Gardone Riviera holidays

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This community of villages on the western shore of Lake Garda is known for its botanical gardens and parks, so holidays to Gardone Riviera will certainly give you plenty to look at.

Flora and fauna

Gardone's lakefront promenade is perfect for people-watching on lazy sunny days, before making the short uphill walk to the old village centre for an evening wander through its courtyards. Gardone is sheltered from poor weather conditions by the mountains, resulting in a wonderful subtropical climate. Take to the resort’s lush parks or visit the Heller Botanical Gardens and you’ll see the rich plant life this has produced.

An eccentric home

A short walk from the village is the intriguing and extravagant Il Vittoriale, a complex of squares, gardens and waterways that sits in the hillside overlooking Lake Garda. It’s the brainchild and former home of the controversial poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, and is a must-see, if only for its collection of bizarre artefacts from his eccentric life.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Gardone Riviera:

• Lakeside promenade
• Boat trips
• Botanical gardens
• Museum
• Public villas and gardens
• Markets

Popular hotels in Gardone Riviera

Top things to see and do in Gardone Riviera

Beaches

Lido Cisano

The Lido Cisano has a play area for children, and you can rent sun loungers, parasols and deck chairs.

Lido di Fasano

The Lido di Fasano has a bar service, and you'll find changing cabins, showers and toilets here too. It's free for visitors.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The weekly market in Gardone normally sets up its stalls at around 8am.

Mid-range buys

Gardone is not a large shopping town, but has a small selection of tasteful shops to browse.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

The Gardone way of life is very relaxed and locals take it easy. Grab your favourite flavour of ice-cream from a gelateria and stroll along the lakefront.

Lively evenings

Gardone is a relaxed, laid-back place, ideal for wandering and strolling. If you're looking for lively evenings, you might want to head out to Salo or Desenzano along the shore.

Food & drink

Go al fresco

The small town of Gardone Riviera has a good few pavement cafés, pizzerias, gelaterias and fine-dining restaurants dotted around, some with views of Lake Garda.

Getting about

Buses

To head north to Maderno, catch the bus from the stop opposite the Hotel Grand. Or you can catch a bus from the Bay of Salo to one of the other towns on the western shore.

Passenger ferries

Steamers and fast hydrofoils leave town from the port in Piazza Wimmer (between the Grand Hotel and Hotel du Lac), and run to most towns on the east shore of the lake.

On foot

Exploring Gardone on foot is mostly easy thanks to the paved streets and leafy lakeside promenade. There are small courtyards and steps though, so take care when you're strolling about.

Walking

Walking in the town

Start with a stroll along the shady lakeside promenade and then head into town to explore the warren of courtyards and steps.

Botanical gardens

Spend a day wandering among exotic plants in the Heller Botanical Gardens, or walk to Il Vittoriale, the former home of eccentric poet Gabrielle D'Annunzio, to stroll through the unique gardens and house.

Top Hotels in Gardone Riviera

Facts about Gardone Riviera

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 to 3 hours from Gatwick