Walking, moving to meet people and landscapes, cultures and panoramas. Discovering Garda with dynamism is a choice to traverse the territory with curiosity and responsibly.
Garda is a condensation of experiences to be enjoyed more gently or by choosing more challenging routes. You can follow an urban mini-trekking among the cobblestone alleys and historic signs of the old town, or follow the water lines that stretch from the marina to Punta San Vigilio, among intense, iridescent blues that fade into the pastels of sunset.
The lines then become gentle trails among hills covered with vineyards and olive trees, and you can also climb through the woods, among ash and hazel trees. The more trained can also tackle more challenging inclines. From Garda, one climbs between Val Longa and Le Colle, strolling among the vineyards or following the Pignoi-Beati loop, then ascending to the Rocca Vecchia or the Eremo dei Camaldolesi, one step after another, one breath after another.
OLD ROCCA.
We walk through the hamlet of Lower Canevini to gain one of the most striking viewpoints of the Lower Lake. The “old” Rocca, inhabited since prehistoric times, has traces dating back to Paleolithic times, remains of medieval walls and even trenches from the two Great Wars of the 19th century dug by military and civilians for defensive purposes. A true journey back in time.
HERMITAGE OF THE CAMALDOLESE
The Hermitage of the Camaldolesi, an ancient Benedictine monastery founded in 1663 and a place of peace and meditation, is an evocative destination, as is the trail to reach it. You leave from the artisans’ area and after walking a stretch through meadows and woods you come to a boundary marker between Garda, Costermano and Bardolino. The last stretch skirts olive groves and vineyards until you reach the path leading to the hermitage.
PIGNOI - BLESSED - VALLEY OF THE MILLS
You walk leisurely through meadows and hills that stretch above the Garda plain admiring views of the Gulf of Garda. You start from the traffic circle located on the Garda – Costermano border by taking the cemented road that runs along the Gusa stream. To take the itinerary of the Pignoi Beati you must turn left and follow the marker that indicates in blue color the itinerary C. If you continue straight ahead you will walk instead towards the Valle dei Mulini where, among woods and olive groves, you can choose to walk along the small valley towards Costermano or, working out with the outdoor gym equipment, following the Health Route.
SAN VIGILIO - LE SENGE
One walks and willingly stops to admire the lake from many perspectives. Just a promise, because the arrival will be much more than a view, but an embrace on the blue Garda. From Garda’s San Carlo Gardens, in front of Villa (degli) Albertini, walk along the lake, past Villa Canossa, and turn right onto a path at the side of the park. Follow it to reach a paved road. From here turn left onto Castei Street to finally reach a lookout that offers striking views of Punta San Vigilio and the Bay of Sirens.
VAL LONGA
This route dives into the typical forested area of the Garda hills, where there are dirt paths, away from traffic, surrounded by tranquility and silence. This loop is 6 km long with an elevation gain of 140 meters, considered a ride of medium difficulty. The recommended starting point is in Marciaga: from the parking lot of the Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso (XVI), which has its back to the Senge di Marciaga, we immediately enter the locality Virle di Castion, where the circuit opens passing through Località Zel. Among the greenery and peace of the woods you skirt Mount Canforal touching the territory of Torri del Benaco. From here you can admire wonderful views of Lake Garda.
GARDA - BARDOLINO
This pleasant walk connecting Garda to nearby Bardolino runs along the old disused Garda – Caprino railway line, where you can recognize the two old railway stations, now housing a bar and a senior center. The route is easy and flat. Five kilometers out and back lake view suitable for everyone.
GARDA - PUNTA SAN VIGILIO
The walk along Al Corno beach traces the line of white pebbles along Garda’s northern shoreline, passing along the walls of the imposing Villa Canossa, to the small harbor of Punta San Vigilio. The route is simple, between the blue of the lake and the green vegetation of Mount Luppia, has a compact bottom for the first 2 km and then consists of cobblestones. At certain times of the year if the lake water level is particularly high, the last kilometer to San Vigilio may be broken.
