Lake Garda uncovered: hidden spots worth visiting

Lake Garda is known for its little towns and beaches nested in the mountains around the lake. However, few hidden spots could surprise you and maybe change your mind, it is not all about that lake life you see in the #hashtags!

Manerba’s Natural Reserve (Manerba)

In Manerba you can find nice and big beaches like “Romantica beach” and easily relax under the sun, However, my favorite spot ever on the lake is Manerba’s Natural Reserve.  A natural park await you, in which you can find a open-air museum of an ancient castle, different walk itineraries and an archeological museum. The view from the ancient castle is stunning, especially on a nice sunny day. There're some doable itineraries for lazy ass like me (you could stop at the castle’s ruins and enjoy the view) or for professional sportsmen or women looking for a rocky path on the lakeside.

Map and infos here: https://www.riservaroccamanerba.com/en/natural-reserve/trails-in-rocca-reserve

Strada della Forra (Tremosine)

Fast your seat belts and drive through a gorge. Strada della Forra will bring you inside a gorge, admiring its rocky walls and its tricky road curves. Be aware that not all drivers are up for the challenge (myself included), but is open to the public and considered a safe road. The amazing view on the lake at the end is also an additional perk!

Valle delle Cartiere (Toscolano)

Cartiere’s Valley follows a river surrounded by woods. This valley is wild and it hosts a museum about paper manufactory. This area was known for its “Cartiere”, indeed paper factories, which used water energy from the river. It takes more than a few hours to visit all the valley, it slowly changes its aspect while you walk through the woods.

Photo and info here: https://www.valledellecartiere.it/

Roman Villas (Desenzano, Toscolano Maderno, Sirmione)

Italians and its ruins, but what a dream. If you close your eyes, you could imagine an ancient poet bathing in the lake, maybe writing a sonnet?A Roman family enjoying the beach near their villa, exactly like you. How crazy is that? You will have to admit the beauty within Lake Garda’s Villas. You can book a guided tour o just pay the entrance ticket and follow the steps of Romans in the past visiting the lake. Bonus: all the villas have usually low price tickets. The most known Roman villas are located in Toscolano Maderno,Desenzano and Sirmione. 

Photos and infos here: http://www.grottedicatullo.beniculturali.it/