A day in Garda is full of stimuli, suggestions, panoramas, cultural stops and culinary digressions. The old town and lake front, a sunny beach and sunset boat ride, quality shopping and a fabulous dinner. There is plenty to see and do in Garda, and it’s all within easy reach.
SWEET MORNING AND A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTRE
Start with sweetness, take time for a breakfast of local sweets and pastries. In one of the pastry shops in the centre or sitting at a table overlooking the lake, accompany your coffee with sweet fogassa or San Vigilini, Winston Churchill’s favourite shortcrust pastry and sultana biscuits.
Stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of the historic centre, among the hidden and most picturesque views, following the traces of the past, among the noble palaces and historic shops. The style of the architecture is reminiscent of Venice, but Garda retains the atmosphere of the old fishing village.
On the western gate of San Giovanni stands Palazzo Fregoso (Fregoso Palace): it is said that the Renaissance poet Bandello wrote a novella about Romeo and Juliet here, inspiring Shakespeare’s masterpiece. Another example of 16th-century architecture is the elegant Palazzo Carlotti (Carlotti Palace), which, with the Clock Tower, is the most striking entrance to the historic heart of Garda. The palace stretches to the lake front and ends at what was once the town’s dock, the Losa.
THE ATTRACTION OF WATER, A BREAK ON THE BEACH OR A 0-KM LUNCH
It’s time to take a break in the sun, enjoying the colours and scents of the Garda lake front. From the shade of the Losa arcade, you stroll down to the harbour, where small fishing boats lazily float alongside pleasure craft and elegant sailboats.
Prefer a walk between water and olive trees? You can follow the lakeside promenade in the direction of Punta San Vigilio.
Lunchtime is approaching. For a snack, throwing a towel on the beach at Al Corno is an excellent idea. For a more leisurely indulgence in local flavours, the advice is to head back towards Piazza Catullo and sit down at a table in one of the many lake-view restaurants where you can enjoy a Garda menu of local fish, dressed with olive oil from the Riviera degli Ulivi and accompanied by a sparkling Garda DOC wine.
FISHING STORIES, VIEWS FROM THE LAKE AND AN APERITIF AT PUNTA SAN VIGILIO
The early hours of the afternoon can be spent in the Territorial Museum of Lake Garda, the ideal place to get acquainted with the history and roots of the area. The nets and hulls, black and white photographs, archaeological finds and, in the centre, the reconstruction of the Pal del Vò, which still indicates the most fishable part of Lake Garda. A local icon and natural boundary between the waters of Garda and Sirmione, the Pal del Vò was positioned by members of the Corporazione degli Antichi Originari di Garda (the fishing guild), which has been the custodian of the lake’s fishing history for centuries.
It’s time to experience the lake. To see the gulf from a different perspective, board one of the fishermen’s boats that offer safe guided tours with all comforts on board. Enjoy the breeze, the scents of the water, the views of the coastline, the views of the noble villas and their gardens at the water’s edge, listening to the stories and secrets of the lake from the voice of those who were born there and sail it every day. If you wish, you can go as far as the Pal del Vo’, then approach the beautiful Punta San Vigilio, and disembark at the Locanda San Vigilio, an ideal place for a sunset aperitif, the kind that has enchanted kings and emperors, artists and writers, poets and actors from all over the world.
DINNER WITH GREAT CHEFS AND A SAIL UNDER THE STARS
The experiences of the day can be found at the table, in the flavours of Garda recipes, the authentic ones from traditional taverns and inns and those interpreted by the great chefs of historic and Michelin-starred restaurants.
For a memorable dining experience, rely on the cuisine of Giancarlo Perbellini, a Michelin star for years, at his Locanda ai Beati. Or the never banal interpretations of Andrea Costantini, the soul of the Regio Patio kitchen mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
The evening has just begun. The thermal breeze blows over the bay. It is time for a night sailing with a skipper from the Lega Navale Italiana of Garda. Just make a reservation to enjoy a night offshore. Ten knots of wind cool the air, fill the sails and push you over the water. Evening lights on the shore, stars twinkling in the sky.
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