Land of mountains and lakes: the thousand faces of Garda Trentino in 7 days

The jewel in the crown of Garda Trentino, Riva del Garda, is a magnificent town, nestled between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites. Perched on the rock that rises up to the Bastione, the austere fortress that towers above the town, Riva del Garda is an extraordinarily dynamic town that offers the most varied attractions: from climbing to wind surfing, froman art exhibitions to open-air concerts, and from cheese tasting to visiting wine cellars.

Torbole sul Garda, a picturesque fishing village nestled in a spectacular landscape, lies along the shores of the lake at the foot of Mount Baldo. Together with the hamlet of Nago, just above it, Torbole sul Garda is a wonderful place to photograph. The lively, young and dynamic village is a real attraction for lovers of nature and active holidays. The winds that blow across the lake are also a great attraction for sailing, windsurfing and water sports enthusiasts in general.

Arco is a small town of medieval origin dominated by the magnificent castle on top of the hill.

Characteristic alleyways and narrow streets lead through the historical centre to the castle. The route, which initially skirts the picturesque facades of the buildings, then climbs up the slopes covered with olive trees. Past the foliage of the olive groves, you reach the castle: a timeless place and witness to the hegemony and importance of these places in times past. An unparalleled panorama opens up before our eyes: in the distance, beyond the roofs of the houses, the superb Lake Garda tinges the horizon blue.

The villas and stately homes convey that old-world charm that has made the town famous, while the town's streets and squares, animated by restaurants, wine bars and ice-cream parlours, are the most popular meeting places in Arco. Today, the village is experiencing new tourism, thanks to its rocks: it is now considered the Italian climbing capital, and has become a main destination for young sports enthusiasts. Arco is all go, with surfing on the coast and trekking, climbing and mountain-biking inland. The numerous shops selling sports equipment and technical clothing cater for all the needs of a varied clientele who come here to enjoy a variety of experiences.

While the activities are many and varied, one thing is common to all: enjoying the evening sipping nice cocktails around a bar table.

Suspended between Lake Garda and Valle del Chiese, Ledro is a lively green valley that seems, path after path, to reach for the sky. Enclosed to the north and south by majestic mountains exceeding 2,000 metres, the mountain landscape, reflected placidly in the azure waters of Lake Ledro, offers solace to sporting spirits who find strength in the silence of nature. Valle di Ledro is also part of the UNESCO Ledrensi Alps and Judicaria biosphere, which includes thirteen villages within a natural setting of meadows and woods on the shores of Lake Ledro.

The perfect destination for those seeking new spaces to enjoy days of outdoor sport in quiet places, this secluded valley offers lets you train not only the muscles but also the mind. A visit to the Palafitte Museum is a must, in order to understand and learn about the deep bond between man and nature that has shaped this mountain area for over 4000 years.

Aligned like the trees of a forest, the rural villages of the area lie placidly at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites that frame Comano. Lulled by the gurgling of the thermal spring, Comano welcomes us as an oasis of tranquillity and well-being, inviting us to follow the rhythm of nature. Strolling through the picturesque lanes of rural villages, such as Rango, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, visiting the Palafitte of Fiavé, taking the paths that lead into the forests or crossing the golden fields bordered by watercourses, you see a surprising number of historical artefacts and ancient buildings that tell the story of this wonderful land, part of UNESCO's Ledro Alps and Judicaria Biosphere.

Whether in hiking boots, on the saddle of a bike or at table, exploring Comano is an experience that involves all the senses, because this area, in addition to its natural beauty and trails, is also known for its typical products and recipes that give substance to the tradition of these places. The Comano area contains Fiavé, Comano Terme, Bleggio Superiore and Stenico like a treasure chest.

The municipality of Tenno stands perched in the hills above Riva del Garda, amidst olive groves, vineyards and rock formations. Facing south and surrounded by lush vegetation, it enjoys an exceptional view of the lake, observing its sparkle from every point. The images of these places remain long in the memory of those who have the opportunity to visit them.

Starting from Riva del Garda, following the picturesque meanders rising up the landscape, you come to the blue Lake Tenno, a unique place that is certainly worth a visit. Situated high up, almost dominating the lake, Canale di Tenno, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, takes us on a journey through time: through its medieval alleyways where you can visit the Exhibition of Agricultural Tools.

Tenno is located in the centre of the Ledro Alps and Judicaria Biosphere Reserve. This nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of cultural and naturalistic biodiversity, lying between the Alpine and Mediterranean worlds. It's impossible to refuse a short hike through the woods surrounding the village or a visit to the Church of San Lorenzo and Tenno Castle. The village's natural attractions include a visit to the Varone waterfalls, almost 100 metres in height, which fascinated the famous German writer, Thomas Mann.

Continuing to climb, a few kilometres above Lake Tenno, at 765 metres above sea level, is the Ballino Pass, which connects Garda Trentino with Comano Terme and the spectacular Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dro, one of the oldest municipalities in the Sarca Valley, lies in Garda Trentino, between Lake Garda, Lake Cavedine and Lake Toblino. The village of Drena, prehistoric in origin and forged in the Roman and medieval periods, also tells the age-old history of these places.

Sculpted gates, towers, arches and quirky, irregular alleyways testify to the long history of these two villages, rich in cultural and architectural attractions. You'll be fascinated by Drena Castle, with its crenellated tower that still seems to guard and protect the village from its heights. The deconsecrated Church of Saints Sisinnius, Martyrius and Alexander, the Guaita Tower in the hamlet of Pietramurata, the Roman bridge in Ceniga and the Church of Sant'Abbondio are worth a visit.

Nature is the distinguishing feature of the landscape around Dro: expanses of orchards and vineyards outline the green fields. It is here that Dro plums, a succulent delicacy with Protected Designation of Origin status, as well as the grapes for the typical aromatic Vino Santo of Trentino, originate and grow.

The thousand-year-old chestnut groves that grow around the village produce the famous Drena chestnut, a food that reflects the mountain tradition perhaps more than any other. Then take time to visit the neighbouring village of Braila with its cluster of stone houses - and a population of just 10 people. It really is a place to remember!

To the north of the village of Sarche, on a fabulous country trail that takes you through scenic landscapes past architectural treasures and glittering expanses of water, is Valle dei Laghi or "Lake Valley", between Lake Garda and Trento. As the name suggests, the valley is dotted with many lakes and is known by gourmets and wine experts for its production of Vino Santo, a dessert wine with a rich flavour that embodies all the aromas of this delightful area.

There are more than seven alpine lakes to see here, between the massifs of Paganella and Monte Bondone. The best-known are Lakes Terlago, Lamar, Cavedine and Toblino. You can stop at one of these natural oases to recharge; in summer you can also enjoy the warm sun as you dive into the peaceful clear waters here in the heart of the mountains.

Lake Valley, which was formed by an ancient bed of the River Adige, merges at its southern end with the Sarca Valley. There are little villages and hamlets throughout the valley, set in the colourful patchwork of orchards and vineyards dotted across the landscape. It's a uniquely fascinating place to explore, on foot or by bike, with the warm and fragrant breeze in your face as you ride through the countryside.