Hidden Gems for Lake Garda

1. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Mount Baldo

If you fancy a little bit of nature and hiking during your stay on Lake Garda, a trip to the top of Mount Baldo is definitely a good choice. The Malcesine Monte Baldo cable car brings you from Malcesine or from the mid-station to Tratto Spino. Some easy and panoramic routes await you here. If you want to avoid a line at the cable car station, be sure you come early. The first ride is at 9 am.

2. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Madonna delle Vittorie

In this restaurant, you can enjoy a romantic meal, situated between vineyards. The restaurant offers typical regional dishes with high-quality ingredients like the meat from the restaurant’s own cattle, as well as cheese and ham sourced from local farmers. Also, the vine and the delicious virgin olive oil are both produced on the farm. Madonna delle Vittorie is located to the north of Lake Garda, between Riva del Garda and Torbole.

3. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Jamaica Beach

At this spot in Sirmione you get a sense of the beach and forget that you are actually on a lake. The water is super clean and crystal clear. There is also a bar where you can get an iced cold refreshment. To reach the Jamaica Beach, simply walk up to the Catullo Caves in Sirmione and walk down a trail to the beach. It is the perfect place for sunbathing all day long.

4. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Gelateria Cristallo

No Lake Garda trip would be complete without at least two scoops of ice cream. The Gelateria Cristallo in Bardolino is simply a must-do! You can also enjoy some delicious Italian meals here or delight in a classic Aperol Spritz with some small snacks on the side – the makings of a proper aperitivo hour. As the Gelateria is right at the promenade, you can enjoy the view over the lake from your seat. How about a tasty Snickers ice cream? If you stay in Bardolino, or close by, make sure to get your daily dose of ice cream here.

5. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Brenzone sul Garda

The municipality of Brenzone sul Garda consists of 16 small villages and hamlets that are scattered around the foot of Monte Baldo. They are located directly on the lake, partly on the slopes of Monte Baldo and in the mountains themselves. All villages have retained their charm and their originality – narrow, often very steep alleys, historic houses, olive groves, lemon trees and an amazing atmosphere. We recommend exploring the villages a little bit up the mountain first as they offer amazing views over the lake and then hike down to the villages right on the water to enjoy some food at the lakeside promenade.

6. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Ciclopista del Garda

The Garda cycle path is a cycle / pedestrian path in the province of Brescia that connects Limone sul Garda to the border of the province of Trento. It is overhanging the lake and anchored to the rocks at a height of 50m above water level. It is part of the ambitious project called Ciclovia del Garda: a cycle path that runs along the entire Lake Garda, and which will be under construction in the next few years.

7. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Vecchio Mulino Beach

Peschiera del Garda is a super nice spot for lunch, dinner or just a drink. In their restaurant you can find a big selection of fresh pasta, unique fish and meat recipes as well as local and organic wines. Make sure to also order a dessert as the pastry chef makes daily typical Italian desserts with a twist. They try to use seasonal and local ingredients wherever possible. The best part is that you can watch the sunset while enjoying your dishes as the restaurant is located directly by the lake. Vecchio Mulino Beach also offers in collaboration with ‘SUP in Garda’ many activities and guided tours to enjoy Lake Garda. Right by the waters of Vecchio Mulino Beach you will find one of the best SUP spots of the Lake. From sunrise to sunset you can paddle around the city of Peschiera del Garda. Besides that, you can also book cooking classes at the restaurant.

8. Hidden Gem Lake Garda: Terrazza del Brivido

If you are looking for a good viewpoint, check this place out. Terrazza del Brivido is part of Hotel Paradiso and doesn’t bear its name “terrace of shudder” for nothing. A concrete platform with rails protrudes over the edge of the high plateau, suspended 350 meters above the lake. It really offers a breathtaking view. Those who suffer from fear of heights, should probably not go to see the lake from the platform. The access is possible for all hotel and restaurant guests.

Vacation rentals in Lake Garda