Between lake and mountains: Lazise and Malcesine

On the eastern shore of Lake Garda lie some of the most charming historic centres in the entire Lake Garda area; among these, Lazise and Malcesine are two almost complementary destinations, both featuring medieval fortifications yet each unique in its own way in terms of atmosphere and landscape. The former still retains the layout of the ancient village enclosed within the Scaliger walls, with its cobbled alleyways leading to the old harbour and the long lakeside promenade. Arriving just before sunset, perhaps by boat, you can take in the most evocative view of Lazise, with its pastel-coloured façades reflected on the water and the outdoor tables welcoming residents and visitors for the ritual of the aperitif. A few kilometres further north, the landscape gradually changes and the hills give way to the Pre-Alps, with Lake Garda seeming to adapt its appearance to this shift. Malcesine is the point where lake and mountain meet most strikingly, and marking its picture-postcard profile is the Scaligero Castle, which houses artefacts of local history and a section dedicated to Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s visit to these parts. Another unique feature of this village is the chance to ascend to an altitude of 1,760 metres on Monte Baldo in under half an hour via the cable car departing from the town centre: once at the top, the panoramic view encompassing much of the lake is magnificent and offers trekkers a wide range of routes to explore one of the most fascinating natural environments in Northern Italia.