Peschiera del Garda is one of the most popular and highly frequented holiday stops on Lake Garda. A pretty little town offering loads of activities and entertainment for the entire family.
Looking on a map Peschiera del Garda sits like a clot at the point where Lake Garda turns into the river Mincio. Four small islands turned the old centre of town into a fortress that has played a prominent part in most military campaigns conducted in northern Italy after 1400. Today the strong defensive walls help to limit the number of cars in the city centre.
With huge campsites almost the size of the city on both sides of town and numerous smaller villagios, hotels and hostels, Peschiera del Garda can accommodate thousands of people at the same time, and a strong infrastructure with railroads, boats and motorway makes it easy to get around. These facilities have turned Peschiera del Garda into an ideal base for exploring nearby cities such as Verona, Brescia and Mantova. Both Venice, Milan and Bologna are within a 150 km ratio.
Children can have a choice of theme parks ranging from the roller-coasters of Gardaland over tube & chute rides in Caneva Aquapark to a mixture of movie sets and amusements in Movieland and adventure trails, zoo safari and botanical gardens in Natura Viva Parco and Sigurtá.
Any spare time spent in Peschiera del Garda is normally used to relax and chill out by strolling the narrow city streets, eating ice cream, drinking cold beer or sparkling wine at local cafes or cooling off by the swimming pool or on a shingle beach.
But if you do have a couple of extra hours, here’s a suggestion of five highly enjoyable things to do in Peschiera del Garda:
1.Enjoy the waterways
Peschiera del Garda is literally surrounded by water waiting to be explored and enjoyed. For those who haven’t brought their own boat, there are several opportunities to rent all types of floating vessels from pedalo to motorboat. Along with sailing boats, parasailing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddles, surfboards and wakeboards.
If action sports don’t appeal to you, you might enjoy a fishing trip or a lake cruise in one of the ferries or hydrofoils connecting Peschiera del Garda with Sirmione, Saló, Lazise, Bardolino and all the way up to Riva del Garda with the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Or you could remain on firm ground and enjoy a view of the water from one of the endless river or lakeside promenade. Cheer on the participants in the annual boat race Palio delle Mura in August. Or try to catch eel from the Voltoni bridge. If you’ve read the Latin writer Plinio il Vecchio you’ll know that eels gather by their thousands in the Mincio, when the autumn star shines, and according to the locals there are still eels to be caught in the Canale di Mezzo.
You can walk to almost everything in Peschiera del Garda, which is just as well, because drivers have a hard time getting through the narrow city gates.
2.Get some exercise
Rent a bike and take a ride along the river Mincio all the way to Mantova.
It’s a 43 km long and predominantly flat ride that will take you through natural reserves and some pretty, romantic villages like Monzambano, Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto before you reach your destination. There are fewfacilities such as toilets or snack shops on route, so make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen and to stop for refreshments every time you get the chance.
The park connects the Peschiera town centre with canals, museums and walkable city walls.
3. Explore the museums
On a rainy day you might explore the museums and the churches of Peschiera del Garda. The city is invariably linked with the Quadrilateral defense system, and Peschiera del Gard played a prominent role in the Napoleonic wars, during the Italian struggle for independence and in World War I.
The history is unravelled in Palazzina Storica Museo where you can visit the room, where King Vittorio Emanuele III made his famous address to the Italian people after the disasterous battle of Caporetto urging them to keep on fighting.
Another aspect of local history and culture is displayed in the Museo della Pesca. Here you’ll find a collection of fishing boats, motors, fishing nets and other utensils along with photographs and the odd freshwater fish mounts. There’s free entry at both museums in compensation for rather unpredictable opening hours.
The churches, however, are always open, which means you can admire the frescos at the Parish Church of San Martino and the Church of the Virgin Mary. There is also the Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino with some interesting architectural features along with a still prominent legend from 1510. At that time a shepherd, who had gone out to work in the fields was attacked by a snake. He got so scared, he invoked the help of God, and when he turned his eyes towards heaven, he discovered a tiny statue of the virgin among the branches of an ash tree. He took the statue home and placed it in a cabinet as in proof of the miracle, and in recognition the sanctuary that still attracts thousands of pilgrims each year was built around it.
