Gardone Riviera
Lake Garda
Gardone Riviera is a picturesque town on the western shores of Lake Garda, celebrated for its lush gardens and elegant Belle Époque architecture. With a population of 2,700, it provides a serene and refined atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
The town’s scenic lakefront promenade and stunning views offer a perfect setting for leisurely strolls. Gardone Riviera’s strategic location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding lake area, with convenient access to other charming lakeside communities.
Best Things to See and Do in Gardone Riviera
Here Are the Top Picks of Gardone Riviera You Should Not Miss
Discover the Vittoriale degli Italiani
A visit to the Vittoriale degli Italiani is a must and the first of the top three things to see in Gardone Riviera. This monumental complex was commissioned by the eccentric poet Gabriele D’Annunzio and includes streets, gardens, squares, waterways, buildings, and the immense Vittoriale Amphitheatre, which hosts national and international events.
D’Annunzio purchased this property after falling in love with the stunning view of the lake, which is easy to understand. Following the failure of his Fiume enterprise and the Treaty of Rapallo, he decided to move here, where he spent the last years of his extraordinary life. The project was directed by his friend and architect Giancarlo Maroni, and it was completed in 1938.
The Vittoriale is filled with war memorabilia, sculptures, paintings, books, photographs, and objects from various cultures. This eclectic home was admired by many, leading D’Annunzio to donate the complex to the “Italian people” in 1923, hence its name.
Inside the Vittoriale, you can explore numerous rooms, each filled with objects meticulously arranged as per D’Annunzio’s precise instructions. In the Prioria, the main building and D’Annunzio’s actual residence, every detail is carefully curated, with nothing left to chance. The poet’s unique personality is evident, as every object and symbol holds significant meaning.
The undeniable charm of this place extends to its outdoor spaces. You can admire the luxurious gardens, the limonaia with its Belvedere, the Portico del Parente, and the amphitheatre. One of the most striking artifacts is the immense ship Puglia, gifted to the poet by the Italian Navy and now embedded within the park. At the summit of the Vittoriale stands the Mausoleum, a monument housing D’Annunzio’s tomb and offering a splendid view of the lake.
Visit the Heller Garden
At the turn of the twentieth century, during a period of significant tourist prestige, several green areas were created in Gardone, including the park of Dr. Hruska, the predecessor of the André Heller Botanical Garden. Both Hruska and Heller shared a love for travel and a passion for gardens, their memories of distant places blending perfectly with the unique climate of Lake Garda.
Today the André Heller Botanical Garden transcends a typical plant collection. Home to 3,000 species from various climates worldwide, the garden offers a harmonious blend of global flora in a uniquely valuable environment.
Here You can explore an extraordinary path featuring Japanese gardens, streams, grottos, water lilies, artificial ponds, and rocky areas. Enormous ferns like Osmunda Regalis, bamboo groves, beautiful Primula from Tibet, and Iris of every color grow under the shade of large Cryptomeria japonica trees.
Visiting the André Heller Botanical Garden allows you to experience a slice of Japan with its traditional garden and iconic bridge, near which blooms the lovely yellow-flowered Rosa banksiae. Colorful koi carp and aquatic plants thrive in the small ponds, enhanced by fountains, water features, and cascading waterfalls typical of Japanese landscapes.
The garden also features artistic installations that provide a perfect balance between art and nature. As you wander through the garden, you will encounter a variety of sculptures and artworks that add an element of surprise and creativity to the serene environment.
Spend the day at the Beach
If you’re visiting Gardone Riviera for a relaxing day, start with a leisurely walk among the oleanders and citrus trees along the lakefront, then take a break on the beach. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect beach in Gardone!
Just a few meters from the center, you’ll find Casino Beach, equipped with all the essentials for a delightful day by the lake. This beach offers free access, a mix of sand and gravel, and the option to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The clear water is ideal for a refreshing swim, and the friendly and kind managers of the lido and kiosk contribute to a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
Another free access option is Lido di Fasano, which comes with toilets, showers, and convenient free parking nearby. It’s an excellent choice if you’re with friends or family. You can enjoy a game of beach volleyball or have an aperitif at the kiosk. Additionally, there’s a bicycle shop near the beach where you can rent bikes to explore the surrounding area or continue along the lakeside.
Visit Isola di Garda
Visiting Isola di Garda is an enchanting experience that offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and history of Lake Garda. One of the best ways to reach the island is through the various excursions departing from the port of Gardone.
Isola di Garda, the largest island in the lake, remains privately owned and is still inhabited by the Cavazza family. They reside in a magnificent Venetian neogothic-style villa, making the island accessible only via small boats. From April to October, exclusive tours are organized, allowing visitors to explore this stunning location.
Upon arrival, a guided tour of the villa awaits, where visitors are surrounded by beauty and meticulous attention to detail. Designed by architect Luigi Rovelli, the villa harmoniously blends architectural intricacies and surprises.
As you stroll through the villa’s halls, you’ll be captivated by the opulence and historical significance of the surroundings. The villa is enveloped by a lush and meticulously maintained park, featuring sinuous hedges and a wide variety of plants and flowers, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
To conclude the tour in style, visitors are treated to an aperitif on the villa’s spectacular terrace. Here, you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Italian garden and the deep blue waters of Lake Garda.
Explore the Botanical Gardens of Lake Garda
Discover the Best Botanical Gardens and Nature Parks around Lake Garda
