Villa Colla (Ldi250)

As there are incredibly lovely surroundings and views, an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, and leisure activities aplenty to choose from, Lake Garda has long been a place where the rich and famous have chosen to make their homes or to build holiday homes. Accordingly, along the shores of Lake Garda and on the islands throughout the lake, you will find some of the most impossibly beautiful estates, villas, and mansions in the entire world. If you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy or a holiday rental on Lake Garda and you are exploring the region or, better yet, if you have a particular interest in stately homes, architectural gems, and amazing gardens, then you will be very much in luck as there are lots of astounding treats to discover in and around Lake Garda. One such fascinating (albeit controversial) site is the Vittoriale degli Italiani (The Shrine of Italian Victories), a hillside estate in the town of Gardone Riviera.

The Vittoriale degli Italiani’s most famous inhabitant was the Italian poet Gabriele d'Annunzio who has left the biggest mark on the property to this day and under whom large expansion and reconstruction was undertaken. D’Annuzio is, today, a controversial figure, a talented writer and famous rogue who is considered a proto-fascist and was once a rival to Mussolini’s leadership of Fascist Italy.

The Island of Garda – also known as the Isola del Garda, Isola di Garda or Isola Borghese – is the largest island on Lake Garda. It has been inhabited for thousands of years, going back to Roman times. After being used by pirates for years, it came under the control of the monks of St Zeno of Verona. It then shifted hands many times over the years. The current villa, the Villa Borghese-Cavazza, which occupies the island was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is occupied by the Cavazza Counts who inherited the island in 1927 and still live there today.

Lake Garda is a major attraction for anyone who has found a vacation rental in any one of the three regions in which it has shorelines. Just find a villa in Trentino, a holiday rental in Lombardy, or a vacation rental in Veneto and come explore this famous beauty and all that it has to offer; from water sports to boat tours, from drinking a glass of wine while enjoying sunset over the lake to picnicking at scenic spots, from exploring different historic villas dotted around the various islands and lakeside villages to hiking around trails located all over the area, and much more besides. If you are interested in hiking, in particular, you are in luck. There are lots of interesting trails to choose from and the most incredible backdrops to enjoy while you’re out there hiking. One of the best routes to explore is the Strada del Ponale.

The Orange Flag Award is a tourism quality seal of approval awarded by the Italian touring club. Founded in 1988 in Liguria, the Orange Flag Award is based on merit of cultural, historical and environmental heritage, quality of tourist welcome and provision of information and directions to local attractions.

The towns and villages of Italy that have won the Orange Flag award have demonstrated a strong local identity, a pride in using local produce and a keenness to display their local arts and crafts. Over two thousand Italian locations alone have been analysed and so far, 160 have achieved this prestigious award!

Orange Flag towns like Bienno in Lombardy and Galtelli in Sardinia strongly advocate a green eco-system and strive to continue the harmonious blend between man-made structures and nature.

Spend a superb few days in the beautiful town of Limone sul Garda, situated on the shores of Lake Garda in Lombardy.

It’s named after the famous cultivation of lemons here and is a very popular tourist destination.

As well as visiting Limone sul Garda you could also stop off in other communes here such as Malcesine, Sirmione and attractions like Scaliger castle.