2. Lake Garda
1 hour from Milan by train
At 52km long and 17km wide, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake. In fact, Lake Garda actually alters the local climate. As a result of a specific pattern of lake breezes, it’s milder here, and often sunnier than might be expected.
Of all Italy’s lakes, Lake Garda also draws the most visitors, and comes recommended as one of the best day trips from Milan. Take your pick from these two beauties:
Sirmione
At the bottom of Lake Garda, the long, narrow promontory of Sirmione is lined with hotels leading up to a very pretty village that’s accessed through ancient castle walls.
Sirmione’s picture-postcard charm owes much to the fairy-tale castle at its entrance. Built when the Della Scala/Scaligeri family of Verona expanded and fortified their territory in the thirteenth century, the Rocca Scaligera is almost entirely surrounded by water.
At the far end of the promontory, a mere fifteen-minute stroll from the castle, you’ll find the remains of a first-century BC/AD Roman villa — the Grotte di Catullo. Scattered among ancient olive trees, the ruins offer superb views across the lake.
Partway along the route to the Roman ruins, a path heads to a shingle beach, the Lido delle Bionde. Here you can eat, drink, swim in the lake, or sunbathe on the pontoon.