Picturesque, understated Gargnano lies at the base of low mountains, about half way along the western shores of Lake Garda. It is the centre of an administrative area of 78km sq2 that includes the lakeside villages of Villa and Bogliaco together with ten hillside communities. The population of the whole area is a mere 3000. But fear not, the low population does not mean that Gargnano is tourist dominated, it retains a characteristic Italian charm, an ambience that is peaceful but not moribund, reflective yet lightly spiced with certain vibrancy.
Getting there
Gargnano is accessible by public transport, and as with most lakeside resorts arrival by ferry is usually the preferred option. But beware – not all of the ferries that criss-cross the lake stop here. For up to date information check out the timetable at
It can also be reached by the bus service that runs between Riva del Garda and Desenzano (stopping points include Limone, Gardone, Salò and Moniga). The bus station and the tourist information, which is conveniently on the opposite side of the main road, are located a few hundred metres from the harbour.
Harbour and promenade
Overlooking the small harbour is the elegant 16 century Palazzo del Comune Vecchio, the old municipal building. A marble plaque, beneath its impressive portico, commemorates the bombardment the harbour suffered in 1886. Canonballs, fired from Austrian ships, remain imbedded in some harbour buildings. The wide, café and restaurant lined promenade has two staggered rows of shady benches where you can relax and enjoy views across the lake to the snow capped (depending upon the season) Monte Baldo. Heading south the promenade narrows and soon merges with a wooden walkway over the lake. Where the waters lap the lakeside buildings the walkway sits a respectful distance from those buildings, creating a Venetian canal-like scene.
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