Peschiera Del Garda makes a great day out easy to reach – about ten minutes by car – from the Thomson Al Fresco Altominio Family Parc and there is cycle track running along the river which is just over 7km. We set out by taxi (16€) on an overcast day but by the time we arrived the sun was shining on this enchanting, walled town which sits in the mouth of the River Mincio which feeds into Lake Garda.We arrived in Peschiera just after midday. A maze of small streets intersect each other and many are pedestrian-only so no worries about traffic. There are the usual touristy shops, fashion outlets and a plethora of restaurants and gelataria. We had lunch at La Torretta.
The curved walkway alongside Lake Garda is simply captivating with the boats at the beginning then all the various ducks and swans including one black one. When we were there were families of cute ducklings and cygnets to entertain us and we saw their nests as well. En route there are cafes and restaurants but it is not overcrowded and you can listen to the lapping water and be inspired by the sheer expanse of sparkling blue water. Further along there's a stony beach and where we stopped for coffee you could hire pedaloes.
For our return we needed a taxi. The woman we spoke to in the information office to there was gave us a number and said they spoke English which they probably did once you went through all the recorded options in Italian! So – after dredging up my O level Italian to ask directions – we trekked to the rail station where there's a cab rank.
Things to do and see:- Get a map from the Information office at Piazza Betteloni
- Via Dante look up to the bell tower. The clock marks the half-hour with two birds making the chimes.
- Street Market: Monday 8am to 2pm
- Museo della Pesca, open Saturdays, Sundays and festival days 10 to 12.30/15.00 to 19.00
- Roman excavation next to San Martinio church in Piazza Ferdinando Di Savoia
Peshiera del Garda is certainly worth more than a day's visit.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
