Advantages: beautiful scenery, nice ice cream
Disadvantages: pricey

...I visted Lake Garda a couple of summers ago and must say it was one of the most people places I have ever visited. Lots of people do seem to complain about it being overly touristy but with scenery like this I can certainly see why. Although it is an extremely popular holiday destination and there are a few touristy gift shops about I still would not say that Lake Garda was too touristy. When I visited I stayed in the largest resort of Riva del Garda a wonderful little town at the north of the lake. Lake Garda has plenty to do with lots of little cafes and restaurants. It is also in walking distance of the next resort. Riva was a beautiful town with a pictureque square which was home to many forms of entertainment in the evening. Towards the end of the summer months the town is also home to a themed festival which was based upon... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic scenery
Disadvantages: Can be expensive

...I visited Italy for the first time in June 2003 and I know that I will go to Riva again. I originally booked the holiday as a couple of my friends were getting married in the northern town of Riva del Garda. I was pleasantly surprised! From the UK there are a lot of airlines who fly near to Riva. The closest airport is Verona which has daily flights by BA but can be expensive. A cheaper option is Alitalia. I flew from East Midlands airport to Bergamo (near Milan) which was less than £90 for a return flight (the earlier you book the cheaper it is) with BMI baby. I needed to arrange my travel to the resort so I chose the train to Verona. The cost of a 3 hour train ride was only 12 euros, that?s less than a tenner so I was extremely angry with the UK train operators when I got back for being extremely expensive. The nearest train station... Read review

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Advantages: ..
Disadvantages: ..

...In Bratislava a few months ago I was amazed by how much it reminded me of Italy, and of Lake Garda in particular. When I was working in northern Italy last summer, my last week was spent “on location” if you will at Riva, a large touristy town at the very north end of the lake. I’d already spent a few days at Peschera and Sirmione at the south end of the lake, but this was something new. Riva is located approximately equidistant from Milan and Venice, some 70 meters above sea level. It is called home by nearly 14 000 Italians, but the steady influx of tourists from April to October makes it seem much busier. The scenery is stunning – imposing mountains, a deep bluey green sparkling lake and a wonderfully colourful waterfront area. Most postcards of Garda Lake in general feature Riva as it’s so... Read review

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Advantages: Stunning scenery, glorious climate......... an almost perfect holiday
Disadvantages: Rather touristy in places

...Italian word for "border". Nevertheless, the area has more or less adopted the lemon as its motif. The village is set in a secluded cove amidst olive and lemon groves, with spectacular views of the lake and its stunning mountainous backdrop. The centre and lakefront are popular with tourists (the majority of whom seem to be German or Austrian) who enjoy strolling among the shops, cafes and bars or relaxing on the beach. ~First Impressions~ Upon disembarking from the plane at Verona Airport at about 10 a.m. local time, we were immediately struck by the warm Meditteranean climate - a bit of a contrast to the rainy Glasgow we had left two hours earlier! The drive to Limone, passing through Torbole and Riva, was a very pleasant one and the first glimpse of beautiful Lake Garda was unforgettable. The road, which runs around most... Read review

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Advantages: tranquil and picturesque.
Disadvantages: Erratic bus service

...Torri de Beneco We booked this as the second resort in a dual centre holiday from Inghams Lakes and Mountains. Wading through the brochures there are many resorts around Lake Garda and very little information to help one choose between them so we were a little unsure what to expect when we arrived in Torri de Benaco on a brilliant hot sunny afternoon in July 2006. We were immediately impressed as we wandered around the cobbled streets and strolled on the promenade of this pretty harbour town. After the hustle and bustle of Venice the tranquillity was welcome, I was on holiday, it was time to unwind. Situation Torri de Benaco is situated half way along the Eastern shores of Lake Garda. Like all the resorts around Garda it is reached by the main road that runs North / South along the lake. From the road there is little to see... Read review

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Advantages: beautiful scenery
Disadvantages: can be expensive

...We flew to Verona and jumped in a taxi to Lake Garda(30mins drive, cost about £40). We stayed in the Hotel Continental in Sirmione. Sirmione is a beautiful old town which you have to enter through the castle. There is a few shops and restaurants and lots of snack bars selling pizza and icecream. The old part of town is mainly pedestrianised. From the dock you can get a boat to just about anywhere around the lake. The boats are fairly cheap and very efficient. The scenery around the lake varies tremendously. In the south, it is very green and flat and the north of the lake is surrounded by mountains. Riva in the north is spectacular. There are many pretty villages around the lake,all worth a visit for a couple of hours or a spot of lunch. There is also a couple of theme parks and a cable... Read review

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