If you are looking for inspiration on 'original' activities that can make your holiday unique and worthwhile, you are in exactly the right place! Discover with us through this list, 10 things you absolutely must do while on Lake Garda.
1. ENJOY THE LAKE FROM ABOVE FROM THE CABLE CAR OF MALCESINE
Admire the beauty of the lake and its magnificent surroundings from an inaccessible perspective, if not from the rotating cable car that connects Malcesine to Monte Baldo (1760 m). Take a full 360° turn and enjoy the view of the panorama of the lake, hills and mountains from every possible vantage point.
Once at the top, you can take easy walks, enjoy the view, or eat some typical dishes in the mountain huts near the station.
For the more sporty, the Monte Baldo trail network departs from the station; while for the more courageous, there is a paragliding take-off area.
2. GO AROUND THE LAKE ON A VESPA
Discover Lake Garda by riding the Italian "icon" motorbike par excellence: the Vespa!
Start from the eastern shore, drive along the coast and take a ferry to the western shore. Once on the other side of the lake, drive north along the exciting rocky road, the 'Strada della Forra'. This serpentine route will lead you to the so-called 'thrill terrace', where those who are not afraid of heights can enjoy the unique and breathtaking view of the lake and mountain panorama. You then reach the Upper Lake and continue on the scenic coastal road that will take you back to the eastern shore after a total of no less than 120 km.
3. WATER AND AIR SPORTS
If you are a sports lover, and if even on holiday you can't help but keep active, rest assured that Lake Garda will not disappoint you! You can find the more 'traditional' sports, up to the more 'special' and adventurous ones that give you that sense of adrenaline and thrill you are looking for. You decide where you want to be, whether in the water or in the sea; whichever you choose, the scenery of the lake will make the experience memorable.
Start with something leisurely like SUP (Stand Up Paddling): a discipline somewhere between surfing and canoeing, which involves standing balanced on a board in the water while moving around using a paddle. Instead, if you want to skim the water, head north to Riva, which, thanks to its strategic location, is the perfect place to go windsurfing and kitesurfing.
If you are looking for thrills, there are plenty of options on the lake: you can go bunjee jumping, canyoning and paragliding. Are you brave enough?
4. ADMIRE THE LAKE FROM ITS WATERS ON BOARD OF A SAILING SHIP
Experience the thrill of yesteryear and sail the waters of the lake on board a sailing ship dating back to the early 20th century. Take a dip into the past and enjoy the view of the lake and surrounding mountains from a historic vessel.
Choose the tour that suits you best: ride in the early morning, at sunset or in the evening to see the fireworks. Whatever time of day you choose for this unique experience, we are sure it will make your holiday even more memorable!
5. FEEL LIKE A VIP AT THE K CLUB
Welcome to the K Club: the most charming and chic beach club on Lake Garda!
Treat yourself to a day immersed in the green among olive trees and vineyards in a unique setting with a panoramic view of Lake Garda and the historic Forte Benedek, a former Austrian fort where one of the first battles for the Unification of Italy was fought.
This luxurious club reserved for adults boasts a sensory thalassotherapy infinity pool, whose water is adapted with the changing seasons to always guarantee an ideal temperature. But that's not all: treat yourself like a true VIP while sipping a cocktail at the American bar or eating fine local produce at the restaurant, whose raw materials are produced on the estate.
6. BECOME A CHILD AGAIN IN AMUSEMENT PARKS
"All great people have been children once, but few of them remember." (The Little Prince)
As we become adults we often forget that inside us always resides the child we once were; and although sometimes we don't take this into account, that child remains there to remind us of our innermost needs, such as to go back and play.
And what could be better than spending a day at an amusement park to regain the enthusiasm you had as a child? Rest assured that on Lake Garda you certainly won't get bored, the offer of parks is truly extensive and can really satisfy any need!
The best known and largest in Italy is Gardaland. It offers several themed locations and the attractions are divided into: Fantasy for the children, Adventure for the whole family and Adrenaline for those who want to experience thrills. To become a child again completely, stay in its fantastic themed hotel and visit Sea Life, an aquarium that houses over 5000 creatures of 100 different species in 40 tanks.
If, on the other hand, you suffer from the heat, take a dip in the pool at the Caneva Aquapark and enjoy its numerous slides. But it doesn't end here: buy your ticket for Canevaworld and also enter Movieland, the park that will make you feel like the star of your favourite film!
7. HAVE A PICNIC IN THE VINEYARD
An experience not to be missed is undoubtedly a picnic in a vineyard on Lake Garda. Enjoy a wonderful sunny day in the open air and surrounded by nature. Live this experience in the company of those you want surrounded by vineyards on the hills of Lake Garda.
The picnic includes a full menu and a bottle of wine of your choice from those available produced by the host company. Satisfy your appetite by savouring local products and a good local wine while lying on the grass and gazing at the panorama of Lake Garda.
8. TAKE A HORSEBACK RIDE IN THE GARDA HILLS
One of the best ways to admire the majestic panorama of Lake Garda is to take a horseback ride to immerse yourself in the nature of the landscape.
The Garda stables that offer this type of activity are increasingly numerous. The advice is to rely on one of these to take a ride guided by a competent guide, who will be able to transmit all his passion for the animal and the territory.
If this is your first time on horseback, fear not! There are two types of outings: for beginners, just to get a taste of what it's like to ride a horse in the middle of nature; and for experts, for those who already know how to ride a horse and who feel able to manage more technical trails.
9. LEARN TO MAKE FRESH PASTA WITH A COOKING CLASS
As we all know, the Bel Paese is characterised by its exceptional cuisine with Mediterranean flavours. And since you're in Italy, why not take the opportunity to take part in a cooking class, learn a few secrets of the world's finest cuisine and impress your friends with an Italian dinner cooked entirely by you?
Take part in a cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic homemade Italian pasta in different formats, including tagliatelle and ravioli. And what pasta dish is without a good sauce? He also cooks some typical Italian regional sauces for a 'taste journey around Italy'.
Once everything is prepared, it's time to taste! Grab a fork and enjoy your 100% Italian-made pasta dish prepared entirely with your own hands with the lake as a backdrop.
10. RELAX AT THE SPA
After a day wandering the length and breadth of the lake, treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation in the warm thermal waters, enjoying the characteristic panorama of Lake Garda. The lake boasts a wide choice of beautiful spas where you can relax and be pampered.
The best known are undoubtedly the Terme di Sirmione, famous for its thermal and curative treatments. Step out into the heated outdoor pools and enjoy the unique lakefront atmosphere.
Go to Villa dei Cedri if you are looking for a natural space in the middle of nature where you can switch off. Here you will find hot thermal water lakes with whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls surrounded by centuries-old trees.
The last centre we recommend, but no less important, is Aquardens, one of the largest thermal parks in Italy covering an area of over 5000 square metres. Discover the pools, grottoes, waterfalls and state-of-the-art spa that will make you feel like a completely new person!