Gardone Riviera: the hidden heart of Lake Garda

Less well known than Sirmione and more authentic than many destinations on the eastern shore, Gardone Riviera is the Lake Garda village chosen for quality stays by those who truly know the lake. Grand Hotel Fasano has been its address of excellence for more than a century.

Gardone Riviera lies on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, in the western part of the lake, which enjoys one of the mildest microclimates in Italy: gentle temperatures for much of the year, lush vegetation, and palms, citrus trees and olive groves thriving just steps from the water. It was in this landscape that Grand Hotel Fasano found its natural home in 1888, and where it still offers guests one of the most complete lakeside experiences in Europe.

What to see nearby

• A 10-minute walk up the hill: the Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gabriele D'Annunzio's extraordinary residence, with a theatre, museum, gardens and a warship set in the park
• A few minutes' walk away: the André Heller Botanical Garden, one of Italy's most original gardens, with works of art and plants from all over the world
• 10 minutes by car: Salò, the main town of the Brescia side of Lake Garda, with an elegant lakefront promenade and a lively town life
• 20 minutes by car: Gargnano, a small and authentic village, renowned for its lemon groves and Garda PDO olive oil
• 30 minutes by car: Tremosine sul Garda, a small village on a plateau with one of the most breathtaking views of the entire lake
• Reachable by ferry: the villages of the Verona shore, including Torri del Benaco and Malcesine with its medieval castle

Recommended seasons

Spring, from April to June, is the season couples love most: the lake regains its tranquillity, the gardens of the park are in full bloom, the light is extraordinary and the temperatures are ideal for enjoying the pool and the jetty at a leisurely pace.

September and October bring a different atmosphere, perhaps even more intimate: the lake takes on golden hues, the grape harvest enlivens the Brescia hinterland and Gardone Riviera rediscovers its authentic rhythm. For those who wish to experience Grand Hotel Fasano at its most intimate, autumn is the perfect choice.

Practical tip

Grand Hotel Fasano organises private boat excursions on the lake on request. To explore the villages of the Brescia and Verona shores, reach the islands or simply spend a few hours on the water, travelling by boat is often the most beautiful option. The staff and concierge are on hand to arrange every detail from the moment you arrive.

Gardone Riviera is one of those places that reveal themselves slowly and are hard to forget. Those who choose it once tend to return: for the beauty of the lake, the tranquillity of the village and that suspended atmosphere that few places on Lake Garda can still offer.