To admire the lake from above and appreciate it in all its splendor, we recommend three panoramic excursions on Lake Garda, also ideal with children.
ROCCA OF GARDA
Between the towns of Garda and Bardolino a simple walk, immersed in nature and very panoramic is the one that leads to the Rocca of Garda, a hill on which once there was an impregnable castle, of which only a few traces remain.
There are various paths that go up and down from the Rocca: we have chosen to recommend the route that starts near Bardolino, leaving the car in front of the Salesian Institute and starting the walk among cypresses, vineyards and the lake in the distance, which occasionally it shows itself and that is always a nice sight.
The path is initially almost flat and can also be traveled with a stroller up to Caval della Rocca, the point where the Rocca Vecchia and the Rocca meet, where the San Giorgio Hermitage of the Camaldolese Benedictine Monks stands. From here on the path becomes more tortuous, not doable with strollers, but only with baby carriers or backpacks.
A fairly steep but short climb that, in 10/15 minutes at the most, leads to the top of the hill, between meadows and paths that open onto the lake and offer an enchanting view.
On one side the town of Garda and Punta San Vigilio, on the other side Bardolino and the lake to the south… a panorama that enchants in every season and at every age.
Here children can run in the meadows, play free in nature, enjoy a snack under a tree before starting the descent, which can be on the same path that leads to Bardolino or on a different path, which leads to Garda.
Garda is a delightful village that deserves a visit and overlooks the lake, whose waters here take on an enchanting color. A dip to cool off and then off along the lakefront towards Bardolino, the initial stage of the excursion to the Rocca of Garda.
PONALE ROAD
The Ponale road in Riva del Garda, the road that once connected Riva with the Ledro valley, is one of the most scenic paths on the lake and is also suitable for children, but not for strollers (it is better to equip yourself with baby carriers and backpacks if you want to do the excursion with younger children).
The route starts in Riva from a path that climbs just past the hydroelectric plant. This path crosses tunnels, flanks the mountain and offers truly impressive views of the lake.
In about an hour's walk you will reach the Ponale Alto restaurant, where you can take a break overlooking the lake before returning to Riva on the same path. Alternatively, the path continues towards the Ledro valley, but the distance is quite long to be done even with children (10 km each way).
Two hours of excursion that offer unforgettable views of the lake and mountains!
MONTE BALDO
The excursion to Monte Baldo starts from Malcesine, where the Malcesine - Monte Baldo cable car awaits both young and old hikers for a breathtaking climb. The ascent on the chairlift will already conquer visitors but, once they reach the top, the fresh mountain air and the panorama will pleasantly capture both adults and children.
Various trails of different difficulties start from the station at the base of Monte Baldo, some of which are very simple and also suitable for children. One of these is path 651 “La Colma di Malcesine”, an easy and very panoramic ring route.
The path leads to the Rifugio la Capannina at 1780 meters with a small playground for children. After a game stop that will make your little ones happy, the path continues on the ridge of Monte Baldo towards the northern tip, offering a wonderful view of the lake on one side and Mount Altissimo on the other.
Once you reach the most panoramic point, the view extends from north to south, from Riva to Peschiera, offering a view of the lake that here has the effect of leaving visitors of all ages speechless.
Once you get off in Malcesine you can then continue to discover a child-friendly lake by continuing to play in the beautiful playgrounds hidden among the Garda villages: this is an article that describes them, written by Mary, author of www.playgroundaroundthecorner.com
