Lake Garda’s Trentino shore, Comano Terme, Valle di Ledro and Valle dei Laghi

A starring role here is played by a wind called the Ora, which has sailors and windsurfers flocking to Lake Garda’s Trentino shore. Many of them come for the international competitions and races that take place on the water every year.

While those of a sporty nature harness the wind and race across the water, if you want to unwind you can stretch out on one of the little beaches by the lake or treat yourself to a drink at one of the many bars looking out over the majestic expanse of water, which is nestled between the mountains like a fjord.

If you’re looking for an active holiday, you can choose from a vast range of outdoor activities here. That’s partly thanks to the mild climate, which means you can enjoy sport in the open air all year round: from hiking to riding along the cycle paths and the Mountain & Garda Bike routes. In addition, the northern shore of Lake Garda is hugely popular with free climbers due to the spectacular overhangs above the lake.

Head north away from the lake and you’ll soon come to the nearby Valle dei Laghi, where you can walk or cycle through the vineyards and orchards that make up part of the magnificent landscape. This is the valley where the area’s exquisite Vino Santo (raisin wine) is made. As you travel through it, you’ll come across spellbinding lakes such as Lake Cavedine, Lake Terlago, the pristine Lakes of Lamar, and Lake Toblino, where the famous Renaissance castle seems to float on the water.

Also north of Lake Garda but slightly further west, you’ll find the relaxing Valle di Comano. The benefits of the water from its famous thermal springs have been renowned since ancient times. The Terme di Comano spa now has a reputation as a leading destination for people looking for natural revitalization. This is thanks in part to the large park surrounding it, which is in the Ledro Alps and Judicaria UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Valle di Ledro on the other side of Lake Garda is a popular spot for camping holidays and breaks in apartments. It’s home to the body of water of the same name, which is one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino. Pay a visit to the Museo delle Palafitte (Stilt House Museum), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 200 km of routes on cycle paths, forest roads and military roads are available for those who want to explore the valley by bike. Lots of people go canyoning in this area, as well.

There’s also plenty for culture lovers to enjoy in this part of the world. For example, in Riva del Garda you can visit MAG (the Northern Garda Museum) and the hydroelectric power plant. The castle that looks down over Arco is also definitely worth a visit. In Valle di Comano, you can make your way through the defensive walls of the awe-inspiring Comano Castle or visit Fiavé Archaeological Nature Park, where a village of stilt houses has been rebuilt. More prehistoric treasures can be found by Lake Ledro: there’s not only another village of stilt houses but also a museum all about them, which is one of the local branches of the MUSE science museum in Trento.

If you’d like to explore Lake Garda’s Trentino shore in the winter – and especially during the festive season – then don’t miss out on a trip to the Christmas markets in Riva del Garda and Arco, not to mention the ones in Canale di Tenno and Rango, which have both been listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy by the “Borghi Più Belli d’Italia” association.

This area is the ideal destination if you’re looking for peace, tranquillity and well-being. Mediterranean cuisine comes together with culinary creations from the lake and the mountains. Of all the outstanding products on offer, make sure you try the extra virgin olive oil, Trentino wines and carne salada (salt beef).