I must warn you about this blog post. It could contain images that might make you want to have a holiday at Lake Garda in Italy very soon. I certainly went there spontaneously, trying to find a sunny spot to relax. I haven’t been to the famous and popular Lake Garda for at least 20 years (once with my sister and once with my mum), and it was awesome! Just as I remembered.
That said, the cycling in Italy was rather challenging after all the wonderful cycling paths I have ridden so far.
But read more below… and enjoy the pictures!
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the largest lakes in Italy, surrounded by lots of pretty little towns (from Garda to Sirmione). Sitting just below the Alps and close to Verona, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Especially for Northern Europeans. Everybody I know has been to Lake Garda at least once. And why wouldn’t you? But, as you can imagine, it can get quite crowded. Except for this year, given the COVID scenario (not sure if you have heard about it??).
For me, it was exactly the reason to go there now. Perfect weather and no tourists!
I booked a really nice Hotel Apartment ‘Relais Madergnago’ (Check out the accommodation here) in the small town Desenzano, at the lower left side of the lake. I really liked that part of the lake, away from the camp sites, and therefore more local. My plan was to relax, swim and cycle for 5 days.
Cycling in Italy
I had big ideas for my cycling days around Lake Garda. After all, I have done a few trips around lakes in the past few weeks already (e.g. Potsdam and Schwerin), so I was looking forward to do the same here.
Well, my advice about cycling in Italy. Don’t do it. The bike ways aren’t really proper bike ways (no matter what you read on the internet) and the cars don’t really care about you. As a cyclist that is. In fact, they actually get more annoyed and very aggressive with you. At least that was the case in my experience. And after cycling for over 7000km in 9 countries (from France to Spain, Belgium, Germany and more), I’d like to think I have a pretty good comparison.
Cycling in Italy was really no fun at all (and scary at times). Unless, of course, you cycle from your hotel/camping place a short distance, along the boulevard, to Garda, to get ice cream or pizza. That is different and quite pretty.
Swimming and relaxing
Given the disappointment with the cycling, it looked like I had to swim instead. Not a bad compromise, as the lake has beautiful crystal clear waters. It was amazing. And even though I preferred to swim in the lake, than the pool, I still spent most evenings at my private deck, enjoying local wine and food. And for that alone, it is always worth coming back to Italy. It was a perfect holiday at Lake Garda.
Of course I did a short trip to revisit Verona as well. It has been over a year since my last trip there. And I could finally stand next to Juliet without the crowds. What a year…
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