It's the lake that makes Garda Trentino so unique 

It is the deep blue of the lake which makes Garda Trentino so unique, a stunning blend of locations and scenery. And it is the water which gives this holiday destination such a mild Mediterranean climate even though it is crowned by majestic alpine peaks. It is also because of the lake that it has earned such a reputation as the ideal destination for outdoor holidays, offering excellent facilities and amenities for all kinds of sports. Over the years, its numerous historic sailing clubs have established Garda Trentino as one of the main venues on the international events circuit.

These clubs include Fraglia Vela Riva, Lega Navale Italiana, Circolo Vela Torbole, Circolo Vela Arco, Circolo Surf Torbole. The waters of the lake have tested some of the best sailors and windsurfers in the world. From year to year the lake is the venue for a series of important events and the calendar includes historic regattas and highlights such as the World and European Championships.

Ora or Pelèr: the wind is always where you need it

The wind is the moving force behind everything. And the wind is a constant presence in the lakeside towns of Garda Trentino. When the weather is fair, the wind blows from the North in the morning and the South in the afternoon, the direction depending on the temperature difference between the surface of the lake and the mountains to the North.

The names of the winds on Lake Garda are known to all water sports enthusiasts. Pelèr blows from the North from about 2-3 a.m. to 11-12 a.m. The name comes from local dialect and describes how the wind lightly brushes the waves (el pela/Pelèr). When it is blowing hard it has a speed of over 13 meters per second. The most famous Garda wind is called Ora and blows from the South. It blows from 12 noon or one until sunset, and blows harder as it meets the mountains of Alto Garda. A preference for one wind or the other depends on the speeds they each can reach: this is why Pelèr is better suited to amateur surfers and amateur sailors while Ora is ideal for the pros. But both winds are the constant companions of sailors and surfers from all over the world.

Then there are also the winds Balim or Balinot, Ponal and Vinessa, familiar to more experienced sailors and surfers which are generated by particular meteorological conditions.

Perfect conditions for any regatta

It is these regular strong winds that make conditions in Garda Trentino ideal for sailing or windsurfing on most days of the year. The waves, which are never too high, are also perfect for beginners of experts, and this is why Lake Garda is considered one of the best race venues in the entire world. To get an idea of its importance on the racing circuit, take a look at these figures: the packed calendar includes over 100 events and an estimated 120,000 overnight stays. The competitions give an exclusive touch to outdoor holidays in Garda Trentino. In addition, Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda offer the very best in terms of quality, with top level schools and hire shops as well as a rapid response rescue service. This precious resource of watersports and outdoor activities has a prestigious ambassador with deep roots in the region: the talented young local windsurfer Bruno Martini, Italian slalom champion in 2016 and a regular name in the World Cup competitions (best result in 2016 and sixth position in Sylt). With his exceptional performance and a spirit in perfect keeping with the freedom of windsurfing, Martini is the embodiment of the charm, dynamism and beauty of Garda Trentino.

Thanks to the collaboration with the club Circolo Surf Torbole this priceless treasure of water and outdoor competitions has two prestigious ambassadors with deep roots in the area. These are Bruno Martini and Nicolò Renna. The former, at just 26 years of age, was Italian slalom champion 2016, runner up in the Italian slalom championship 2017 and came third in the One Hour 2017 and a regular in world cup competitions. The latter, who turns 18 in May, competes in the classes Tecno 293-Plus and RS:X, he finished 2018 in a blaze of glory, winning the World title in the Tecno class in Lithuania, the European championship and a silver medal at the Juvenile Olympics in October in Buenos Aires. Moreover, in May 2018,  he chalked up another major achievement, being chosen as a finalist (one of only 5 after a lengthy selection process) for the Tag-Heuer Sailor of the Year award. These young sailors with their stellar quality and spirit in complete harmony with the freedom of windsurfing, are the embodiment of the fascination, dynamism and beauty of Garda Trentino in the international arena.

A relaxing paddle or white water thrills

There is a wide range of alternatives for fun and excitement on the water. Take it easy and paddle around the lake in a canoe and get a different view of the scenery of the lakeside towns, like the old harbour of Ponale, of the mouth of the River Sarca. 

And if it is thrills you are after, head inland for canyoning on the streams rushing down from the mountains: an unforgettable experience under the supervision of specialist guides. Go to the canyoning centres where, kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet and harness, you will be ready to face the wilderness adventure on the rapids cutting through forests and gorges. And each year thousands of enthusiasts discover a new trend called SUP, Stand Up Paddle, which means rowing while standing on the surf board. Considered an ideal keep fit activity, it also releases stress and can be seen as a first step towards windsurfing. And this is why 6 itineraries of varying levels of difficulty have been designed for this sports discipline to give you the chance to get physical exercise while at the same time enjoying the beauty of your surroundings: Baia Azzurra Tour, Riva del Garda Lake shore, Lake Tenno Tour, Conca D’Oro, Ca Rossa and Cascata del Ponale Waterfall. 

Mediterranean beaches, bau beach and underwater adventure

The lake is also an ideal destination for Mediterranean style beach holidays. Beaches have shower and toilet facilities, deckchairs and sunbeds for rent. The beach at Riva del Garda also offers floating platforms with slides and indoor pools. From the beach you can watch the spectacle of sailing, windsurfing competitions. And our four-legged friends are welcome too in Garda Trentino. There are many facilities for dogs as well as a growing number of Bau Beach, beaches for canine visitors to the areas around Arco (River Sarca), Torbole sul Garda and Lake Tenno.

Finally, you can dive into the deeps and explore the lake bed. Scuba diving is one discovery after another: astonishing underwater landscapes, historic shipwrecks and the flora and fauna of the clear cool currents of Italy's largest inland stretch of water. Don't miss the chance to go scuba diving in the coves of Tempesta, the sheer cliffs of Calcarolle, the statue of Cristo Silente (Silent Christ) by local artist Germano Alberti at a depth of 15 metres in Riva del Garda’s San Nicolò harbour.