What is sustainable tourism?

The luxuriant vegetation, the spectacular sunsets, the magic of the water, the ancient villages, the food and wine, the mild climate due to its fortunate position between the mountain ranges to the north and the morainic hills to the south. Lake Garda it is an all-Italian pearl that embraces three regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy. It is no coincidence that millions of visitors a year choose this paradise on earth for a holiday but also for a short escape from the routine of the city.

The price, if we want to call it that, of this almost perfect ecosystem goes through sustainable tourism.

“Sustainable”… a word that is often used without really knowing its meaning but which from a practical point of view is very simple to explain: what can we, tourists, do to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the lake of Garda in a long-term vision?

Simply enjoy a holiday or a few hours of relaxation in awareness – no impossible effort, on the contrary – trying to adopt behaviors that encourage respect for nature. Contact with its colours, its beauties, its fruits to enjoy and be satisfied with it, knowing not to alter its balance.

From theory to practice

Lake Garda is full of accommodation facilities in harmony with the spectacular landscape and there are many activities. Therefore choose those that use sustainable practices such as the reduction of energy and water waste, eco-friendly materials and solar panels to produce clean energy, waste management, composting, the promotion of local agriculture . You can search for information about the property on environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 or the EU Ecolabel.

Support the local economy, buying at km0, in order to also reduce the environmental impact of transport: the lake area is famous for its excellent products such as olives, from which obtains one of the finest oils in the world.

Try to limit waste of water and energy during your stay. For example, turn off the lights and air conditioning when you are not in the room, do not leave the taps running and use the minimum amount of water necessary.

Use as little as possible, if you can, the car and prefer outdoor activities such as bike tours and hiking: an opportunity both alone and shared with family and friends, in close contact with nature, which promotes physical and intellectual well-being.

Cycle paths

Benaco is famous for the numerous panoramic cycle paths, suitable for cyclists of all levels. Here are some not to be missed: let yourself be seduced by unique and unforgettable scenic views. Before leaving, it is advisable to check the conditions of the routes, the type of difficulty and if there are any restrictions or limitations due to maintenance work or local events at the tourist offices in the area and on the Internet. Furthermore, in our experience section you can find information for bike rental.

Valle dei Laghi: located north of Lake Garda it is about 40 kilometers long and runs through the Sarca Valley, along the Sarca river, famous for its countless outdoor activities such as wind surfing, classic climbing, free-climbing, hiking.

Riviera degli Olivi: it extends for about 40 kilometers along the western shore of Lake Garda. Cross Salò, Limone and Gardone Riviera, a path surrounded by olive trees and the history of the villages overlooking the lake.

Del Mincio: a ride immersed in the approximately 45 km long vegetation, along the River Mincio, which flows into Lake Garda, crossing Peschiera, Borghetto and Mantova.

Della Valtenesi: 25 kilometers along the western shore of Lake Garda passes through Desenzano, Padenghe and Manerba, among olive trees, cypresses, vineyards and farmhouses.

Della Ponale: recently renovated, it follows the old Ponale military road for 10 kilometres, starting from Riva del Garda and crossing the Val di Ledro to reach Lake Ledro.

And finally the very popular cycle-pedestrian paths of Lazise-Bardolino-Garda, Brenzone-Malcesine and Limone sul Garda.

Walks

There are many walking routes around Lake Garda, suitable for all levels of difficulty and of great interest in discovering the landscape and history.
Here are some suggestions for a panoramic walk.

The lakefront of Desenzano: starting from port of the characteristic town of Desenzano to arrive, after 3 km, at the beach of Rivoltella.

Rock di Manerba: starting from the Rocca car park, it winds for about 3 km through the Rocca di Manerba Natural Park, a rock spur overlooking the lake, famous for finds dating back to the Mesolithic.

Limone: about 5 km long, it starts from the historic center of the characteristic village to get to Campagnola beach.

Malcesine: 2 km in the historic center of the town up to the top of the Scaliger Castle from which you can enjoy an enchanting view of the lake.

Gardone Riviera: about 4 km through the lush botanical gardens and sumptuous villas history of the country.

From Lazise to Garda: from the Scaliger Castle of Lazise, ​​along the lake you cross the villages of Cisano, Bardolino, up to to get to Garda for a total of about 9 km. It is also possible to travel along this road by bicycle.

Search within our marketplace WHERE TO SLEEP – WHERE TO EAT and EXPERIENCE the partners with the logo below who join the project Garda Outdoors Eco-Traveler Project, you will indirectly support carbon offsetting projects.

Sustainable tourism, ultimately, is an opportunity to fully identify with centuries-old traditions and the landscape to discover a culture, that of Lake Garda, aimed at conservation. An awareness that not only enriches the holiday but is also medicine and care for the environment.

Greetings dear Outdoors!