Gardone Riviera

Gardone Riviera is one of the most elegant destinations on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, renowned for its palm- and olive-shaded lakeside promenade, historic villas and proximity to Salò. Its mild climate, sheltered by the hills of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, has encouraged the growth of almost Mediterranean vegetation since the late 19th century, with citrus trees, magnolias and subtropical plants that still characterise the town's gardens today.

Visitors to Gardone Riviera will find a mix of culture, with the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the home of Gabriele D'Annunzio, nature, thanks to the Heller Botanical Garden, and lakeside life, in a setting suited both to a day trip and a longer stay on the Upper Brescia side of Lake Garda.

Where is Gardone Riviera located?

Gardone Riviera is located in the province of Brescia, on the western shore of Lake Garda, a few kilometres north of Salò, along the SS45bis Gardesana Occidentale road. The municipal area is part of the Alto Garda Bresciano Regional Park and is divided into two distinct areas: Gardone Sotto, overlooking the lakeside promenade, and Gardone Sopra, in a higher and more panoramic position, where the Vittoriale degli Italiani stands.

The town is just a few minutes' drive from Salò, around half an hour from Desenzano del Garda and a little further from the city of Brescia, making it convenient both for those staying on the southern part of Lake Garda and for visitors arriving from the Brescia plain.

How to get to Gardone Riviera

Gardone Riviera can be reached in several ways, depending on your starting point and the type of stay you are planning: here are the main options for arriving by car, public transport, boat or without a car.

By car

Visitors arriving by car take the SS45bis Gardesana Occidentale road, which connects the entire Brescia side of the lake. The journey times below are approximate and may vary considerably depending on traffic, especially during the summer months, when the main road around Gardone is often congested:

• From Salò: approximately 10 minutes (5 km).
• From Desenzano del Garda: approximately 35-40 minutes (30 km).
• From Sirmione: approximately 45-50 minutes (40 km).
• From Brescia: approximately 45 minutes (35 km).

During summer weekends and when events are held at the Vittoriale, it is advisable to set off with some time to spare to avoid queues along the main road.

By bus and train

Gardone Riviera does not have its own railway station: the nearest ones are in Desenzano del Garda and Brescia, both located on the Milan-Venice railway line. From there, regular buses travel along the Gardesana Occidentale, stopping in Salò, Gardone Riviera, Toscolano Maderno and Gargnano before continuing to Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda. It is advisable to check timetables and service frequency on the local public transport operator's website before planning your journey.

By boat

Gardone Riviera is one of the stops on the public boat network operated by Navigazione Laghi, connecting the ports on the Brescia side of the lake with Salò, Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione and other destinations around Lake Garda. It is a pleasant way to arrive without dealing with traffic on the main road, with the town's pier just a short walk from the lakeside promenade and town centre. Timetables and service frequency vary between the high and low seasons, so it is worth checking the official Navigazione Laghi website before planning your crossing.

On foot and by bicycle

For those staying in Salò or nearby, there are sections of pedestrian paths that follow the lake towards Gardone Riviera, alternating with stretches where the route runs alongside the main road. Before setting off on foot or by bicycle, it is therefore advisable to check locally on the condition of the route and the availability of pavements or dedicated cycle paths, especially along the busiest sections.

What to see in Gardone Riviera

The heritage of Gardone Riviera is concentrated within just a few hundred metres, between the lakeside promenade and the hill of Gardone Sopra: here is what to see to help you find your way around the town's main attractions.

The lakeside promenade and the centre of Gardone Sotto

The tourist heart of Gardone Riviera is the lakeside promenade of Gardone Sotto, a succession of early 20th-century Art Nouveau villas, shops, bars and restaurants overlooking the water. Walking along the historic Kurpromenade, created when Gardone was a holiday destination for respiratory treatments, visitors encounter palm trees, magnolias and agaves that bear witness to the area's particularly mild microclimate.

The Vittoriale degli Italiani

The Vittoriale degli Italiani is the most visited attraction in Gardone Riviera and one of Italy's most distinctive museum complexes. It was built between 1921 and 1938 at the behest of the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, in collaboration with architect Giancarlo Maroni, and includes the poet's house, the Vittoriale Amphitheatre, the War Museum, the ship Puglia set among the greenery and the mausoleum where D'Annunzio is buried, positioned at the top of the complex overlooking the lake.

It is among the most visited museums in Lombardy, welcoming several hundred thousand visitors each year. During the warmer months, the Amphitheatre also hosts a season of concerts and cultural events: those interested can check the updated programme on the official Vittoriale website. The dedicated car park is located in Via al Vittoriale and is paid parking.

