I guess it will be difficult in tunnels with the aded burden of a caravan. We are in a car.
I think because of this hurdle, the area will be much quieter, which is perfect.
We approach the lake from the Brenner Pass and the North, so we only have to negotiate RIVA to Limone. The rest of the time we'll be on 2 wheels.
We have our pitch booked on the site in Limone, and I have planned a few trips out in the car which take us north and onto the A22, E45 and E70.
I agree the road towards Barbarano and Limone looks precarious, but may be interesting on 2 wheels.
I am looking forward to a trip of discovery and somewhere I can get out my easel and paint beautiful memories
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
One little place you might like to visit is Campione, a few miles south of Limone - it's a small lakeside village right at the base of the mountain. I wouldn't recommend going on scooters though - there are three tunnels between Camping Nanzel and Campione, the turn off down to the village itself is a tunnel within a tunnel and you will be on the wrong side of the road. You can get a bus from Limone though, and if I remember right there should be a bus stop not far from the entrance down to Nanzel. There's not a lot there but there's a handful of shops and cafe/bar/restaurants, a lovely little river coming out along the beach, and it's a great place to chill out for a couple of hours.
I don't know if this link will work but here's a photo of it taken from the road above -
Campione may be a good place to go to on a bus. I wonder if they'll allow the scooters on the bus ?
I think we'll stick to cycle paths and MTB trails on the foot bikes!
Thank you for the tip.
We've got pitch 43, so this will have a slightly elevated position to view the lake from.
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I can't remember what number our pitch was when we were there - 25 springs to mind though I may be wrong - but we were on the bottom terrace and only a few feet from the water. We could roll out of the tent and roll straight into the lake! lol
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Hey, just got back last week from a two week camping break at Bella Italia, Peschiera Del Garda, Lake Garda and still enjoyed all parts, the north, south, east and west parts of the lake.
I think it all depends on when you go and what you like. Don't think it matters which side of the lake you stay as all parts are easily reached and roads are very good.
Did round trips to Riva (one hour) and to the waterfalls there, before driving back down on the western side (45bis} visiting all towns hugging the shores - Limone again, Gargnano, Gardone, Moniga etc. Yes its a narrow twisty road (on cliffs in part) with tunnels but you have amazing views of the lake. No wonder James Bond's opening sequence (Quantum of Solace) was filmed here.
The north and east is hemmed in by the high sided (some snow capped-last week) mountains towering over. The south is flat with the mountains reflecting beautifully on the lake! (The north is windier hence Windsurf World Championships being held here.) The towns hug the mountains with no beaches. Just small beautiful harbours.
However we picked this south area only because it's relatively warmer, with beaches where our kids could fish, paddle and swim in the very clear waters of lake. Lookout for and dip into a hot natural spa/spring on the beach in the lake, (free!), next to Villa Cortine Palace Hotel at Sirmione. (Forget the expensive spas in the hotels in the town!)
It was low season for us and so didn't encounter the "crowds" so could could drive everywhere without the high season traffic and in time for the beach in evenings after sight-seeing. Also, found the sunsets over the distant hills and mountains to be more spectacular as not blocked by the high sided mountains of the north.
This south central location also meant very easy access to motorway (A4) running East-West to Venice/Verona/Padua/Milan/Bergamo etc, more wineries and superb gardens eg Parco Giardino Sigurta and not forgetting the quintiessential Italian towns and villages when you venture south away from the lake.
Still managed to visit all towns on the eastern side including Malcesine, Bardolino, Torri del Benaco. We even packed in the tourist "one hour stay" ferry from Malsecine to Limone, which is a lot cheaper than the transport ferry.
Just go for it; you will love it.
------------- Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Utaly
I think anywhere can be appreciated out of season. We are going 'back end'.
I agree the south is ideal for the major road network and provides more for families.i
------------- CAT
Favourite site:
Camping Nanzel, Limone, Lake
Garda..perfect for MTB, Kayak, SUP and fell running training.
Favourite areas: Provence, French Alps, Savigny (as a stop over for Southern France: Rhein valley as a stop over for Italy. 78
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Lake Garda West or East side
