Feb 12

Feb 12 Brace yourself for Bird's Eye Views in Malcesine | Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the biggest freshwater lake in Italy, where olive and citrus trees grow wild in the surrounding mountainside. In fact, the lake is so big that the towns along the shores of the lake are divided between the three separate provinces of Trentino, Verona and Brescia. Because the lake and its towns are so beautiful and the weather is mild, Lake Garda is a popular tourist destination so you will often see resorts, beachfront bars, boats for hire, water sports, restaurants, souvenir shops and other tourist activities available. You could easily spend a month here and still not see everything that the towns have to offer.

We spent most of our trip to Lake Garda in the town of Malcesine, which had the cutest small town feel next to the impressive mountain of Monte Baldo. Read below for some highlights and suggested activities.

Activities

Scaliger castle - This castle is over 1,000 years old and is located at the highest point in Malcesine which provides it with panoramic views of the lake and town below. It only costs 6 Euro to enter ($7 USD) and is well worth the visit.
Paragliding - Paragliding was the most epic experience that we have ever had! Climbing to the top of Monte Baldo and then literally running off the mountain with nothing but a parachute on your back is frightening at first, but afterwards you feel like you are sitting in the world’s most beautiful living room.
If this is something that you wish to experience for yourself, then we highly recommend Riccardo and his team from Voli Tandem. They speak English, German and Italian. You can find more information at: http://www.paraglidingmalcesine.com/

Hiking - There are many hiking trails available around Malcesine, each with a different level of difficulty depending on your fitness. For more information on hiking routes see https://funiviedelbaldo.it/it/trekking-nordic-walking-it/
Cable Car - If hiking is not your thing, you can take a cable car from Malcesine straight to the top of Monte Baldo where you will be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views of the lake and town below. It only costs 22 Euro ($ 27 USD) to take the cable car and once you’re at the top you may even see the occasional mountain goat. For more information see: https://funiviedelbaldo.it/it/online-ticket-it/
Mountain Biking - There are several biking trails on Monte Baldo, each with a different difficulty depending on your level of fitness. You can find more information on biking routes at: https://funiviedelbaldo.it/it/mountain-bike-it/
Horseback Riding - There are several horseback riding trails available on Monte Baldo. This is an activity that we missed out on and really regretted not being able to plan for it in advance of our visit (we made up for it in the Dolomites though) but if you have a chance, then this is a must do. For more information see: https://funiviedelbaldo.it/it/ippostrada-monte-baldo-it/

Watersports - Because of the daily winds that blow down from the mountains, Malcesine and Lake Garda is a perfect place to go sailing, windsurfing or kitesurfing. You can also go kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding as there are several vendors and sailing schools in Malcesine.
Ski on Monte Baldo - From late December to March is skiing season on Monte Baldo. For more information see: http://www.visitgarda.com/cms-01.00/articolo.asp?IDcms=6038&s=422&l=en
Explore Malcesine - Malcesine is a cute little town with pebble stone streets and charming alleyways. Here, you’ll find citrus trees lining the streets and grapevines hanging from apartment balconies. The best advice is to take it slow and stroll around the town, savoring gelato and appreciating the beauty of the town.
Paina Beach - Paina beach is a free pebble beach in Malcesine where you can look up at Scaliger castle or the town of Limone just across the water. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars, volleyball fields and a beach club with lounge chairs for rent.
Boat Tours/Ferries - From Malcesine you can hire a ferry to take you around the different towns on Lake Garda. You can also hire a hydrofoil, catamaran or pleasure boat from any of the several vendors available in town. For more information on ferries see: https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/