Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lake Garda West Bank
The western Lombard shore of Lake Garda is the most beautiful, lined with historic
towns, stately villas, mountain-backed roads and frothing flower-filled gardens. North of
Gardone, much of the shore is encompassed within the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano
(
www.parcoaltogarda.net
)
, where it's easy to escape the summer crowds and find yourself
amid some truly stunning scenery.
Valtenesi
The Valtenesi stretches languidly between Desenzano and Salò, its rolling hills etched
with vine trellises and with olive groves. The main lake road heads inland, allowing for
gentle explorations of an array of wineries and small towns, including Padenghe sul
Garda, Moniga del Garda, Manerba del Garda and San Felice del Benaco.
The area also constitutes the Garda Classico DOC wine region, its vineyards producing
the light, rose-coloured chiaretto, the rare, autochthonous groppello and the full-bodied
rosso superiore. Olives also thrive here and you can sample the light, spicy oils at many
wineries and
agriturismi
(farmstay accommodation). The tourist office in Desenzano
stocks the best information on the region.
Sights & Activities
Away from the lake's shores this rural hinterland is zigzagged by narrow lanes and dotted
with some fine local restaurants. It is perfect cycling country, so pick up a bike (or have
one delivered) from
Cicli Mata
( 0365 55 43 01;
www.matashop.it
;
Via Nazionale 63, Raffa di Puegnago;
half-/full-day €18/25; 9am-1pm & 2.30-7.30pm Tue-Sat, 2.30-7.30pm Sun & Mon)
and select one of the
well-charted routes on the community website
www.pisteciclabili.com
. Another resource
for iPhones and Android. It details cycling routes, sights and restaurants.
Parco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba
(
www.parcoroccamanerba.net
;
10am-8pm Apr-Sep, to 6pm Thu-Sun Oct-Mar)
Protected by Un-
esco and now a natural reserve, the 'rock of Minerva' (so named after a long-gone Roman
temple dedicated to Minerva) juts out scenically into the lake just north of Moniga del
Garda. Now all that remains are the low rubble walls of a medieval castle and a restful
NATURAL RESERVE
