East Shore
Lying in the shadow of the Monte Baldo massif, the main resorts of the east coast are most often crowded. Piston is easiest to endure in Torbole, because there are excellent conditions for windsurfing, and Malcesine, which has a nice, old center and is a good base for hiking or biking tours in the surrounding mountains. Further south there are few interesting places: Garda has several old palaces and a network of narrow, cobbled streets, but it is pleasant only in the early morning, when there are only fishermen on the streets; and Bardolino can only boast of his famous wine.
Bags
Located at the northern end of Lake TORBOLE, played an important role in the war fought in the fifteenth century between the rulers of Milan, Viscontimi and Venice, when a fleet of warships was brought by land and dropped here on the lake. Today, water remains the dominant element. The city with its Circolo Yerlico (codz. 9.00-17.00) is a windsurfing centre over Garda, because there are many possibilities here not only to rent equipment, but also taking lessons from instructors. AAST office on the lake, south of the former port, has detailed information on this subject. Worth recommending is, for example,. Surfcenter Camping Al Port (V-X). Weekly rental of windsurfing equipment and a boat costs approx.. 150 OOOL. Among the numerous hotels, Nalały stands out, at the back of Piazza Alpini, who rents double rooms for 25 OOOL (it also has a sauna), and Pensione Ischia, Via Matteotti 24, where you pay for a double room 34 OOOL (next to the hotel is a garden with lemon trees and vines). There are also numerous campsites near the city.
Malcesine
14 kilometers to the south, in the shade of green slopes, lies the quiet village of MALCESINE with a slightly different character. It's a popular old town for holidaymakers in their fifties with colorful palaces and cobbled streets, is one of the prettiest on Garda, although, of course, there is no shortage of modern hotels here, bars and restaurants. Just above the water rises topped with turrets, The XIlI-century fortress of Rocca, Built, just like sirmione castle, by the Scaglieri family (in summer codz. 9.00-13.00 i 15.00-20.00; in winter only sb. and Sun.). It is worth going inside, visit a small museum and see the views from the tower, but a wider panorama of the area can be seen after leaving the cable car to Monte Baldo (almost 2 Thousand. meters above sea level.m.). In winter, the chairlift and six others serve here 11 km of ski slopes.
AAST office on Via Capitanato running from the port along the lake in a northerly direction, has maps with marked hiking trails, leading through the nearby mountains. Instead of walking, you can move around the mountains by bike. Located at the upper station of the Monte Baldo cable car, the Ciclo Baldo office rents mountain bikes, backpacks and camping equipment for 30 OOOL (including insurance). From here you can take the scenic route down in the 4-6 Hours.
Most of the accommodation in Malcesine is usually occupied by groups of holidaymakers, yes, that the choice is quite limited. Garni Catullo on Via Francesco e Giovanni Priori (•045/7400352), has double rooms with private bathroom for 34 OOOL. Similar prices are offered by the hotel Casa Gaby (045/7400288), which is accessed from the main, leading along the lake to the north of the road, turning into a steep path marked with a signpost upwards. Cheap food is also a rarity here, but located above the old port, La Pace restaurant serves second courses for maximum 10 OOOL, and located on the main road south of the center, Pizzeria Da Gigi is also worth recommending.