Lake Garda Road Trip

I figured the best way to see Lake Garda would be a little, day-long road trip. If you want to just drive the ring road it will take approximately 3 hours. I went through and picked multiple locations all around the lake. I didn’t end up making it to all of them because I got a migraine but, I’m sure you can do the whole loop in one day. I’ve linked a google address in each section so that you can easily find them and I’ve included a google map with all of the locations.

First Stop: Villa Romana di Desenzano del Garda

We did not stop here because we wanted to get going before this opened. But I think this could be a great spot. It is a Roman ruin with mosaics and frescos.

Second Stop: Vittoriale Degli Italiani

In my notes and from the research I did prior was that this is a mansion of an eclectic poet. It turns out that this is the mansion of the inventor of fascism. If you want to learn about him, he’s fascinating and the open parts of the museum did not get into how crazy he was, you can listen to this podcast. He commandeered the Italian army and invaded a city. Mussolini gave him a battleship that he then built into his garden. It was a really interesting home with beautiful gardens. Definitely worth the stop, it took a lot more time than we thought it would. If you don’t have the time on this road trip I think it would be worth the stop on its own. There is lots of parking. There are lots of stairs even up to the ticket office. The museum is not air conditioned. The bathrooms by the amphitheater have a “wheel chair accessible” one but you need to take the stairs to get to it. The water valley between the house and the battleship is very beautiful and cool. There are switch back ramps to it and some stairs. To see inside the house you have to take a tour. It looked like there was only one tour a day at about 1pm.

Third Stop: Maderno

This is one of the busier places on the lake. There is a big beach that you can relax on. It was Incredibly busy. There was Lots of parking but it all looked full so we didn’t stop here. This appears to be where you can rent or enjoy a lot of water sports. So if you are interested in sailing or paragliding this would be the spot to look for it.

Fourth Stop: Gargonne

This is the next town over. It was very relaxed with a little square on the lake with a small marina. There was Parking around square and on side streets. We ate at L’amo Bistrot. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was relaxed. If you are looking for lunch I would definitely stop in Gargonne over Moderna simply because it was so much more quiet.

Fifth Stop: Villa Bettoni

You can actually walk from Gargonne to Villa Bettoni. The catch is you need to make a reservation for a tour in advance. There wasn’t even anyone in the building to inquire about tickets. We were able to see they gardens and they were beautiful. I think this would be worth the stop. Just make sure you contact them in advance.

Sixth Stop: Santuario Di Montecastello

Well you can technically take a car all the way up to the monastery. However, if you are in an underpowered rental car you may not be able to get the momentum you need. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything 💁🏼‍♀️. We ended up making it almost to the top. I got out and walked the last switch back to the top. While Peter did a 30 point turn and drove down to the parking lot and then walked back up. These were some of the best views of the lake. There’s a picnic area and a little cafe. I didn’t go in to see the church, I’m sure it’s lovely. We then walked down the hill to the parking lot together. There are a lot of stairs and the hill is quite steep. So if you have trouble with stairs it would be definitely worth seeing if your car can make it to the top for you. The picnic area is down about 6 steps and the cafe is up about 15. So just be aware that in order to see the views you will need to do some stairs. The road on the way up is very twisty so if you get motion sick this is the place you’ll need your nausea meds and relief bands. There are also multiple look out spots a long the way so there’s lots of other opportunities to stop, take a break, and get pictures.

Seventh Stop: Riva del Garda

This is a beautiful town on the North shore of the lake. It is at about the halfway point. This is where I got a migraine and had to take a nap in the car. There is a botanic gardens with a waterfall. I sent Peter to explore it and report back. In true husband fashion he did not take any pictures. He said it was very beautiful. There are many stairs including up to the entrance. The paths were narrow and wouldn’t accommodate most wheelchairs or walkers.

There is a lot to do in Riva del Garda. There’s a funicular which is a really great and accessible (usually) way to see the views. I did not go because it was closed when I visited so, I can’t confirm that access to the funicular is accessible. There are also beautiful squares and water front. This is a stop where I would spend an hour or two wondering around.

Full disclosure my migraine didn’t go away so we drove straight to the hotel from here. The following are suggested stops that I had on my list.

Eighth Stop: Sentiero Panoramico Busatte Tempesta

This is a hiking path with a panoramic view. There are metal stairs up to a lookout.

Ninth Stop: Malcesine

Beautiful old town with a medieval castle and pebble beach.

Tenth Stop: Garda

This is a beautiful old town, with swimming beaches, the Museum of Lake Garda, and botanic garden. This looks like it would be a place to stop for dinner.

Eleventh Spot: Lungolago di Bardolino

Stop and watch the sunset here.