The André Heller Botanical Garden

Not far from the Vittoriale, the Heller Botanical Garden is a green oasis founded at the beginning of the 20th century by Austrian doctor and naturalist Arthur Hruska, who collected species from different continents on a steep plot overlooking the lake.

Later taken over by Austrian artist André Heller, the garden now combines its botanical component, ranging from alpine plants to tropical species, with contemporary art sculptures and installations scattered along the paths: a place where visitors can happily lose themselves among small ponds, ferns and unexpected views of Lake Garda.

Gardone Sopra and the most panoramic areas

Gardone Sopra occupies the higher part of the town and offers a quieter and more panoramic side of Gardone Riviera compared with the lakeside promenade. Heading uphill towards the Vittoriale and the surrounding hills, visitors come across streets, historic buildings and viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Salò and the eastern shore of the lake.

This part of the town is also home to the Parish Church of San Nicolò da Bari, one of the town's historic religious buildings.

Other attractions not to miss

Gardone Riviera is also home to other lesser-known places that are certainly worth discovering for those who want to explore the town in greater depth:

• Torre San Marco, a panoramic tower along the lakeside promenade and one of the town's visual landmarks.
• Villa Alba, an Art Nouveau residence on the lakeside promenade, often used as a venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
• Evangelical Lutheran Church, a Neo-Gothic building with a small garden overlooking the lake, bearing witness to the presence of an international community in early 20th-century Gardone.
• Fondazione Museo Il Divino Infante, a collection of sculptures dedicated to the iconography of the Infant Jesus and the Neapolitan nativity scene.

What to do in Gardone Riviera

In addition to cultural visits, Gardone Riviera offers several opportunities to experience the lake more actively, including swimming, water sports, walks and short boat trips.

Beaches and relaxation: where to swim in Gardone Riviera

The Spiaggia del Casinò is one of the main points of reference for those wishing to swim in Gardone Riviera. It is located along the lakeside stretch towards Fasano, is within walking distance of the town centre and combines freely accessible areas with some seasonal services, such as a kiosk, showers and the possibility of hiring sun loungers and umbrellas. Other small bathing areas can also be found along the shore, with varying features and services.

Water sports

Those wishing to enjoy water activities such as SUP, kayaking or water skiing can find rental services, schools and organised activities in nearby towns, particularly between Toscolano Maderno and the Gulf of Salò. During the summer season, it is also possible to check locally for the availability of any operators active in Gardone Riviera itself.

Walks and trekking in the surrounding area

The municipal area of Gardone Riviera does not end at the lakeside promenade: beyond the Vittoriale, the road climbs towards San Michele, the hilltop hamlet that marks the entrance to the Val di Sur and the trails of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park.

From here, hiking routes of varying difficulty begin, from shorter walks through woods and small rural settlements to more demanding trails climbing towards Passo di Spino and the summit of Monte Pizzocolo, at over 1,500 metres above sea level, with wide views over the lake and the Brescia Prealps. These routes are intended for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and should be tackled with suitable footwear and, for longer routes, a good supply of water.

What is the island opposite Gardone Riviera?

Off the coast, between Gardone Riviera and San Felice del Benaco, lies Isola del Garda, the largest island on the lake. It is privately owned by the Cavazza Borghese family and is home to a Neo-Venetian-style villa surrounded by a botanical park. It can only be visited through guided boat excursions, with departures also available from Gardone Riviera during the warmer months: the crossing takes around fifteen minutes and, as you head out towards open water, allows you to watch the profile of the Vittoriale disappear behind the trees along the shore.

What to do when arriving by boat

Gardone Riviera also lends itself well to a visit by lake, thanks to the pier in the heart of the town and its proximity to Salò and Isola del Garda. Those planning a stay on Lake Garda can consider the boat tours offered by operators such as Bee Boat Service which make it possible to include Gardone Riviera as a stop on a wider itinerary along the Brescia side of the lake, combining a visit to the town with stops in other destinations around Lake Garda: a different way to discover the area compared with travelling solely by car.

Where to eat in Gardone Riviera

Gardone Riviera has long been one of the most important gastronomic destinations on Lake Garda, with an offer ranging from traditional local restaurants to gourmet dining. The scene is nevertheless evolving, with important closures and new openings linked to the restoration of some of the town's historic buildings, so it is always advisable to check availability before planning a visit.

• Il Fagiano, the restaurant at the Grand Hotel Fasano, awarded one Michelin star: innovative cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking the hotel's centuries-old park.
• Villa Fiordaliso, a historic Art Nouveau villa on the lakeside promenade transformed into a hotel restaurant, for years one of the lake's most acclaimed addresses, with the possibility of reaching the property by water thanks to its private pier.
• La Taverna and Osteria Antico Brolo, two more informal options in the Gardone Sopra area, appreciated for their lake cuisine and traditional Brescia dishes.

