What could be more exciting than a sunset amidst rocks and a lake? There are definitely many locations around Benaco (remember, the Roman name for Lake Garda) to admire the view as the sun goes down.
Let’s see what the best sunsets on Garda are, the places to “chase” the disappearing sun, behind the mountains or at the bottom of the waters!
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A romantic sunset on the pearl of Garda: in Sirmione
The total yearning is for those who love not only the landscape but also the romance of ancient ruins: it’s the sunset at the Grotte di Catullo. They are located on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula (the so-called pearl of Garda), and they immerse you in a fabulous place among the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, the sky, the water, the disappearing sun… unforgettable, especially if you want to relax on the nearby beach (in summer) or if you are looking for a romantic spot. Known as Jamaica Beach, because of its tropical beach aspect, welcomes you among the white and smooth rocks, reflections of the sun on the lake, the beauty of a truly fascinating atmosphere, especially off-season.
The sunset on Garda to the north, the sun and the mountains: in Riva del Garda
In Riva del Garda, in the northern part of the lake, the sun slips behind the mountains and creates a unique effect, especially from Porfina beach. Here in the background, you can see the reliefs of the two coasts that come together in the distance, the sunset that darkens on one side and illuminates the rocks on the other…
Lying on the green lawn, with the clarity of the water as a reflection, you will certainly enjoy a unique sunset, protected by this sort of fjord that is created here in the Trentino Garda.
The enchanted sunset of Punta San Vigilio
This is also one of the most romantic sunsets on Lake Garda, a unique place in the world where many historical figures have enjoyed the beauties of nature and art. Because on this promontory, from the Renaissance, there rises a villa and a marina with sharp and poetic architectures, almost suspended on the lake. You can walk at sunset among the waters of the port, or reach the Bay of Sirens, an exclusive and scenic beach where you feel enveloped by nature, the colors of the lake, green and golden rays that decline in the mountains, reflecting on the waters.
The sunset from the Rocca di Garda
Starting from the village of Garda, you can reach this rocky area where an ancient Lombard castle stood, already demolished in the thirteenth century. It was a perfect defensive point for its height on the gulf – about 300 meters – and today only some traces remain.
It was also an exceptional panoramic point, though, since the sun sets right in front of you, sliding away leaving a unique sensation of beauty and melancholy, which is truly spectacular. The lake shows two sides, both on the village of Garda and towards the gulf of Punta San Vigilio.
Also, in some parts of the path to reach the Rocca, descending from the mountainous areas of the Sella della Rocca, there are panoramic points. From the stone steps along the promontory, you can overlook Bardolino and see Sirmione and the opposite shore with Salò on the horizon.
The sunset on the lakeside: from Bardolino to Lazise
Among the best sunsets on Lake Garda are those that can be admired in many places from walks or cycle paths. The most admired, at least personally, are the sunsets in the area of Bardolino and Lazise, on the eastern shore of the lake where the sky takes beautiful reddish tones and reflects on the lake and the nature around. Unlike the Brescia shore (where I live), here the sun sets much later and with much more scenic taste.
Another scenic sunset is the one on the lakeside between Malcesine and Brenzone, especially from Castelletto, where the profiles of the mountains stand out while the sun disappears, with fiery rays.
There are certainly many locations from which to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Garda, and one could continue by mentioning a tour that goes from Malcesine towards Torri del Benaco, and then back to the already mentioned Punta San Vigilio.
The sunset from above the trails on Garda
Garda also offers paths that climb the mountains, and from there, enjoying the sunset on the lake is a real privilege for those who venture upwards.
One of the most interesting scenarios is that of the Eremo di San Valentino, moreover, the saint of lovers!
The path to get there is short from Gragnano, on the Brescia shore, and in the journey through fields and woods, the more you go up, the more spectacular views of Garda and Monte Baldo you can admire; from the heights of the small church, nestled under the rocks, you can admire all the power of the lights at sunset on this panorama.
Also, on the Busatte Tempesta trail, the sunset is wonderful, and in fact, there are also excursions organized to arrive at the time of vespers, and enjoy an unforgettable panorama. The almost 400 steps that create a part of the path are an advantageous point to enjoy the landscape overlooking the lake, with the golden lights of the sunset enveloping mountains and lake. The path is always in the Trentino area, near Nago and Torbole.
The sunset from vertigo, on the mountains
One of the most scenic points is Monte Altissimo, the summit in the Trentino territory of Nago, which can be reached by a trekking excursion, but it is worth it.
The sunset here is breathtaking, the scenery almost surreal natural spectacle in which the sun will disappear behind the mountains on the opposite shore, with fiery colors if the sky is clear.
If you want to enjoy an enchanted panorama, you can climb Monte Pizzocolo, which from the Brescia shore gives a complete view of the entire Lower Garda, almost magical. Climbing from Gardone Riviera, you can reach this slope with a path that was a mule track, arriving at the top which is about 1500 meters high.
Another unique moment at sunset is from Cima Larici, reachable from Pregasina and not very high (about 900 meters). In the breathtaking panorama, the sun sets right behind you, while you admire the lake with a view from your west shore of the Trentino fjord, up to Sirmione. The light hits the mountains.
After sunset, when the moon arrives, wherever you are, Garda will be even more magical…