A suitcase sized fiasco of Bardolino wine it one of the most popular souvenirs from Peschiera del Garda.
4. Sample local wine and specialties
Wine is produced along the shores of Lake Garda, and shops in Peschiera del Garda are packed with Bardolino in nostalgic, straw basket, fiasco bottles that make you long for a chequered table cloth and a dripping candle.
Other edible souvenirs include honey, a special kind of salami called Soppressa di Verona, the ultra-thin Tortellini di Valeggio that are normally served in broth, cheeses like the soft Formaggella di Tremosine and the semi-firm Garda and biscuits and cakes such as the Sbrisolona to be softened by a drop of grappa, biscotti con farina di farro made with spelt.
In restaurants popular local courses include marinated trout, the sweet and sour sardines sarde in saor with raisins and pine nuts, Risotto con la tinca originally made with Swiss chard, Parmesan cheese and a kind of carp fish and bigoli pasta with alborelle which is a tiny freshwater fish used in much the same way as anchovies.
5. Breathe the romance
If you are looking for romance and have brought someone to hold your hand, you should climb the ramparts of the pentagonal fortress to see the city and the lake from above followed by a walk along the narrow streets within the defensive walls and a glass of bubbles at a lakeside café.
Or sit down on a bench in a ray of sunlight with D.H. Lawrence’s travel book Twilight In Italy. D.H. Lawrence lived in Gargnano on Lake Garda from 18 September 1912 to 30 March 1913 and his perception of the people and landscape are as always passionate and sensual.Even though Peschiera del Garda is located in the dull end of the lake, where it is hard to discern the dramatic mountains further north, I still recognize Lawrence’s description of a sunrise by Lake Garda:
“The lake lies dim and milky, the mountains are dark blue at the back, while over them the sky gushes and glistens with light. At a certain place on the mountain ridge the light burns gold, seems to fuse a little groove on the hill’s rim. It fuses and fuses at this point, till of a sudden it comes, the intense, molten, living light. The mountains melt suddenly, the light steps down, there is a glitter, a spangle, a clutch of spangles, a great unbearable sun-track flashing across the milky lake, and the light falls on my face.”
The light on Lake Garda is special and there are sensuous moments of great beauty around. Especially if you visit Peschiera del Garda out of season, before the holiday crowds rush in. We visited Peschiera del Garda in April when the weather was just perfect for anything but dazing by the pool.
The light over the lake changes from one moment to the next.
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May 4, 2020 at 2:20 pm
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FAQs
Is Peschiera del Garda worth visiting? ›
a day trip to a picturesque town on the shore of Lake Garda
It might not be as attractive as famous Sirmione or as relaxing as Bardolino, but Peschiera del Garda is worth visiting because it offers an easy and quick escape from the bigger cities, especially when the weather is uncomfortably hot for city sightseeing.
One of the most beautiful, most famous, and most visited towns of Lake Garda is certainly Limone del Garda, on the Brescian coast, 35km from the town of Salò and 9.5km from Riva del Garda, built along the 45 bis Western Gardesana Highway.
Which is better Bardolino or Garda? ›Both towns are very similar but we find that Bardolino has more space, the lakeside promenade is wider and less cluttered and the streets in the old town are a the same. The atmosphere in the evenings in Bardolino is buzzing, lively and friendly and the sunsets are amazing.
What is Peschiera del Garda known for? ›Peschiera del Garda is one of the most beautiful small towns of the lake, with Unesco Heritage sites, canals, bridges and Roman ruins. And that's just the city center! The area surrounding it has so much more to offer, with multiple amusement parks, natural sites and amazing landscapes.
How much is a taxi from Sirmione to Peschiera del Garda? ›The quickest way to get from Sirmione to Peschiera del Garda (Station) is to taxi which costs €17 - €21 and takes 12 min.
