Summer in Lake Garda

This Summer I was fortunate to spend 3 months in beautiful Lake Garda. One of the benefits of being a self- employed business owner is being able to pack up your laptop and work wherever you have a good Wi-Fi connection. When I’m at home I like to work from local coffee shops and a coworking space and this summer I had an opportunity to go to Italy for 90 days and found some work spots with a great view of the lake. I had worked in Italy previously so it was a quick decision to go back - how could I turn down a chance to live la dolce vita and explore some of northern Italy’s most iconic spots? Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is situated between the three Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. There are 25 picturesque villages around the lake rich with historical monuments, castles and fortresses. The climate is ideal for the cultivation of local products e.g. olives, lemons and oranges, wine and truffles known worldwide. I was based in the town of Salo on the south west coast of the lake known as the Riviera Bresciana, also taking in Gardone and Gargnano. Salo has the longest lakeside promenade filled with shops, cafes and pizzerias and also a stretch of small shingle beaches with pontoons for swimming or paddleboarding in the crystal clear water. The first morning I arrived, I went down to the lake for an early morning walk along the promenade and swim and from then spent many mornings with my laptop beside the lake enjoying a cappuccino and brioche or people watching in the afternoons with Aperol Spritz and pizza. The historic buildings in Salo are the classic pastel colours and in the cobbled back streets you can find the local Musa museum dedicated to the towns musical heritage. Back in the 16th century Gasparo da Salo invented the violin which was allegedly based on the shape of the lake. Outdoor classical concerts are held in the square outside the Duomo during the summer months. From the Salo promenade, there is a daily boat service to all areas of the lakes so I was able to visit many of the towns around the lake which all have their own personality. Limone is an authentic old town on the north west of the lake. The tiny alleys are filled with shops and restaurants with flowered balconies. On Tuesdays there is a weekly market where you can buy local products olive oil, wine and cheese and of course lemons! Riva del Garda at the northern tip of the lake is less quaint and more like a proper town. It has a cosmopolitan feel and is a popular base to stay rather than visit for a day trip. The northern end of the lake is also popular with windsurfers and kite surfers. Malcesine on the north east side of the lake has a rotating cable car up to 1800m Monte Baldo which is a compulsory stop for tourists around Lake Garda for an amazing panoramic view of the lake. Bardolino is one of the most well-known tourist destinations on Lake Garda. It is located on the east of the lake and borders in the north with Garda and in the south with Lazise. Bardolino is well known for the production of the famous red wine and wine festival in October. Desenzano del Garda is on the south of Lake Garda and is the largest city on the lake with good road and train connections. The city is in the centre of a large bay with flower lined lake promenades and impressive buildings and canals in Venetian style. Peschiera del Garda is at the south of the lake is a typical Italian old town with charming historical alleys and cafés on the small harbour. Between Peschiera and Sirmione stretches a large beach ideal for relaxing in the sun. Sirmione is a picturesque town on the south coast with an Instagram worthy castle at the entrance to the old town. There are also thermal baths and Roman ruins to explore for the 1000s of day trippers. Away from the lake there are plenty more sights to visit – Verona for some culture including the famous Romeo & Juliet balcony. The Dolomites for hiking, biking and even canyoning and there are also plenty of local vineyards for wine tasting, tours and picnics. There really is something for everyone at Lake Garda for a short break or longer trip. Travel Counsellors has a close working relationship with a wide range of travel partners which means I can personalise an itinerary in Lake Garda or across Italy that’s just right for you.