The town is also preparing to welcome a new and important food and wine destination: in the historic Palazzo Wimmer, the former Casino overlooking the lakeside promenade, the family of master pastry chef Iginio Massari has created a multi-level project combining a café, pastry shop, chocolate shop and pizzeria on the ground floor, with around 240 seats between indoor rooms and a lake-view portico, as well as a 40-seat gourmet restaurant on the upper floor, entrusted to chef Alessandro Proietti Refrigeri.

According to statements made by the Massari family, the opening of the ground-floor spaces is imminent, while the gourmet restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of September 2026. The timetable has already undergone several delays compared with the original plans, so before organising a visit it is advisable to check the actual opening status through the venue's official channels.

Where to stay

Gardone Riviera has traditionally been one of the most exclusive destinations on Lake Garda in terms of hotel accommodation, with a concentration of high-end historic properties.

• Grand Hotel Fasano, a 5-star hotel founded in 1888 as a hunting residence for the Austrian imperial family, set within a centuries-old park covering more than 12,000 square metres, with private lake access and a spa.
• Villa Fiordaliso, a boutique hotel housed in an early 20th-century Art Nouveau villa, with just a few suites and a garden extending down to the lake.
• Hotel Villa del Sogno, in a panoramic hillside position above Gardone, with a swimming pool and views over the gulf.
• Hotel Savoy Palace and Hotel Bellevue, two long-established properties on the lakeside promenade, appreciated for their central location.
• Hotel Du Lac, a more accessible option while still remaining close to the lake and the town centre.

These are joined by the restoration project of the Grand Hotel Gardone, a historic hotel inaugurated in the 19th century and now undergoing major renovation work that will transform it into a five-star luxury property within the international LXR Hotels & Resorts group, a Hilton brand, with reopening scheduled for 2027: a further sign of how high-end hospitality remains one of the town's main vocations.

Where to park in Gardone Riviera

The main car park for visitors to the Vittoriale degli Italiani is located directly in Via al Vittoriale, within the Oliveto del Vittoriale area: it is paid parking and convenient both for reaching the museum and, with a short walk, the lakeside promenade of Gardone Sotto. Other smaller car parks are available in the town, generally for a fee.

During the summer months and high-season weekends, the availability of parking spaces decreases significantly, also due to traffic on the SS45bis, so it is advisable to arrive with some time to spare before the busiest hours of the day.

What to see in the surrounding area

Just a few minutes from Gardone Riviera, there are other interesting destinations to complete a visit to the Upper Brescia side of Lake Garda.

• Salò, around a 10-minute drive away, with its historic centre gathered around the Cathedral, one of the widest lakeside promenades on the lake and the historical legacy of the brief period of the Italian Social Republic.
• Toscolano Maderno, a little further north, where the Valle delle Cartiere tells the industrial history of paper production through the remains of ancient factories, now accessible via a trail running among the ruins and alongside the stream.
• San Felice del Benaco, to the south, with its small beaches, marinas and a quieter atmosphere compared with the lake's larger towns.
• Rocca di Manerba, a little further on, a natural promontory with small coves and panoramic trails, also popular with those who enjoy diving and water sports.

Each of these destinations can be reached in approximately 15-30 minutes by car from Gardone Riviera and makes it possible to expand your visit into a full itinerary around the Upper Brescia side of Lake Garda.

Gardone Riviera, a must-see stop on Lake Garda

Between Art Nouveau villas and botanical gardens and the imposing legacy of the life of Gabriele D'Annunzio, Gardone Riviera brings together, within just a few square kilometres, a significant part of the tourism history of Lake Garda. It is a destination best experienced at a leisurely pace, walking between the lakeside promenade and Gardone Sopra, but it can also be included in a wider itinerary along the Brescia side of the lake, perhaps arriving by water, for those wishing to discover the area from a perspective different from that of the road.

A little history: Luigi Wimmer's tourist resort

Gardone Riviera was founded by the barbarians and during the Middle Ages became the residence of the Ugoni family. After becoming part of the Republic of Venice, the town was occupied in 1797 by the troops of the Jacobin government established in Brescia following the arrival of the French.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the town began to be regarded by Germans as an important tourist resort, who believed that the area had beneficial effects on their health.

It was in particular the Austrian Luigi Wimmer who, after becoming fascinated by the place, moved here with his wife Emilie in 1874 and began building several hotel facilities.

Within a few years, many hotels were established, including the Grand Hotel Gardone, the Grand Hotel Fasano, the Hotel Montebaldo and Hotel BellaRiva in Fasano (a hamlet of Gardone Riviera), while the steady influx of German tourists contributed to a genuine boom in the sector.