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Garda
Tourist information - Garda
The bay of Garda is a jewel dominated by the blue of the lake and the mediterranean vegetation. To the north the bay is closed off by Mount Luppia that dives into the lake to form the enchanting point of San Vigilio, obliged destination of celebrities while on holiday on the lake. To the south is the hill called La Rocca: from the top of this plateau (following a path that goes to the top) one may enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. During medieval times the Castle of Garda stood on this Rocca, and it was of such importance that the lake changed its former Latin name "Benacus" to its present name, Garda. Today Garda, in the centre of the bay, is a full-amenity holiday resort with sixty hotels, various residences and a modern congress building. The narrow streets of the historic centre, once inhabited only by fishermen, are now full of shops and restaurants. The fishing tradition is still alive and well, however. Sitting at the bars along the attractive lake promenade (where every Friday morning the market is held), it is possible to follow the comings and goings of the fishing boats that bring in the catch of the day, the main ingredient for the local gastronomy. Among the art treasures found in Garda there is Villa Albertini (the park can be entered on certain days), and the ancient Pieve. A sunset is unforgettable if seen from Punta San Vigilio. The German War cemetery can be visited at Costermano. The most important manifestations of Garda are tied to the fishing tradition: the "Palio delle Contrade" is a race that is held in the middle of August on characteristic row boats, while the "Sardellata al Pal del Vo" held in July, is a moonlight dinner on fishing boats in the middle of the lake. Lake sports such as swimming, sailing and windsurfing can be practiced along with mountain biking, golf (there are modern facilities facing Garda's bay), horseback riding, free climbing, tennis, football or soccer. A nice and easy walk is to take the long path that goes along the lakeshore from the Rocca all the way to Punta San Vigilio. Other fascinating itineraries go up the Rocca, up Mount Luppia, or up the green vegetation of Val dei Molini (between Garda and Costermano), which is equipped with a health trail.
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