If you’re planning a family holiday this spring and trying to locate the ideal destination you may want to put Lake Garda on your map. The largest lake in Italy offers up plenty of variety when it comes to accommodation, activities and scenery and really fits the age old adage of having something for everyone.
Many tourists coming to the region from elsewhere in Europe favour fly-drive options, as this allows them to take in their surroundings and travel out to nearby cities, though this is by no means the only transport available. Nearby airports include Veonca-Villafranca, Brescia-Montichiari and Milan Bergamo, where you can also join local train links or take a taxi, though taxis can be expensive.
There’s accommodation to meet all budgets, ranging from top class hotels and boutique guest houses right through to well-equipped family campsites with chalets. For families the campsites offer real value for money, boasting on-site activities and amenities that match quality hotels. These campsites are also fairly unique in providing the same facilities and activities you might expect from a package holiday in Spain – for example, swimming pools, kid’s clubs and waterslides – but set in altogether different surroundings. While you can choose to be busy in Lake Garda and get active on the water, boating or fishing, or in the surrounding hills cycling, climbing or horse riding, the opportunity for relaxation is equally forthcoming. Roaming olive and lemon groves may not be high octane, but it certainly provides stimulation for the senses!
Planning spring family holidays here allows you take advantage of as much of what the region has to offer as you like, with temperatures and prices more manageable than during the peak of the summer. If you choose to stay on a campsite, you should find that your budget stretches considerably further, freeing up cash to hopefully plan a longer break and take in more of the lovely lake and nearby cities.
For family fun in the Riveria itself you can expect everything from the cultural to the quirky. For an educational family day trip combined with breathtaking scenery try Parco ArcheologicoRocca di Manerba, which has a free archaeological museum and offers spectacular views of the Lake from the Rock of Manerba. At the other end of the spectrum is the GiardinoBotanico – Andre Heller, a fun and unique botanical garden with water and sculptures.
Venturing a little further afield and easily reachable by car are the cities of Milan, Verona and Venice, which need little introduction. Milan is the go-to for retail therapy, Verona has some outstanding Roman remains and romantic Venice has some spectacular sites; St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs are a must-see. Fitting in all three may be a bit more holiday than you can handle once you get going, so scope out the cities in advance and try and prioritise your trips.
Have you ever had holidays to Lake Garda with your family? Do you have any tips for other visitors? If so, please post your comments below.
