Isola del Garda is the largest island on the lake and hides an architectural treasure: a neo-Gothic-Venetian-style villa surrounded by Italianate gardens. The visit is an unforgettable experience.
How to get there
The island is privately owned by the Cavazza family and can only be reached by organized boats. Departures are from several ports:
- Salo (most frequent)
- Gardone Riviera
- Barbarano di Salò
- San Felice del Benaco
- Portese
The crossing takes about 10-15 minutes. Reservations on the official website are required.
What you can see
The guided tour lasts about 2 hours and includes:
- The Italian gardens: terraces with roses, citrus, agaves and exotic plants overlooking the lake.
- The neo-Gothic villa: built in the late 1800s in the Venetian style with loggias, trefoil arches, and fairy-tale decorations.
- The natural park: cedars of Lebanon, cypresses, and lush vegetation due to the island’s microclimate.
- Final tasting: the visit often ends with a tasting of local products.
Practical information
- Period: April to October (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends). Autumn 2026: regular tours until 18 October, then only Sunday 25 and Saturday 31 October; concerts in the villa on 2 and 24 October — details and prices
- Duration: about 2 hours (transportation included)
- Price: about 30-35€ adults, reductions for children
- Tip: book at least 1-2 weeks in advance in high season
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, camera
