The Region
The Garda Lake (Lago di Garda)
The Garda Lake is surrounded by an area rich in natural beauty and full of sights that have been described by many travellers and authors to be of astounding beauty. Its shores have been inhabited since neo-lithic times before the Etruscan civilisation found its way into the area, followed by the Celto-Gallic peoples and eventually the Roman empire. (Colonisation took place since the year 80 BC)
It is therefore hardly surprising that especially the foreigners from the north found their way into the region, who see in this oasis a first herald of the sunny south. The alpine landscape surrounding the lake in the north, bit by bit gives way to a world in which the rocks appear in various shapes and seem to be dipped in a multitude of different colours. No other lake in the vicinity of the Alps shares this magnificent feature of the region.
Due to the large surface area of the lake, which does not allow for large differences in temperature, the climate is mild and balanced. This provides ideal conditions for a rich vegetation typical to the area around the Garda Lake:
A vegetation of mediterranean character with olive trees, Cypresses, tree-shaped Erica, Terebinthes and citruses of all kinds, resulting in a beautiful transition between alpine and apennine flora.
The water of the Garda Lake is the natural habitat for a large amount of fish species. On the banks of the lake in the Trentino in Riva and Torbole there is a constant breeze named "Ora" by the locals, which never disappoints windsurfers and sailers alike. Besides the pleasure that sailing has to offer, it is also a sport. Many important regattas of international prestige and of various categories in sailing are held at the lake every year
