Discovering Peschiera

Lake Garda is full of amazing little towns, so how do you decide which is the best one to use as your base when visiting? Well, my family and I have been to them all, and we've narrowed it down to a handful. See the entire list in our Lake Garda Guide.

Peschiera (click for our guide) is certainly one of the best, if not the very best, and I've got some great photos to share that I'm sure will help you see why I think that.

It isn't only Peschiera's charm, though; the location is a huge advantage. Literally everything you need for an unforgettable experience is right on your doorstep. Verona is literally next door, and nearby is the gorgeous and popular Sirmione.

You cannot help but fall in love with Sirmione, and near Sirmione is the equally loveable but virtually unknown Borghetto sul Mincio (click for photos). The cycle path from Peschiera leads you right there after a beautiful ride through the idyllic Italian countryside.

Happy Children

Now, Borghetto and Sirmione are all fabulous, but if you have young children, they'll only be satisfied with quaint villages for so long before they rebel.

That's where you're lucky if you're staying in Peschiera; simply jump on the free bus from the Peschiera station, and it'll take you right to Gardaland, Italy's Disney World, and a whole bunch of other awesome theme parks. Even the most demanding of children will be happy and exhausted after a day at Gardaland.

I almost forgot that once, well maybe that should read IF, the children ever get tired of Gardaland, you've still got a couple of good beaches nearby to enjoy, and a boat trip around the lake is always popular with the kids too.

P.S. We always stay at the Hotel Puccini when we're in town, so maybe we'll see you there!

Enjoy cycling? Well, here's the start of that fabulous bicycle path I mentioned earlier, the one that runs all the way from the town, along the Mincio River, to Borghetto. Even if you aren't fit, it's mostly flat and easy cycling all the way. If I can do it, anyone can!

In the evening, as the sun sets over the horizon, Peschiera del Garda reveals another side of its vibrant personality. The town comes alive with a symphony of laughter, music, and delicious aromas.

Indulge your senses in the local trattorias and osterias, where traditional dishes are lovingly prepared and served with a generous sprinkle of Italian passion. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers and locals alike, and you'll soon find yourself immersed in the infectious joy that permeates the air.

Il Gabbiano, seen above, is one of the most popular places for a pizza. They're from Naples (where pizza was invented), so they pretty well should know how to make a decent pizza, and they do a decent job of that. Service, though, in my experience, is lousy.

A pretty little place to have lunch! Actually, most of the places along this stretch of canal heading northwest from the Ponte dei Voltoni are horribly overpriced, and the food is generally lousy. Avoid them all if you can. The only semi-exception is Raffilù, which is half decent, and even with them it is rather hit and miss; one day they are great and then the next lousy, particularly when it comes to service. 

The Ponte di Porta Brescia, also known as the Bridge of Porta Brescia, spans across the Mincio River, gracefully linking the town to the surrounding countryside. 

This picturesque bridge has been an integral part of Peschiera del Garda's identity for centuries. It not only served as a practical passageway for travelers and traders but also played a crucial role in the town's defense. Its strategic location allowed for control over the river crossing, ensuring the safety and protection of the town's inhabitants. 

This is the road into town; I always get that holiday feeling as I cross the bridge and drive through the little tunnel into town. The gateway you see in the photo is the Porta Verona, also known as the Verona Gate, which is one of the main access points to the town. 

Constructed in the 16th century, Porta Verona served as a vital link between Peschiera del Garda and the nearby city of Verona. Its location on the ancient Via Gallica trade route made it a crucial hub for commerce and transportation. Merchants, travelers, and soldiers would pass through this gateway, bringing with them stories and goods that enriched the town's cultural fabric.

Beyond the gate, vibrant streets await you, full of charming shops, local boutiques, and inviting cafes.

One fascinating aspect of Porta Verona is its architectural design. The gate features a mix of styles, combining elements of both medieval and Renaissance influences. The result is visually striking.