If you’re wondering what to see in Gargnano and what the most famous tourist spots in the area are, then you’re in the right place. In the western part of Lake Garda, after the town of Toscolano Maderno, which is basically my base camp when it comes to touring the magnificent landscapes of the area, there is a village unknown to most, but which for beauty and elegance is second to none.
Gargnano del Garda is a small village with only 2,814 inhabitants, but don’t be fooled by the small number of people because, especially in summer, the town is practically invaded by Italian and foreign tourists. The reasons are simple: there is everything you need to be a miniature tourist resort. From the elegant center to Villa Feltrinelli, here are all the places to visit.
Gargnano’s historic center
The first thing to see in Gargnano is – as mentioned earlier – its small historic center. Located just a stone’s throw from the lake, the village has everything you need, including grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and local activities that make the town a truly complete place to spend a day relaxing.
The center is also characterized by the presence of houses and buildings depicting cannonballs cemented into their facades due to a bombardment suffered by the village by Austrian ships in 1866, during the third War of Independence.
It is also worth mentioning the presence of the Church of San Giacomo (we are in the twelfth century) and the former San Francesco Convent, founded in 1221.
The beaches of the village
The elegance of the village is also reproduced in the small beaches present in the village. These are often small spaces that make the experience in those places even more exclusive. The beaches are all composed of gravel, but are equipped and certainly accessible and ideal for all needs.
Let’s start with the Corno beach, perhaps one of the most famous in the area and located just 500 meters from the center. Easily reachable on foot, it is a gravel beach, quite large and free.
To the north of Gargnano, we find the most famous Fontanella beach, even equipped with a beach volleyball court for those who want to spend their day in a sporty way. There is a large green space in addition to the classic gravel on the lakefront. It is usually crowded with tourists, but no less beautiful than the others. We also note the possibility of renting pedal boats, surfboards, and canoes. A bar kiosk is located a few meters from the beach.
Two other beaches to consider are Gial beach and Giallo Limone beach. The first is famous for allowing access to animals and is located in Via Rimembranze. The second, instead, is located in Via della Libertà 51 and offers the rental service of sun loungers, umbrellas, deck chairs, pedal boats, and canoes.
Limonaia ‘La Malora’ and Villa Feltrinelli
Just before the Circolo Vela, at the beginning of the town, we find the famous Limonaia “La Malora” which would certainly deserve a visit. It is rumored to be one of the oldest lemon groves on Lake Garda. Currently, the farm produces liqueurs with a truly natural flavor, mustard, and lemon jams. A must for enthusiasts of the genre. If you’re lucky, you’ll also have the chance to visit the lemon grove on site.
A little further up, once you have passed the historic center and Fontanella beach, in front of you, you will see Villa Feltrinelli in all its splendor. Famous for having been one of Benito Mussolini’s residences during the Republic of Salò, the palace has been transformed into a popular luxury hotel.
Now that you have all the elements, have you already decided what to see in Gargnano during your stay? If you need support for your itinerary, contact us!