Are there jellyfish in Lake Garda? ›Certainly, if you go to Lake Garda there are hardly aby jellyfish, as it is a freshwater lake. 2.
What is the best month to visit Lake Garda? ›May, June and September
The best months to visit Lake Garda in my opinion. The weather is generally still warm enough to go to the beach but the water, particularly in May, can be too cold for swimming. September and late June are fine for swimming if you don't mind 20°c water.
- SIRMIONE.
- RIVA DEL GARDA.
- DESENZANO DEL GARDA.
- MALCESINE.
- LIMONE SUL GARDA.
How much time do you need in Lake Garda? You can drive around Lake Garda and get a quick impression in just a day or you can spend a week in the area and you'll find plenty to see and do… Ideally, I suggest at least 2-3 days at Lake Garda.
How much spending money do I need for Lake Garda? ›You should plan to spend around €133 ($129) per day on your vacation in Lake Garda, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €33 ($32) on meals for one day and €53 ($51) on local transportation.
How long does it take to walk from Garda to Bardolino? ›
I agree with Tongo, it's a stroll of around 45 - 50 minutes and there are benches along the way. From Bardolino you can walk southwards to Lazise which is just over an hour.
How do you pronounce Peschiera? ›Izquiera del garda izquiera del garda lluvia de correspondencia y jason aviones.
Can you swim in Lake Garda? ›Perhaps more importantly, Lake Garda is also an exceptional beach destination. There may be no ocean, but the lake itself offers some wonderful beaches for swimming and sunbathing in the Italian summer sunshine.
Is Sirmione worth visiting? ›Is Sirmione Worth Visiting? We loved visiting this Sirmione on Lake Garda and we highly recommend it when touring Northern Italy. With amazing views and warm waters, Lake Garda and especially Sirmione are stunning destinations.
How do I get to Sirmione from Desenzano? ›The cheapest way to get from Desenzano del Garda to Sirmione is to bus which costs €1 - €2 and takes 10 min. What is the fastest way to get from Desenzano del Garda to Sirmione? The quickest way to get from Desenzano del Garda to Sirmione is to taxi which costs €15 - €19 and takes 9 min.
Are there snakes in Lake Garda? ›Here live also a lot of SNAKES, diverse types called BIACCO or MELANICA (colubro d Esculapio ) which can arrive at a length about 2 m . Then we can find WATER SNAKES, able to swim in the Lake Garda. At least there are two kinds of toxic snakes : the famous VIPER and the terrible CROSS VIPER.
Can you drink water from Lake Garda? ›TAP WATER It is not considered a problem drinking water from the tap at Lake Garda, but if you want to be on the safe side we recommend that you drink bottled water only. If you choose to drink it, it is at your own risk.
Which is better Lake Como or Garda? ›For a castle and Roman ruins, go to Lake Garda; for opulent villas and gardens, opt for Lake Como. Lake Como's town of Sirmione may be touristy, but it also boasts two popular sights: the imposing Scaligero Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and the ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman spa.
What should I wear to Lake Garda? ›If you do not like rocks and stones at the beach, bring a pair of rubber water shoes and if you love extreme sports pack your wet suit and proper equipment. At night it is usually warm; however, it is advisable to take a light jacket, pullover or sweater, especially if air conditioning bothers you.
How warm is the water in Lake Garda? ›Average annual water temperature on the coast in Garda lake is 59°F, by the seasons: in winter 44°F, in spring 56°F, in summer 75°F, in autumn 61°F.
How warm does Lake Garda get? ›
The best time to visit Lake Garda is the summer, when temperatures rarely fall below 25°C. The weather is ideal for shorts and t-shirts, along with a pair of sunglasses and plenty of sun cream. At peak times of the day, temperatures can reach up to 29°C.
Do you get mosquitoes at Lake Garda? ›Don't forget to spend some time in Desenzano, especially the port area and grab a drink with cicchetti. People watching was so good here! Besides checking the ferry schedule beforehand, and buying a day pass, I would also suggest keeping bug spray on you! The mosquitoes in the summer around here are very, VERY large.
