5 ideas for a relaxing vacation between the Dolomites and Lake Garda
A vacation is supposed to be a time to relax, an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and dedicate some time to yourself. The Ledro Valley and Garda Trentino have a great tradition of hospitality and stand for the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
The factor that has distinguished these regions ever since is the very high quality of life. The climate, the nature, the location between the Mediterranean and the alpine world are the basis for life in perfect balance with the environment. Those of you who choose to spend their vacation here have the chance to be part of this ecosystem and enjoy the well-being that results thereof. Below, we are going to give you five ideas for a really relaxing vacation between the Dolomites and Lake Garda.
1) Boat trips on Lake Ledro and Lake Garda
Is there anything more relaxing than a peaceful boat trip? Lake Ledro, the swimming lake with its light breeze that blows over it, is the perfect place for an experience of that kind. You can hire pedal boats, canoes, stand up paddle boards and motorboats from one of the many rental points along the shores of the lake. If you think that Lake Ledro is still not exciting enough, then you can find Lake Garda only a few kilometres away, and there, the possibilities are indeed endless: catamarans, motorboats, ferry or boat trips; all these are various ways to experience the lake and its harmony with nature.
2) Bike and foot paths with a view of the lake
Garda Trentino and the Ledro Valley offer plenty of bike and foot paths. Whether you’re fond of walking or cycling, this is definitely the right place for you. There is a long bike path along the valley floor running through the entire Ledro Valley, from Lake Ledro to Lago d’Ampola. This is an asphalt road, about 15 kilometres long, also suitable for children and families. If you have a day left and trained legs, then you could think about tackling the bike path that leads from Riva del Garda up to the Ledro Valley, following the Ponale river: there, you can admire the natural environment changing from typically Mediterranean to a very alpine vegetation.
3) Discover the historic villages between Ledro and Lake Garda
The prehistoric remains in the lake provide evidence that the Ledro Valley has been inhabited since the ancient times. Hence, there are many small and historic villages that together with the uncontaminated nature depict the very distinctive image of this area. Although the Ledro Valley is politically considered a single municipality, it consists of many small rural communities, each one of them having their very own particularities: Molina, Pieve di Ledro, Concei, Bezzecca, Tiarno di Sotto and Tiarno di Sopra, just to name the main ones. And if you feel like going on expedition a little further away, there is Lake Garda nearby. Riva with its fabulous historic city centre can be reached in 20 minutes by car. There is Limone on the Lombard shore of Lake Garda, with a landscape that still today is characterised by its ancient lemonaries; or Malcesine, on the Venetian shore, with its incredible Castello Scaligero.
4) Wine, beer and tastings
It’s due to the mild climate and the Mediterranean vegetation that Garda Trentino is also very famous for the production of selected wines, white wines and red wines. Among the white wines we want to name the Nosiola, which can be enjoyed with a fine fish dish; whereas some of the red wines we can recommend are Cabernet, Marzemino or Merlot, which are perfect to go with meat dishes. Of course, there are also sparkling wines, like the typical Trentodoc. In case you prefer beer instead, you should absolutely try the products of Ledro’s Birrificio Leder: low fermentation beer types inspired by the Bohemian tradition of the Czech Republic where the population of the valley found shelter during the First World War.
5) Natural Wellness for your well-being
However, the best way to relax and take care of yourself is undoubtedly what we refer to as wellness. Actually, natural wellness, a new concept of well-being which considers the very person as an integral part of the ecosystem. In the Ledro Valley and the entire Garda Trentino, there are various possibilities to try out this new well-being concept. In Arco, for example, only a few kilometres from Ledro, you can find Garda Thermae, a modern spa with heated pools, jacuzzi tubs, saunas, infusions, steam baths, massage, treatments for face and body. The Chalet Silenthia in Val Concei offers Digital Detox programs to disconnect from the exhausting ‘permanent availability’. And if you just need a little relaxation at the end of the day, then it’s the heated pool at Residence Toli you are looking for.
