Things to do in Gargnano
Experiences to enjoy
in Gargnano and on Lake Garda
Gargnano, dominated by Mount Denervo (1,495 m), consists of the main town, clustered around its small harbour, and twelve charming hamlets – some on the lake (Villa and Bogliaco), others on gentle hillsides (Villavetro, Fornico, Zuino, Navazzo, Musaga, Muslone), and others further inland (Sasso, Liano, Formaga, Costa). All are connected by scenic, easy-to-drive roads winding through olive groves, meadows, and woodlands.
The lakeside landscape is dotted with countless citrus gardens, known as “limonaie”, which, along with fishing, were an important source of income from the 18th century onwards. Bogliaco, home to the Vela Gargnano sailing club, hosts numerous international sailing events, including the Centomiglia and, more recently, the America’s Cup. The vast, picturesque hinterland is perfect for excursions on foot, horseback, by mountain bike, or by car.
Visitors can also enjoy traditional local dishes, such as spiedo, fresh fish, and polenta, at the area’s many restaurants.
Limonaie
The ancient “limonaie” of Lake Garda are terraced gardens dedicated to lemon cultivation, built in sheltered locations – near streams, on sunny slopes, and close to the lake to take advantage of the mild climate.
Arranged over multiple levels connected by stone staircases, they were enclosed by sturdy walls on three sides, facing east and southeast. Inside, a small service building stored boards, glass panels, and doors used to cover the structure during winter.
From November onwards, the “limonaie” were transformed into greenhouses: the roof and sun-facing walls were closed with wooden boards and glass, sealing every gap with dried grass, following the local saying: “A Sànta Caterìna, stüpìna, stüpìna!”.
Because lemon trees are sensitive to near-freezing temperatures, fires were lit along the terraces on the coldest nights to protect the plants. Today, the “limonaie” tell an extraordinary story of Lake Garda’s agricultural ingenuity.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil from Lake Garda is a highly prized ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Made using traditional milling methods from hand-picked Leccino, Casaliva, and Frantoio olives, Garda oil is cold-pressed with stone mills.
A genuine product with a fruity aroma and intense flavor, this extra virgin olive oil enhances the taste of vegetables, meats, and delicate dishes. Thanks to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is ideal for frying and perfect with fish, white meats, and light preparations.
Caper Blossoms
The Garda caper is a small Mediterranean plant that grows wild and resilient here, thriving between the dry-stone walls of the lemon houses and the sun-warmed stones, encouraged by Lake Garda’s mild microclimate. At Borgo dei Limoni, you’ll find it in the brightest spots around the property, where in summer it produces pure white flowers with violet filaments and, with its discreet presence, conveys the Riviera’s authentic spirit.
Hand-picked before flowering, the buds become capers: savoury and aromatic, perfect preserved in salt, in oil, or in a sweet-and-sour brine. A simple yet precious ingredient, capable of enlivening bruschetta and salads, enhancing lake fish and white meats, and bringing to the table—with a single bite—the sunlit character of Gargnano.
The climate in Gargnano is similar to Mediterranean climate, thanks to the low altitude, the lake’s moderating influence, and the surrounding mountains sheltering from cold winds. This type of climate allows rich and varied vegetation to grow, especially in the Alto Garda Bresciano Park.
This microclimate makes the area an ideal habitat, carefully preserved by locals to provide visitors with a healthy, serene, and welcoming environment.
From Gargnano to Gaino
Following in the footsteps of D.H. Lawrence
Among olive groves and limonaie
To the hermitage of S. Valentino
Lake tour by motorboat
Heller Botanical Garden
The Heller Botanical Garden in Gardone Riviera is set in a place of timeless charm, where the landscape evokes Visconti elegance and the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Garda’s western shore.
Gardone is divided into two areas, Gardone Sotto and Gardone Sopra, connected by the garden itself, a magical space where nature and art merge seamlessly.
The park features landscapes inspired by all five continents. Among more than 3,000 species of plants and flowers, the garden includes streams, waterfalls, and ponds, alongside sculptures from diverse traditions and works by artists such as Lichtenstein, Paladino, and Haring.
Founded by Artur Hruska, the dentist of the last Tsar, and now curated by André Heller, the garden is a harmonious oasis that continues to captivate and inspire visitors.
Vittoriale degli Italiani
The residence includes the Prioria, filled with memorabilia, precious objects, and a library of 33,000 volumes; the Officina study, furnished with artworks and a bust of his beloved Eleonora Duse, a “veiled witness” to D’Annunzio’s life and work; the ship Puglia, gifted to the poet by the Italian Navy; and numerous other rooms that reflect D’Annunzio’s legacy.
The Pompeian-style theatre, with 1,500 seats and views over Lake Garda, hosts summer opera and music performances.
The estate also includes the Auditorium, home to the SVA aircraft and Fiat T4, and the Mausoleum where D’Annunzio and his Fiume companions are laid to rest.
Valle delle Cartiere
The Valle delle Cartiere in Toscolano has been home to a paper industry since the 13th century, renowned for producing high-quality paper exported as far as Verona, Venice, and the Adriatic.
Toscolano became an important centre for production and printing, hosting some of the most famous book printers of the early 16th century, including Paganino and Alessandro Paganini.
The area, which also includes the valley of the Toscolano River, preserves traces of mills, kilns, and forges. Today, it is protected as the Alto Garda Natural Park for its historical, scenic, and scientific significance.
Gardaland
No holiday on Lake Garda is complete without a visit to Gardaland. The amusement park in Castelnuovo del Garda, considered one of the finest in Europe, is a true entertainment paradise for the whole family.
The park features numerous themed areas with a wide range of services, shops, picnic spots, restaurants, self-service points, performance areas, and theatres.
Gardaland also includes LEGOLAND® Water Park, a water park with attractions, pools, slides, water games, and interactive LEGO® building activities.
Next to Gardaland is Sea Life Aquarium, where visitors can admire more than 5,000 marine species housed in 37 tanks.
Parco Natura Viva
Parco Natura Viva, located between Bussolengo and Pastrengo near Lake Garda, spans around 400,000 m² of gently wooded hills. It is divided into two main areas: the Safari Park, explored by car like a real African safari, and the Wildlife Park, which includes the Dinosaur Park, the Tropical Aviary Greenhouse, and the Aquaterrarium.
The park is home to over 1,500 animals from 180 species, many born in captivity or rescued from circuses and other dangerous situations, and it collaborates with the Forestry Corps to care for seized or injured animals at risk of extinction.
Within the Wildlife Park, a 160,000 m² botanical trail allows visitors to observe animals in their naturalistic habitats.