DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes : Lake Garda : Lakeside Towns

Top 10 Lakeside Towns

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1. Sirmione

The loveliest town on the lake is set at the tip of a long peninsula. It has the ruins of an ancient Roman villa and a remarkably intact medieval castle (see Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione, Rocca Scagliera, Sirmione).
2. Desenzano

A large and delightful town, settled in the Bronze Age and a retreat since the Roman era. Its top attraction is the Villa Romana (see Villa Romana, Desenzano).
3. Salò

This genteely faded resort became the capital of Mussolini’s short-lived Republic of Salò (1943–5) in the closing chapters of World War II.
4. Gardone Riviera

The fruits of Gardone’s long popularity as a resort developed into magnificent villas and gardens, including Hruska and the Vittoriale (see Il Vittoriale, Gardone Riviera, Giardino Botanico Hruska, Gardone Riviera).
5. Toscolano–Maderno

These twin towns enjoy a great beach and the glorious church of Sant’Andrea, with its Romanesque capitals and fading frescoes.
6. Limone sul Garda

Little Limone is tucked into a cove, with a long beach, small harbour and dozens of hotels.
7. Riva del Garda

A bustling town, blessed with good surfing and the medieval Torre d’Apponale and Rocca Castle. Just inland lies Arco, home to an elegantly ruined castle (see Lake Garda).
8. Torbole

History put Torbole on the map in 1439 (see Lake Garda). Aside from that, the town is known chiefly as a good base for lake sports.
9. Malcesine

Among exhibitions on local natural history and prehistory, the town’s castle contains a room devoted to Goethe, who was briefly imprisoned as a suspected Austrian spy when he was caught sketching the castle.
10. Bardolino

Bardolino has been famous since Roman times for its light red wine, celebrated at the museum. The town also has two wonderful Romanesque churches.