Lombardy itinerary
Garda Lake - Gargnano

Gargnano - Photo © parke 神降

Gargnano

In the center of the natural park “Alto Garda Bresciano”, there is still a quiet, undisturbed island for our holiday, a secure place to recreate the conditions of a necessary inner balance, and where the mild, soothing climate helps the recovery of subjects with hearts problems: Gargnano with its twelve dependent villages: Muslone, Villa, Bogliaco, Villavetro, Fornico, Zuino, Musaga, Sasso, Navazzo, Liano, Formaga and Costa.

The Garda environment is considered the botanical garden of Europe, and Gargnano, for its climate, is the core of it. The lemon trees and the orange trees, that for many years have characterized the economy of the place, are a fair illustration of this.

Immersed and surrounded by the green of the vegetation and by village traditions, one forgets the straining rhythm of daily activity, and the peaceful night disperses every care. The picturesque narrow streets of Gargnano lead to little harbors where fishing boats and Olympic class boats lazily rock.

Here, in the deep and transparent waters of the lake, one can fish for the king of the freshwater fishes: the “carpione”. Off shore, exciting local competitions take place, using the “bisse”, a traditional racing boat, crewed by local young men, rowing in the standing position – a colorful spectacle indeed – also internationally known sailing races, among which the historic “Centomiglia” stand out, organized by the efficient sailing club, the “Circolo Vela Gargnano”.

Gargnano Port - Photo © Marco Squassina

Very popular are also the foot-races, among which are the “10 Miglia” and the “Maratona del Garda”. Tennis, Golf course, trekking, mountain bike, free climbing, pigeon shooting, sail and wind surf, complete the sporting activities.

At only a short distance from the lake, by way of pleasant pathways and easy driving tracks, it is possible to reach a height of 1,000 meters from where you can admire the splendid view and stroll in green surroundings. Signs also remain of the Second World War.

The presence in Gargnano of Benito Mussolini (1943 – 1945) is noted by his stay at Villa Feltrinelli (today a luxury villa-hotel) and by his general headquarters at Palazzo Feltrinelli, today location of the University of Milan’s “Institute of Languages” for Foreign Students. In the tranquility of Villa, the English writer D.H. Lawrence once stayed at “Villa Igea”, and he painted an unforgettable picture of the village of Gargnano and its inhabitants in his book “Twilight in Italy”.

How to get there

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