SurroundingsOn Lake Garda
Activities Around the Resort
Garda Hotel San Vigilio Golf stands in the heart of the southern Lake Garda, in Pozzolengo, in a strategic position that makes it possible to reach the area's main tourist, nature and cultural destinations in just a few minutes. Italy's largest lake provides the backdrop to a territory rich in experiences: nature and amusement parks, medieval villages, water sports, food and wine excellences and great cities of art.
In the immediate vicinity are Sigurtà Park, one of Europe's most celebrated landscape masterpieces, Parco Natura Viva with its exotic species in semi-freedom, and numerous opportunities for water sports on the lake: sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and boat hire. For the more adventurous, climbing, via ferrata routes, canyoning and jungle adventure at San Zeno di Montagna.
For information: +39 030 918 01 or
Water Sports and Adventure
Lake Garda is a paradise for lovers of outdoor sport. The constant winds — the Pelèr in the morning and the Ora in the afternoon — make it one of the most renowned places in Europe for sailing and windsurfing, both at competitive and amateur level. Well-equipped schools also welcome beginners with certified instructors.
The lake's waters lend themselves to snorkelling and diving, while it is possible to hire motorboats and boats to explore its most remote corners. Along the shores run panoramic cycle and pedestrian paths, mountain bike routes and trekking trails.
For stronger thrills, the area offers rock climbing, via ferrata routes, canyoning routes and jungle adventure at San Zeno di Montagna.
Nearby Villages
The territory surrounding the Resort is home to villages of extraordinary historical and scenic charm. Castellaro Lagusello, a medieval village protected by sixteenth-century walls and overlooking a small heart-shaped lake, is one of the most romantic villages in Lombardy. Borghetto sul Mincio, with its water mills and colourful little houses on the river, offers an atmosphere suspended in time.
On Lake Garda, well worth a visit are: Sirmione, set on a peninsula and protected by the magnificent Scaligero Castle; Desenzano del Garda, the largest town on the lake, lively and cosmopolitan; Salò, an elegant lakeside gem and home to MUSA, the Museum of Modern Art with a permanent collection of great value.
A few minutes from the Resort you will also find the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia and its ossuary, a historical testimony to the Second Italian War of Independence.
Cities of Art
Between Lombardy and the Veneto lies one of the highest concentrations of artistic and cultural heritage in Europe. Garda Hotel San Vigilio Golf is in a privileged position to reach the main cities of art in a short time.
Verona — approx. 35 km, 35 minutes by car
A UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for the Roman Arena, Piazza Bra and the legend of Romeo and Juliet. Home to one of the most famous open-air opera festivals in the world, it is also a destination for lovers of food, Amarone wine and shopping in the historic centre. The Resort is an authorised reseller of tickets for the Arena.
Brescia — approx. 35 km, 35 minutes by car
Roman Brixia and the modern Leonessa d'Italia, it offers the Capitolium and the Santa Giulia Museum (UNESCO World Heritage), a lively historic centre with boutiques and trendy venues.
Mantua — approx. 40 km, 40 minutes by car
A UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by the lakes of the Mincio, host every September to the renowned Literature Festival. The Ducal Palace and Mantegna's Bridal Chamber are not-to-be-missed stops.
Milan — approx. 120 km, 1h 10 min by car / approx. 1 hour by high-speed train from Desenzano
The capital of fashion and design, comfortably reachable on a day trip. The Duomo, Leonardo's Last Supper, the fashion quadrilateral and the Navigli for every taste.
Venice — approx. 160 km, 1h 30 min by car / approx. 1h 20 min by high-speed train from Verona
La Serenissima is the ideal destination for a day out. Reaching it by train from Verona is the most convenient way to fully experience the magic of the canals.
Amusement Parks and Family Activities
The Lake Garda area is the Italian capital of theme parks, with a unique concentration of attractions for families and thrill-seekers.
Gardaland (Castelnuovo del Garda, ~25 km) — Italy's largest amusement park, with roller coasters, Legoland and the Sea Life Aquarium. The Resort is an authorised ticket reseller.
Movieland – CanevaWorld (Lazise, ~20 km) — Cinema, stunt shows and water attractions in a single complex.
Sigurtà Park (Valeggio sul Mincio, ~10 km) — A 60-hectare landscape masterpiece, among the most beautiful gardens in Europe. Tulips in spring, a maze and cycle routes within the park.
Parco Natura Viva (Bussolengo, ~20 km) — A zoological-botanical park where the animals live in natural habitats. Ideal for young and old, with a safari drive and a dinosaur area.
Finally, a trip on the lake by ferry is the most evocative way to discover the variety of Garda's landscapes with the whole family.
Airports and Transport — High-Speed Train
Garda Hotel San Vigilio Golf is excellently connected to the main transport hubs of Northern Italy, easily reachable from all over Europe.
Airports
Verona Airport – Valerio Catullo (VRN) — ~40 km, ~40 min by car
Brescia Airport – Gabriele d'Annunzio (VBS) — ~45 km, ~45 min by car
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — ~150 km, ~1h 20 min by car
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) — ~130 km, ~1h 10 min by car
Orio al Serio – Bergamo Airport (BGY) — ~100 km, ~55 min by car
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) — ~170 km, ~1h 40 min by car
High-Speed Train
The nearest station to the Resort is Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione, served by Frecciarossa and Intercity trains on the Milan–Venice line. From the station the Resort can be reached by taxi or rental car in about 15 minutes.
Milan Central → Desenzano: ~50 min
Verona Porta Nuova → Desenzano: ~20 min
Venice Santa Lucia → Desenzano: ~1h 20 min
Rome Termini → Desenzano: ~2h 40 min (with a change in Milan or Verona)
Wine Tourism and Local Gastronomy
The southern Lake Garda is the heart of one of the most interesting wine-growing areas in Italy. The morainic hills surrounding the Resort are covered with vineyards that produce highly reputed DOC and DOCG wines: Lugana, an elegant white made with Turbiana grapes on the lake shores, Bardolino, a light, fruity red from the Veronese shores, Garda DOC in its various expressions, through to the great reds of Valpolicella such as Amarone and Ripasso, reachable in less than an hour.
The wine and flavour routes offer itineraries among historic wineries and artisan producers for tastings, guided visits and direct purchases. Garda extra-virgin olive oil — among the finest in Italy thanks to the Mediterranean microclimate of the Brescia shore — is another excellence to discover along the ancient olive groves.
On the culinary front, the territory expresses a cuisine rich in identity: from Lugana risotto to lake-fish carpione, from Brescia casoncelli to Veronese pearà. Local markets, farm stays and gourmet restaurants complete a food-and-wine offering ideal for anyone who wishes to combine their holiday with an authentic journey through the flavours of Northern Italy.
Activities Within the Resort
Guests of Garda Hotel San Vigilio Golf can enjoy an experience of total holiday and wellness, making use of various leisure options. Within the Resort, in addition to Golf and the SPA, you can choose between minigolf, two tennis courts, a beach volleyball court and a five-a-side football pitch.
