will arrive in Gargnano, a stunning medieval village. Explore the town’s narrow streets and admire its historical sites, like the Church of Santa Maria della Neve. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the lake and be sure to look out for winding roads and narrow sections. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so be sure to check the itinerary for attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Gargnano - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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2
Gargnano
- Sirmione
Distance 46 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
10.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Gargnano to Sirmione, a journey of only 46 km that will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Gargnano, a picturesque village on the western shore of Lake Garda, and admire its beautiful houses and the majestic mountains that surround it. Then, move on to Salo, a small and charming town located in a breathtaking landscape. Here, you can visit the Salo Cathedral, a beautiful building with a rich history. Finally, your journey ends in Sirmione, a stunning city built on a peninsula. Here, you can explore the ruins of a Roman villa, the Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. On your way, drive carefully and enjoy the winding roads, narrow passages and stunning views of Lake Garda. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route.
Sirmione - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Pixabay
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3
Sirmione
- Garda
Distance 35 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: slow
8.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a memorable road trip? Let's start in Sirmione, a charming town located on the southern tip of Lake Garda. From here, you will be driving along the lake for about 35 km until you reach Peschiera del Garda. The journey will take you less than an hour and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Once you arrive in Peschiera del Garda, you can explore its historical sites, including the Venetian walls and the castle. You can also take a stroll along the lakefront promenade and admire the picturesque landscape.
Continue your road trip until you reach Garda, where you can visit the Palazzo dei Capitani. Here, you can admire the stunning architecture and take in the breathtaking views of the lake.
As you drive along this route, be sure to take in the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You will also come across some charming villages along the way, so be sure to explore them.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip and enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda!
Garda - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
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4
Garda
- Malcesine
Distance 28 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: slow
6.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Garda to Malcesine road trip! This 28 km stretch of scenic road will take you less than an hour to complete, and the breathtaking views of Lake Garda will make the journey even more enjoyable.
The first stop on your journey should be Garda, a charming town on the lake's shore. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade, visit the historic center, or relax in one of the many parks.
Next, you'll travel to Malcesine, a picturesque village perched atop a rocky hill. Here you can explore the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the castle, and take a cable car ride up to the Monte Baldo summit.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views of Lake Garda along the way. As you drive, you'll have the chance to spot some of the area's most iconic landmarks, including the Scaligero Castle, the San Michele Tower, and the ruins of the Castello di Avio.
At the end of this stage, you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Malcesine - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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5
Malcesine
- Riva Del Garda
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
4.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Malcesine to Riva Del Garda and discover the beauty of the Italian Alps. This 17 km journey takes less than an hour and is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Start your journey in Malcesine and explore its old town, with its cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and beautiful churches. Next, take a boat ride to the Scaliger Castle, which is located on a small island on the lake. Then, drive along the lake and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you make your way to Riva Del Garda, make sure to take a few stops to admire the small villages and the breathtaking views of the lake. Finally, arrive in Riva Del Garda and explore its picturesque old town. Take a stroll along the lake and visit the old churches and the castle. Don't forget to take a boat ride to the nearby Monte Baldo mountain to admire the stunning views of the lake. To get the most out of your road trip, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Riva Del Garda - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
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Riva Del Garda
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Riva del Garda is the perfect destination to end an exciting road trip around the picturesque Garda Lake. Located on the northernmost tip of the lake, this lovely town is nestled between the Dolomites and the Alps, making it a stunningly scenic spot.
Riva del Garda is home to many attractions, including historical sites, beaches, and even a fortress. Visiting the old town is a must for anyone wishing to experience the charm of Riva del Garda. Here one can find cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a variety of shops. The nearby Castello Rocca is a great place to explore the town’s history, while the picturesque lakeshore promenade is the ideal spot to soak up the sun and take in the views.
Beachgoers will love the many beaches in Riva del Garda. From the rocky coves of Porto San Nicolo to the sandy beaches of Lido di Arco, there is something for everyone. For a more active holiday, Riva del Garda has plenty of outdoor activities to offer. From paddleboarding and kayaking to hiking and mountain biking, there are plenty of ways to explore the area.
For those arriving by air, the nearest international airport is Verona Airport (VRN), which is about an hour away from Riva del Garda. No matter how you choose to get here, Riva del Garda is the ideal place to end the Garda Lake Loop and enjoy the beauty of this stunning region.
Riva Del Garda - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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Garda Lake Loop at a glance
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Start:
Riva Del Garda
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End:
Riva Del Garda
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Distance:
156 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN),
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Garda Lake Loop is an enchanting 155 km journey encircling Italy's largest lake, Garda, with a starting and ending point in the town of Riva Del Garda. This Scenic Drive offers travelers breathtaking vistas of crystalline waters and rugged mountain backdrops, and passes through idyllic towns, each brimming with unique charm and history. As part of the Italian Lakes District, Lake Garda's Loop is a testament to the area's natural allure and cultural heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Riva Del Garda: This vibrant town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval structures, such as the La Rocca fortress, which now houses a museum, and the 16th-century bastion, Il Bastione, perched on the slopes of Mount Rocchetta.
- Gargnano: A tranquil spot known for its delightful harbors and the historic Villa Feltrinelli, where Mussolini was once held during World War II.
- Garda: A bustling town with a picturesque promenade along the lakefront, and the majestic Palazzo dei Capitani, which once served as the residence of the Venetian governors.
- Malcesine: Famed for its majestic Scaliger Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Monte Baldo cable car that transports visitors to the summit for spellbinding views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
Best Time to Go:
Summer months, from June to August, are the ideal time to experience the Garda Lake Loop, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the lake's vibrant hues and the region's lush landscapes.
Potential Risks:
While the route does feature some narrow and winding Roads, they add to the adventure and are generally manageable for drivers with varying levels of experience. Caution should be exercised, especially during peak tourist season when the Roads can be more crowded.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Completing the entire loop typically takes two days; however, extending the Trip to three or more days allows for in-depth exploration of the cultural sites, local cuisine, and leisure activities.
- Budgeting is crucial as costs for accommodations, dining, and attractions in this popular tourist destination can accumulate.
- Lake Garda offers a diverse range of activities, from watersports and hiking to wine tasting and exploring ancient ruins, catering to all interests.
A good choice for:
Setting out on the Garda Lake Loop is a journey that combines the majesty of nature with a tapestry of cultural richness. It's a captivating adventure that appeals to both the active traveler seeking thrills in the great outdoors and those looking for a serene escape amidst historic towns and landscapes. Whether it's the storied past or the present-day charms, a Road Trip around Lake Garda is sure to leave an indelible mark on every visitor.
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