Punta San Vigilio and the Rocca di Garda are just a short distance away but seem to belong to different worlds: the former is a Renaissance jewel suspended over the water, elegant and timeless; the latter is a wild promontory that has dominated the southern basin of Lake Garda for three centuries. This itinerary unites them in a route that is a cultural walk, a nature walk and the discovery of the lake from rare and privileged angles.
It starts at Punta San Vigilio, where the Villa Guarienti-Brenzone, the small church and the 16th-century innkeeper’s house create a timeless atmosphere. From the small harbour we follow the shore towards the village of Garda, walking along the lakefront with open views of the southern basin and the gentle moraine hills.
From the centre of Garda, near the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one ascends to the Madonna del Pign – a sanctuary dedicated by the villagers who escaped the bombings of World War II – and then to the Hermitage of San Giorgio, an ancient Camaldolese settlement nestling in the woods that still houses a community of monks and a farm shop.
The highest point of the route is the Rocca Vecchia, about 305 metres above sea level, a natural balcony over the entire Lake Benaco that offers one of the most beautiful and least photographed views of the entire Veronese shore. From here the descent leads back to Garda and then to Punta San Vigilio.
Thirteen and a half kilometres, five hours of walking, a modest difference in altitude: an ideal excursion for all seasons, also suitable for those who are not trained but who want to experience Garda with depth and slowness.
Characteristics
Directions
1. Start from the Punta San Vigilio car park. Visit the small harbour area with Villa Guarienti-Brenzone and the small sixteenth-century church.
2. Take the trail that hugs the lake shore in a southerly direction towards the town of Garda (approximately 3 km along the shore).
3. Once at Garda, cross the historic centre until you reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Here you will find signs for the hill trails.
4. Head towards Madonna del Pign following the local trail markers: the sanctuary is located on a small panoramic plateau overlooking the lake.
5. From the sanctuary continue uphill through the woods towards the Hermitage of San Giorgio (Camaldolese monks): check opening hours before visiting.
6. From the hermitage continue towards Rocca Vecchia (305 m), the highest panoramic point on the route with views over the entire southern basin of Lake Garda.
7. Descend from Rocca towards Garda following the marked trail, then return along the shore to Punta San Vigilio (13.2 km total).
How to get there
By car: exit the A22 motorway at Affi. Take the SP29 towards Garda, then turn left onto SP9 and onto SP8 at Costermano until Garda. From Garda take the SR249 towards Torri del Benaco for approximately 3 km until the turning for Punta San Vigilio, indicated by road signs.
By bus: Garda is served by ATV buses with connections from Verona and the main towns around Lake Garda. From Garda it is possible to reach Punta San Vigilio on foot (approximately 3 km along the shore) or by taxi. Check updated timetables on atv.it.
Where to park
At Punta San Vigilio there is free parking (with voluntary donation) along the road that leads down to the headland. Spaces are limited and in high season they fill up quickly: it is recommended to arrive by 8:30-9:00 on summer weekends. Alternatively, park in the centre of Garda (paid) and reach Punta San Vigilio on foot along the lake shore.
Starting point coordinates
Recommended gear
- Trekking shoes or sports shoes with good grip: the route is varied and some forest sections can be slippery
- Light and breathable clothing, with an additional layer for the lake breeze
- Water (at least 1.5 litres per person): supply points along the route are not guaranteed
- Snacks or packed lunch
- Sun cream and hat, especially during the warm season
- Route map or GPS track: trails towards Rocca are not always well marked
- Basic first aid kit
Safety
- Download the GPS track before setting off: trail markings on the section towards Rocca Vecchia may be incomplete
- Check opening hours of the Hermitage of San Giorgio before planning your visit
- The route is classified as easy but the length (13 km) requires a minimum level of physical fitness
- In summer avoid the hottest hours of the day for the sections exposed to sun along the shore
- Emergency number: 112
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