Torri del Benaco · Lake Garda
Things to do nearby
Villages, excursions and flavours within reach of the lake
Torri del Benaco · Lake Garda
Villages, excursions and flavours within reach of the lake
Torri del Benaco is halfway between Malcesine and Bardolino, on the Verona shore of Lake Garda: the ideal position to move in every direction without spending your holiday in the car. Medieval villages, panoramic cable cars, wineries, trails and ferries are all within reach of a short trip: between one swim and the next, there's always something new to discover.
The village where Appartamenti Wieland is located deserves an unhurried stroll: the Scaligero Castle, with its three towers and ramparts walk, offers a view over the whole village and the little harbour. In the historic centre you'll find the Clock Tower from 1561 and the Berengario Tower, testimonies of Scaligero history. Just outside the village, towards Pai, the Tibetan Bridge connects Pai di Sopra to Crero: 34 metres suspended over the valley, for anyone who loves a bit of panoramic adrenaline.
Malcesine's castle, overlooking the water, is also famous for the episode in which Goethe was arrested in 1786 on suspicion of espionage while he was sketching it. From here a cable car with rotating cabins climbs to Monte Baldo, the "botanical garden of Europe" in just a few minutes: at the top, the view stretches from the lake to the Dolomites, with trails for every level and, in winter, some skiing too.
Official website
The town that gave the lake its name has a lively lakefront and a compact centre entirely walkable. A little further north, Punta San Vigilio is a small promontory among centuries-old olive trees and cypresses, with a pebble cove that is one of the most photographed images of Garda: perfect for a slow afternoon.
The home of Bardolino DOC wine: a lakefront dotted with wineries and wine bars where you can stop for a tasting, plus a historic centre with Romanesque churches to visit. In autumn the town also hosts festivals dedicated to wine and olive oil, among the most cherished traditions of the eastern shore of Garda.
For a day of culture, Verona is within easy reach: the Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe and the bridges over the Adige make up a UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, easy to explore on foot in half a day before returning to the lake for sunset.
The largest island on the lake, with its neo-Gothic Venetian-style villa and Italian gardens, can only be visited on guided boat tours, which generally depart from the lake's main harbours. An out-of-the-ordinary excursion, to be booked in advance, with times and seasonal availability to check.
Official website
For a day of fun with the whole family, the area between Castelnuovo del Garda and Lazise is home to Gardaland, Italy's largest amusement park, the Gardaland Sea Life aquarium and Movieland - The Hollywood Park, dedicated to the world of cinema. Several water parks with slides and pools are also in the same area, perfect for cooling off on the hottest days.
Official website
At the opposite end of the lake, on the Sirmione peninsula, the Aquaria thermal centre draws on the warm waters of the Boiola Spring: thermal pools, vascular circuits and saunas with lake view, for a day of pure relaxation after all your excursions.
Official website
In Valeggio sul Mincio, just beyond Peschiera del Garda, lies one of Italy's most beautiful gardens: 600,000 square metres of flowering avenues, small lakes and the famous Avenue of Roses. An immersion in greenery that is especially striking in spring, during the tulip bloom.
Official website
From San Zeno di Montagna, above Garda, the only cable car on the southern side of Monte Baldo departs: it climbs to over 1,800 metres, between the Telegrafo Refuge and panoramic trails, a closer and less crowded alternative to the Malcesine cable car.
One lake, two shores
Ferries run by Navigazione Laghi depart from the harbour of Torri del Benaco towards Toscolano-Maderno, on the Brescia shore: a different and scenic way to change scenery for a day, perhaps by bicycle, without moving the car.
A few kilometres further south, in Gardone Riviera, is the Vittoriale degli Italiani: the house-museum of Gabriele D'Annunzio, poet, writer and one of the most discussed and fascinating figures of 20th-century Italy, who lived there from 1921 until his death. Among villas, gardens and even a warship set into the hillside, the Vittoriale can be visited all year round. A local anecdote tells that D'Annunzio was initially offered a villa right in Toscolano Maderno, the former Villa Serraglio, which he turned down in favour of Gardone Riviera.
Official websiteFerry times and frequency vary by season: we recommend checking locally or online before you go.
Indicative driving times from Torri del Benaco
Indicative times, subject to seasonal traffic on the lake road.
