Garda: Lakeside Paths and Historic Traces

When looking for a hotel in Garda, lakeside paths and water activities may be just as important as hikes or historical sites. The routes vary in length and terrain: alongside an easy, flat circular route, the Garda and Costermano sul Garda area has more challenging hiking and cycling routes. You’ll also find specific points of reference by the lake to help you plan.

Lakeside paths and activities on the lake

The walking path from Garda to Punta San Vigilio runs along Al Corno beach. For the first two kilometres, the surface is paved; after that, it consists of pebbles. Water levels can affect the final section seasonally, so take this into account when planning. Al Corno is a stretch of shoreline characterized by white pebbles, surrounded by the greenery of the Gulf of Garda. It extends for four kilometres to Punta San Vigilio. A 700-metre section marked by buoys is used for open-water swimming and training. The beach is a ten-minute walk from Garda harbour.

At Al Corno beach, you can set off on independent SUP excursions or ask a SUP school for advice and instruction. If you’re planning this activity, check the current options in advance. The Garda section of the Lega Navale Italiana offers sailing courses and activities on Lake Garda, using Optimist dinghies, dinghies, and cabin boats. Course times and registration details may change; check them before making your plans.

Walks and routes in the area

The walking path between Garda and Bardolino follows the disused Garda–Caprino railway line. It’s an easy, flat, five-kilometre circular route with lake views. The Garda and Costermano sul Garda area also has walking paths and more challenging hiking and cycling routes. They lead through wooded terrain and offer panoramic views. This gives you the choice of a specific five-kilometre circular route or a broader network of paths with more challenging trails.

Another route passes through meadows and woods. Its final section runs alongside olive groves and vineyards before reaching the path to the Eremo dei Camaldolesi. The former Benedictine monastery was founded in 1663. When planning this route, you can use both its changing landscapes and its historically dated destination as points of reference.

Rock carvings, a church, and local tradition

The municipality of Garda has more than 250 rocks bearing over 3,000 carvings dating from the 13th to the 7th century BC. At Rocca Vecchia, there are also traces from the Palaeolithic era, remains of medieval fortification walls, and trenches from the two World Wars. These sites represent different historical periods.

The parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore has early Christian origins, possibly dating back to the Lombard period. Its cloister was built in the 15th century. The church therefore reflects two distinct periods: its possible early origins and the later construction of the cloister.

Fishing is also part of local history: in Garda, it is a long-standing tradition that connects nature, the landscape, local residents, and their stories. The Sagra di San Bernardo takes place every year for three days around 20 August. The exact dates may vary depending on the programme.

Transport links for planning your trip

The bus service connects Garda with the main towns on Lake Garda, Verona, the Valpolicella area, and Monte Baldo, as well as with the railway stations in Peschiera del Garda and Verona and Verona Airport. From Garda harbour, boats operated by Navigazione Laghi connect Garda with the main towns around the lake, including Lazise, Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano, Salò, Gardone Riviera, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, and Malcesine. Transport links and timetables may change; check current bus times and seasonal boat services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: San Zeno Di Montagna, Colà, San Giovanni Lupatoto, Pesina Spezie, Cisano Di Bardolino, Ceraino, Castelnuovo Del Garda, Badia Calavena.

Return to the main travel overview: Verona.