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TOP 10 Sports at Lake Garda

Practical guide to the best sports activities.

Lake Garda has always been a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, as well as the site of important national and international sporting events. The particular geographical conformation, the constant presence of winds, and the mild climate make it possible not only to practice numerous water sports, but also some extreme sports. There is no shortage of opportunities to have fun and keep fit. Let's discover in this article, which are the best 10 sports to practice at Lake Garda and in its territory.


1. Sailing

Practised throughout the year, sailing is a sport that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world to Lake Garda. In the central-northern part of the lake there are constantly two winds, the Pelèr and the Ora, alternating with each other. The Pelèr blows from the north during the morning, while the Ora blows from the south during the early afternoon. This particular weather condition is ideal for sailing and therefore the holding of regattas. There are numerous nautical clubs and sailing centres along the lake.


2. Cycling

The territory surrounding Lake Garda is divided into flat and alpine areas. Here there are routes suitable for road cycling and mountain biking. There are many cycle paths that flank the Gardesana road. Among the most popular are the cycle path suspended in the void in Limone sul Garda, the Basso Sarca cycle path, the Ponale trail and the Mincio cycle path.


3. Windsurf

Born in the 1960s in California, windsurfing is a water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. On Lake Garda it is practised by a large number of enthusiasts, especially in the northernmost part of the lake. In recent years it has been joined by kitesurfing, a sport in which the board is not pulled by a sail, but by a kite.



4. Wing Foil

This relatively new water sport combines elements of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Using an inflatable sail called wing, the rider moves on the water over a board equipped with a foil, a hydrodynamic fin that lifts the board above the water surface, reducing friction. Recently, the electrically powered variant of the sport, known as eFoil, is also gaining popularity.


5. Water skiing

Born in the 1920s, water skiing is a sport that can provide strong emotions. On Lake Garda it is possible to practice and learn this discipline at various nautical facilities located in the area. Alternatively, you can try parasailing, an activity that involves the use of a parachute towed by a motor boat.


6. Rowing

Combining physical strength, endurance and coordination, rowing is definitely one of the sports that requires a good athletic training. There are numerous schools and nautical clubs where it is possible to learn this discipline, with the help of qualified instructors. Alternatively, it is possible to practice canoeing, another popular sport that allows you to explore the shores of the lake and enjoy the view.



7. Diving

Among the most exciting sports, diving allows you to explore the seabed in search of underwater treasures. Practising this sport requires skill, physical preparation and a good deal of experience. There are several suggestive places on Lake Garda suitable for diving, such as the Scoglio dell'Altare near the island of San Biagio or the wreck of a boat near the island of Sogno.


8. SUP

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a water sport that has gained great popularity in recent years. Originating in the Hawaiian Islands, SUP combines elements of surfing and canoeing, allowing users to stand on a board and use a paddle to move on the water. The sport requires no special physical skills and can be done by everyone. It offers a great workout for the body and promotes mental well-being.


9. Trekking

Those who love walking in nature will surely know that trekking is the best way to keep fit in the open air. The area surrounding Lake Garda is particularly rich in trails that cross beautiful landscapes. Among the most popular trails are the Ponale trail, the trail to Cima Larici, the Busatte Tempesta trail, the Tibetan Bridge at Crero, the Rocca di Garda, the trail to Cima Comer, the Monte Brione trail, and the trails that connect the various refuges on Monte Baldo. For those who do not suffer from vertigo and love rock climbing, there are several climbing routes and crags, as well as artificial structures such as the Rock Master Climbing Stadium in Arco (TN).


10. Paragliding

Exploiting air streams to fly through the sky, this is the concept behind paragliding, an exciting sport that unites many enthusiasts. On Lake Garda, it is possible to reach the launching point located on Monte Baldo at an altitude of around 1800 metres in just a few minutes, using the Malcesine cable car. There are several specialised centres in the area, where it is also possible to perform tandem launches.


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What to do on Lake Garda

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