Regional Information
Lake Garda
At a Glance
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Italian, English widely spoken
Local Time: Irish and UK time +1 hour
Voltage: 230V – continental adaptors purchased in Ireland / UK can be used
Airport: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate and Milan Bergamo airports service Lake Garda. Milan is approximately 180km (112 miles) southwest of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda. Approximate journey time from Malpensa is 3 hours, Linate 2 hours 30 minutes and Bergamo 2 hours.
Flight Duration: Approx. 2.5 / 3 hours
Climate: Lake Garda is renowned for its mild climate.
Overview
Lake Garda (or Benaco) is the largest Italian lake and is located in the north of the country. To the south it is broad and without surrounding mountains, whereas in the north it is like a fiord, closed in by mountains. It is famous for its Mediterranean climate, blue waters, abundant vegetation and its attractive villas and gardens. The variety of the landscape and the efficiency of the tourist services around its shores make it a great tourist destination.
Highlights
Riva del Garda - Surrounded by imposing mountains this town is in the province of Trento and is the northernmost town on the lake. It is not just a resort but also a real, prosperous Italian town, with medieval towers, a nice smattering of Renaissance churches and palazzi and narrow cobblestone streets where everyday business proceeds in its alluring way.
The central square of the town is Piazza III Novembre. On the square, surrounded by 14th century porticos, are Palazzo Pretorio and the Apponale Tower. This 34 meter tower, built to defend the town, had salt and grain storerooms and exchange banks at its foot. It was also used as a prison, then as an observation post during World War I. On the top of the tower welcoming visitors stands the symbol of the town, a small angel called "l'Anzolin de la Tor". The Bastion, a Venetian fortress, was built on the steep slopes of the nearby Mount Rocchetta. It affords a splendid view of the city and the northern part of the lake.
Sirmione - This is the "pearl of all islands and peninsulas" according to the Roman poet Catullo. It is wrapped in a luminous atmosphere, between the blue of the waters and the green of the olive trees, with picturesque streets full of elegant shops. You can visit the Rocca Scaligera castle with its collection of Roman sculptures and its curious dockyard. The archaeological site, known as the Grottoes of Catullus, is on the very end of the peninsula and consists of the remains of a grandiose Roman villa within natural surroundings of great beauty.
Desenzano del Garda - The 16th century cathedral in the attractive town of Desenzano del Garda has a marvellous canvas by Tiepolo. The Archaeological museum and the excavation of a 4th century BC Roman villa, with rich polychrome pavements, are worth seeing.
Salo - This is an important holiday resort with two museums and a late Gothic cathedral with splendid works of art. There are beautiful sights to see, including the picturesque Valtenesi, a hilly area of vineyards and olive plantations sloping down to the lake.
Gardone Riviera - This elegant and popular health resort is famous for the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio's monumental villa, the Vittoriale degli Italiani. Here there is an open-air theatre, the poet's mausoleum and tomb and the reconstruction of the prow of the "Puglia” ship. You may like to visit the Hruska Botanical Garden and the Villa Alba, a convention venue within a vast park.
Malcesine - This popular holiday resort is dominated by the medieval Scaligero Castle, which houses a museum with natural history collections. The “Goethian Room” is particularly interesting. The 15th century Palace of the Captains of the Lake is attractive and a visit by cable car to the nearby Monte Baldo gives one the chance to admire an incredible wide panoramic view.
Health/Security
Most Italians take mineral water with their meals; however, tap water is safe everywhere, as are public drinking fountains. Unsafe sources will be marked ACQUA NON POTABILE. If tap water comes out cloudy, it is only the calcium or other minerals inherent in a water supply that often comes untreated from fresh springs. These cities are essentially safe, but have a reputation for young pickpockets. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa
Italy is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish or British citizens. A valid passport is required.
Useful Contacts
Irish Consulate, Milan:
Piazza S. Pietro in Gessate 2, 20122 Milano
Tel: + 39 02 551 87569, Fax: + 39 02 551 87 570
Email: Antonia.Marsaglia@flashnet.it
Web: www.embassyofireland.it
British Consulate, Venice:
Piazzale Donatori di Sangue, 2/5, 30171 Venezia-Mestre VE
Tel: + 39 041 505 5990, Fax: + 39 041 950 254
Email: britconvenice@tin.it
Web: www.ukve.it or www.ukinitaly.fco.gov.uk/en
Local Emergency Services: Ambulance 118 / Fire 115 / Police 112
Calling Italy from UK/Ireland: 00 + 39 + area code + the number
Calling Ireland from Italy: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling UK from Italy: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Tourist Office, Riva del Garda:
Giardini di Porta Orientale 8
Tel: + 39 0464 554 444, Fax: + 39 0464 520 308
Web: www.garda.com orwww.gardatrentino.com
Useful Websites
www.rivadelgarda.com
www.lagodigarda.it
www.gardainforma.com
www.gardameteo.com
www.italiantourism.com