Lake Garda

[Sharon J]

I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself, as I'm sure I saw this posted yesterday. We were thinking of staying several days on Lake Garda, but aren't sure where to stay. I've been reading where most hotels don't have parking. Because of our age, that would be very difficult for us, especially when trying to check in and out. After 24 years of our travels in Italy, and staying on Lake Como for many of those years, we would really like to look into another lake. Nico, owner of Sant'Antonio, where we stay every year, mentioned that Lake Garda is the most beautiful of all the lakes. I'm hoping that some of you have stayed on the lake, and can give me some advice. We would also like a view from our room of the lake, if possible. Thanking all of your in advice

Sharon Jacobs

 

[GailS]

No personal experience but when discussing with a Venetian friend our wanting to visit Lake Garda she suggested Lake Iseo instead - less touristy but also beautiful. Perhaps better parking there? It would be interesting to hear if others have visited.

 

[MaisonRose]

Several times en route to Venice we’ve stayed in Sirmione on the S end. I advise against it as the city is basically car free and the parking is on the approaching causeway. Perhaps someone can jump in and advise if there are shuttles or taxis that can deliver you.
Our hotel was just inside the entry gate & did have a modest lake view.
A local map on a booking site could help with that, I should think. Saying all this, it is a lovely town with a boat ferry.

 

[wco81]

I've only stayed in the north part, Limone sul Garda.

I've only briefly visited Sirmione and one other town on the southern part.

The northern towns are more on hilly terrain so that might be a consideration, great views but may be challenging for mobility.

Parking and traffic can be difficult in summer but you can search in booking.com and filter for parking. They will either offer parking or be able to tell you how much parking would cost.

I stayed at an apartment and the owner arranged for parking for guests so I had to park near the main road in and out of town and then walk downhill towards the lake level for the apt.

Really loved it, there's a road with narrow switch backs which climb towards these towns well above the lake. I can look it up but don't have the name right now. That is on the west/nortthwest side of the lake.

Then on the NE side, you have Monte Baldo, one of the most spectacular mountain excursions I've ever done. You go up cable cars and you see views of the lake below, as well as the towns and all the surrounding mountains.

The town by the lake is Malcesine, which I didn't get a chance to explore much. But I took a boat ride from Limone sun Garda, which is on the NW side, to Malcesine on the NE side of the lake and took the cable car.

You can also drive along the lake but the boat ride is great.

I stayed at Limone after visiting the Dolomites, Val di Gardena, so it works out well, you drive down fro the mountains and make a detour to the lake before going down to Vernona or maybe Milan to fly out.

 

[Tina]

Yes, Lake Iseo is less touristy, everything is smaller scale but perhaps the towns and villages are not as picturesque as places like Sirmione or Salò. It's a good destination if you like hiking, walking, biking and exploring in a slow travel way to enjoy authentic Italian life more than a short stay for sightseeing. I'd go to Lake Garda if it's just for a short stay.

 

[Sharon J]

Thanks for all the advice. At our ages, (76 & 77) we have decided to return to a place we have stayed at many times in Varenna on Lake Como. Mainly for the ease of knowing what we are doing, and also, loving the little place where we have always stayed. We have been going to Italy forever, and felt we needed to see something different, but it's becoming overwhelming, so us old folks will just settle for what we know. Heck, we've been going to Sant'Antonio outside Montepulciano once, sometimes twice a year forever. So beautiful and relaxing, not to mention the fondness and friendship we have formed with the wonderful owner Nico. Thanks again everyone.