Perfect Italian Weekend | Lake Garda
This week, A Perfect Italian Weekend takes us to the hidden shores of Lake Garda, through the eyes of Angelica Sassi, owner of L’Angelica Corte Palazzina, and Camilla Sassi, head of communication and marketing. More than colleagues, they are long-time friends whose bond grew naturally into a professional collaboration. Together, they guide us to their favourite local treasures—places that feel intimate, timeless, and effortlessly Italian, revealing the charm of Lake Garda in a way only close friends can.
Saturday: Scenic Wonders and Hidden Gems
Start the weekend with a drive along the Gardesana Occidentale. The road hugs the cliffs, opening onto breathtaking views at every turn. A stop at Tremosine to visit the Terrazza del Brivido is a must—suspended more than 350 meters above the water, it gives a gentle thrill that never fails.
On the way down, wander through the historic lemon gardens. These ancient terraces, built in the Middle Ages, feel like little pockets of sunshine. Imagine the generations who tended these citrus trees and breathe in the gentle fragrance of lemons—it’s stepping into a living story.
For lunch, Osteria Antico Brolo in Gardone Riviera our favourite. Don’t miss the bigoli al torchio or the delicately grilled coregone from the lake. Simple, authentic, and full of character—it’s comfort on a plate.
In the afternoon, we love spending time in the Heller Botanical Garden. With over 3,000 plant species and unexpected artworks by Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring, the garden is a living painting. Keep an eye out for unusual flowers or quirky sculptures hidden in the greenery—they make every visit feel surprising and new.
Later, explore the Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gabriele d’Annunzio’s extraordinary house-museum. The recently restored rose garden is a highlight, with over 500 varieties that perfume the air. It’s impossible not to get lost in the beauty and history of the estate.
As the day winds down, definitely don’t miss La Dispensa, especially after a gentle walk up to San Fermo Church. A glass of local wine and the seasonal dishes make it the perfect way to end a day full of discoveries.
Sunday: Lakeside Leisure and Local Flavours
Sunday mornings call for a slow start. Begin at Pasticceria Vassalli in Salò. The pastries are flaky, the cappuccinos creamy, and a sunlit corner is perfect for watching the town wake up.
Next, a drive to Rocca di Manerba, a hilltop fortress with panoramic lake views that make you pause and just breathe. Afterwards, stop at Osteria da Mari—there’s something about the warmth of the hospitality here, and the traditional recipes feel lovingly prepared.
For the afternoon, head to Cascina Belmonte to taste wines while gazing over the vineyards. There’s nothing quite like sipping a crisp Garda white as the sun warms the hills.
Art lovers should not miss Fondazione Vittorio Leonesio. It’s a quiet, hidden gem that always surprises with contemporary exhibitions, sparking curiosity and reflection.
As the light softens, take a stroll along the lake to Caffè del Porto in San Felice del Benaco. Whether holding a glass of local wine or a classic espresso, watching the water shimmer and the mountains glow feels like a perfect Italian moment.
Before the weekend ends, Girardi 1805 in Salò is the ideal stop for artisanal delicacies and gourmet treats. It’s the perfect way to take a little of Lake Garda home—or to enjoy one last leisurely lunch before heading back.
Lake Garda is a collection of small treasures, each one a reason to return again and again—and after this weekend, it’s easy to see why.
Stay
Tucked into the gentle hills above the bay of Salò lies a historic farmhouse-turned-creative hideaway, a place where Italian countryside life meets quiet Lake Garda elegance. Once part of a 19th-century agricultural estate, the property has kept the rhythm of its past—olive groves, stone walls warmed by the sun, barns and stables that once framed rural life—yet it has been revived with a fresh, artistic spirit.
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