How do you get around Lake Garda without a car? ›Travel Around Lake Garda by Bus
Taking the bus is a great way to travel around Lake Garda. Numerous bus lines connect the many lakefront towns and can also take you all the way to several nearby large Italian cities like Verona, Brescia, and Rovereto.
Driving distance around Lake Garda
Touring the whole of Lake Garda by car is around 90 miles (140km). If you didn't stop it would take about 3 hours, however, this is traffic dependent, and I'm sure you'll want to stop for a gelato.
As you can see, staying one week in Lake Garda (or even longer) is not boring at all. With a great Lake Garda itinerary, it is just the perfect amount of time to see and experience the many fun activities and places Lake Garda has to offer.
Is Limone worth visiting? ›It offers many activities, beautiful scenery, and cute towns and villages. One of these cute villages in Limone sul Garda. Actually, it is not just cute, but the cutest of all the cute towns on the shores of Lake Garda and surely one of the best places to visit there.
How far is Venice from Lake Garda by train? ›| Journey time | From 1h 13m |
|---|---|
| Distance | 79 miles (127 km) |
| Frequency | 27 trains per day |
| First train | 00:04 |
| Last train | 21:23 |
Bardolino is a picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, about 30 km from Verona. Located at the foot of the Morainic Hills, Bardolino is celebrated for the production of oil and wine, and is the favorite destination for those seeking a little peace and relaxation.
Is Bardolino nice? ›Bardolino Lake Garda is a very nice Italian town. Lake Garda is in northern Italy. Bardolino Lake Garda is famous for wine but not only. Bardolino has a beautiful lakeside promenade as well as a very characteristic center.
How do I get from Peschiera del Garda to Riva del Garda? ›The best way to get from Riva del Garda to Peschiera del Garda without a car is to bus and line 164 bus which takes 2h 32m and costs €6 - €9.
How do you pronounce Peschiera? ›
Izquiera del garda izquiera del garda lluvia de correspondencia y jason aviones.
What day is the Market in Bardolino? ›The best known are those in Brescia and Solferino every second Sunday of the month (except July and August in Brescia), in Mantova, Bardolino and Lonato every third Sunday of the month, in Verona and Arco every third Saturday of the month, in Desenzano always on the first Sunday of the month.
How long does it take to walk from Garda to Bardolino? ›I agree with Tongo, it's a stroll of around 45 - 50 minutes and there are benches along the way. From Bardolino you can walk southwards to Lazise which is just over an hour.
Can you swim in Bardolino? ›Lido Mirabello, which is located at the southern entrance of Bardolino is also a private beach which can be used for a fee. Moreover you can use some swimming equipment as well.
What is the best town to stay on Lake Garda? ›- SIRMIONE.
- RIVA DEL GARDA.
- DESENZANO DEL GARDA.
- MALCESINE.
- LIMONE SUL GARDA.
The distance between Verona Airport (VRN) and Bardolino is 21 km. The road distance is 34.9 km.
Can you swim in Lake Garda? ›Perhaps more importantly, Lake Garda is also an exceptional beach destination. There may be no ocean, but the lake itself offers some wonderful beaches for swimming and sunbathing in the Italian summer sunshine.
How do you get around Lake Garda without a car? ›Travel Around Lake Garda by Bus
Taking the bus is a great way to travel around Lake Garda. Numerous bus lines connect the many lakefront towns and can also take you all the way to several nearby large Italian cities like Verona, Brescia, and Rovereto.
It takes an average of 8h 18m to travel from Peschiera del Garda to Limone by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (282 km). There are normally 12 trains per day travelling from Peschiera del Garda to Limone and tickets for this journey start from €13.35 when you book in advance.
How do I get from Desenzano to Peschiera? ›Train or bus from Desenzano del Garda to Peschiera del Garda? The best way to get from Desenzano del Garda to Peschiera del Garda is to train which takes 8 min and costs €1 - €28. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €1 - €2 and takes 34 min.