Lago di Garda, Malcesine
Lago di Garda, Lake Garda, Gardasee, Lacus Benacus, Gardameer...
Many names...
the largest lake of Italy, surrounded by mountains of which one is described as well as the "Botanical garden of Europe"...
Population:
Before tourism discovered this pearl of Northern Italy the lake was populated by farmers and fishers.. people lived from trade (even with some smugglers stories ... therefor don't miss out to visit the castles museum on the history of the lake... )...
Nowadays tourism is the main income for the population but the plenty olive trees around the lake are source for the famous olive oil... (don't miss out to look for a place where you can do some olive oil tasting and in case you choose the calm autumn season you even can become testimony of the olive harvest and find out why I gave them once the name "pescatori degli olive"/ olive fishers)..
All of the lakes' villages have their own beauty but Malcesine is simply charming with its little alleys paved by cobblestones (if you walk barefoot you could have your free reflexology treatment.. but look out.. it's gastronomic area and barefoot walking not common in Italy..).
There are various bars, cafes, and restaurants each of them with their individual charme. You can rent bikes, go for (kite) surfing, sailing, book a tandem flight from Monte Baldo, make an excursion with the ferries of Lake Garda to visit some of the other towns of this unique lake.
What else?
Verona and Venice are always worth a day excursion or longer...
At all times of the year. Especially Spring and Autumn are the recommended season as it is calmer then and less hot than in summer.
Lake Garda has with Gardaland, Canevaworld and Movieland some of the biggests and oldest themeparks for whom is looking for some entertainment.
