While staying in Sirmione on Lake Garda we took a boat to a couple of the other towns that sit on the edge of the lake.
There are many to choose from and we could not see all of them so we chose 2, Garda and Bardolino.
Garda is one of the most well known and offers an impressive harbour and a pretty traffic free promenade along the waterfront.
There are some pretty balconies.
…and some lovely trees and gardens, looking great in late spring.
There are some appealing shopping streets.
The local birds have trained tourists to feed them.
One of the reasons I wanted to go to Garda is that I had seen online that there was a bus to the incredible Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. We found an information centre and when I asked about the bus I was told “No”…just “No”. There was no explanation, no possible ideas on how to get there, nothing, so we didn’t go there.
So we got back in the boat and went to Bardolino.
Come for a walk through the pretty streets. I thought Bardolino was more interesting than Garda, a little more authentic.
San Nicolo is an impressive church.
The church of San Severo dates from the 9th century. It wasn’t open, so I can’t take you inside.
Some water birds were taking care of their babies as we headed back to the boat.
There is much to see at Lake Garda. I think I prefer Lake Como, but the area needs more explanation. Next time we will drive to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona.
Lovely photos Deb. Didn’t look too busy when you visited.
By: Kerry & Jim on August 27, 2018
at 11:19 pm
Adore Garda. One of my favorite places in Italy. Last time we stayed in Garda and took the boat to Sirmione. All gorgeous, but Garda is my favorite.
By: Sandra on August 28, 2018
at 12:32 am
It wasn’t my favourite. I preferred Bardolino and generally prefer Lake Como, Varenna in particular.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 28, 2018
at 2:55 am
Those towns are gorgeous! And I really love that balcony full of flowers in Garda. Thank you for sharing all this.
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 28, 2018
at 4:52 am
Italy has so many beautiful places to visit…..My file keeps getting fuller and fuller thanks to you Deb.
By: sealights99 on August 28, 2018
at 12:23 pm
Such lovely photos!
By: chef mimi on August 28, 2018
at 1:14 pm
Indeed Lake Garda and the area looks quite amazing. I was able to visit it rather briefly in 2014, as well as the little town of Spiazzi from which you can just walk to the sanctuary of Madonna Della Corona.
At this time I was told there was a bus going to Lake Garda and indeed I was able to find a bus stop, but I have discovered it too late to be able to take the bus. Perhaps they didn’t have a good information at the office you have asked. When I was in Spiazzi, the bus was running only a couple of times per day.
The sanctuary is very beautifully located and quite interesting to see. I especially liked the very picturesque area where it was build. I have written a short article about my visit to the sanctuary and you can see it here: https://bit.ly/2oVhJO0
By: creativeartphoto on August 28, 2018
at 8:59 pm
It was because of your post that I wanted to go to the sanctuary. We went to the official information centre to ask about the bus, but all I got was NO. I tried a few times to get more information but got nothing.
We will drive next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 28, 2018
at 10:29 pm
Great post Deb, will be adding some of your spots to our itinerary. We take off in about a year for what will hopefully be a decade or so of homeless traveling. Blogs like yours are a great resource for ideas on where to go and what to do.
By: Di and Dan on September 21, 2018
at 6:11 pm
Thank you. I like the share the good places I go to.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 22, 2018
at 2:00 pm