Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest, cleanest and easternmost lake. Upper Lake Garda, which is surrounded by mountains and is shaped like a fjord, is considered the windsurfing capital of Europe with activity focused around Riva, Torbole, Limone and Malescine. As waterskiing, jetskiing and kiting are disallowed in the north, windsurfers and sailors are left pretty much to themselves. Kitesurfers have to start out further south from Limone or Malescine. Every village has its own sailing club with many offering beginner and advanced cat sailing courses.

Natural beaches are pebbly, and any sandy stretches are manmade by dumping sand on the shingles. Most beaches are long and narrow. A protected bay around Torbole is ideal training ground for novices and intermediates, while some centers create exclusive zones for cat sailing or to try out the latest boards.

Lake Garda has a mild Mediterranean climate with balmy summer temperatures of 24-30° C, and winter temperatures that rarely fall below 12 °C. The famous and predictable lake winds start at 7am with the morning Peler wind approaching 12 knots. From noon till 6pm, the Ora wind, which is funneled from the south, speeds up to 18 knots. Water temperatures are around 10-18 °C in spring and 17-26° in summer. A full suit maybe required for the early morning rides, but a shorty suffices in the afternoon.

There are watersports schools even as far south as Sirmione, with most found in Torbole, Riva and Malescine. Equipment may be rented by the day, half-day or hour, or as part of lesson-inclusive packages. Regional buses run from Venice and Milan, and local ferries and boat taxis operate daily. Biking is highly popular. Accommodations in the villages and hamlets range from high-end hotels, villas and watersports resorts to tourist hotels, apartments and camping parks.

The season runs a week before Easter until October; restaurants and hotels are closed after that.

Beginners should opt for a boat start, as the wind start from the beach is not dependable. Life jackets are required, ferries have right of way, and some beaches are reserved for swimming only.