Summer

Summer in Garda, emotions in motion
Summer admin March 5, 2024

From the curves of the hills to the waves of the lake, two perfect ways to enjoy the lake are balancing on a bicycle or leaning over a boat sailing on the surface of the water, perhaps at night with the sails billowing in the “Gardesana” breeze.

Alternatively, a trek up to the Fortress in the morning sun or a fairytale sunset at Punta San Vigilio are unmissable moments of a holiday in Garda.

Sports people and outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice as to when and where to indulge their passions, whether in the water or in the hills, and even in the air: from rowing to SUP, kayaking in the Gulf of Garda and paragliding from Mount Baldo, golfing on the scenic 18-hole green, and of course a choice of road and gravel cycling routes.

There is also the possibility of climbing on Mount Luppia, which, starting from the road up towards Albisano, offers a wall that opens up through the woods and overlooks the Gulf of Garda.

Exciting and memorable is the experience of a spectacular paragliding glide from the slopes of Mount Baldo.

Relaxation is then ensured by sunbathing on no less than 5 km of sun-drenched beaches and charming bays, gathered between Garda and Punta San Vigilio, wonderful spots for swimming in the turquoise waters and relaxing on the shoreline.

But summer also means partying, celebrating traditions and spending evenings under the stars enjoying music and theatre.

Not-to-be-missed events on the Garda calendar are the Sardellata and the Feste delle Contrade with the Palio delle contrade on 15th August, Ferragosto.

During July’s full moon, the Sardellata, an ancient festival of Garda fishermen, takes place along the lake, with the mouth-watering whetstone of traditional dishes and traditional live music.

From June to August, the propitiatory festivities of the Garda area animate the streets of the centre with typical dishes, live music and entertainment for children, culminating with the Palio delle Contrade.

The Palio delle Contrade is the most heartfelt rowing regatta for the Garda “contradaioli” (Palio competitors). The competition takes place in front of the village’s lake front every 15th August, preceded by three days in which traditional shows and ancient masks anticipate the challenge on the water at Ferragosto, when at sunset the contradaioli compete for the prize and at midnight the winners are celebrated with a fireworks display over the lake.

Finally, completing the offer of the Garda summers is the prestigious programme of opera and great live concerts held at the Arena di Verona, the Roman amphitheatre that offers a unique set for an unforgettable experience, whatever your musical genre.

In summer, the Garda products are the perfect way to enjoy the flavours of the area. For a shaded and refreshing lunch break during the hottest hours of the day, you are spoilt for choice. Breakfast is coloured with seasonal fruit, combined with local biscuits, and once seated, whether in an informal bistro or on a grand-chef’s menu in evening dress, the lake fish and PDO oil are a guarantee of quality and lightness.