Lake Garda view in Limone sul Garda, famous tourist destination in Italy

Lake Garda

Destination

In the realm of travel cliches, it’s all too easy to label Lake Garda a fairytale lake. But how else do you describe a place where terracotta villages creep up to the shoreline, snow-capped mountains protect the waters from the fiercest winds and fire-red sunsets cast a golden glow over green-hued waters?Monumental castles guard now glittering marinas, botanical gardens bloom with tropical plants from far away shores and the beaches? Well… some seem lifted straight from the Caribbean, rather than the shores of a European lake. But this is no fantasy world, nor an all-too-eager exaggeration from the pen of a whimsical travel diarist. This is Lake Garda. Italy’s largest and most lavish lake.

From each shoreside town to the next, you can feast on foods that are familiar yet foreign. Ravioli comes with added perch and risottos are flavoured with pike and tench. There are, of course, richer pickings, particularly in the pannacotta and tiramisu laden dessert menus. Plump lemons glisten in the sun waiting to slink into lakeside G&Ts and long drinks sparkle alongside the aperitivo conversation. A little mundane for a fairytale? Not on Lake Garda. Enjoying the simple life here feels like you’ve been given the key to a hidden world. Enjoy every second of it.

fine dining in lake garda

Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Lake Garda

Food & Drink

There are a few things to reasonably expect from Lake Garda restaurants. Views, Italian classics and perhaps a stellar gelato should all feature, but pike? Prepare your tastebuds for an earthy voyage into the world of lake fish. Grilled, steamed, creamed and made into meatballs, Lake Garda’s local resources will be memorable meals during your time here. And, as much as we should champion the 0km menus and heritage recipes, we won’t blame you if you swing by the region’s stellar gelataria for a more familiar selection of flavours.

view over lake garda

Battle of the lakes: Lake Garda vs Lake Como

Guides & Tips

At first glance, the Lake Como or Lake Garda decision is a tough one. There’s little to separate two of Italy’s best bodies of water. Mouthwatering cuisine, regional specialties, wines aged right by the lake and a crop of talented chefs does little to help matters either. To really narrow things down, take a look past the shimmering waters and a deep dive into the attractions, activities, scenery and affordability of each lake to really get the measure of these iconic, Italian holiday destinations.

renting a boat on lake garda

The ultimate guide to boating in Lake Garda

See & Do

Lake Garda boat trips are one of the best ways to see this scenically stunning waterscape. Hop from one historic town to the next – via ferry. Slink into a sailing yacht for fizz and fun or skipper your own craft to a corner of the lake for sunbathing, picnics and a chic day on the lake. And, it’s worth noting that boat hire on Lake Garda opens up more than just shoreside views. Everything from wedding proposals to piano solos play out on these waters. The lake is your oyster…

Malcesine to Monte Baldo cable car

Top 10 things to do in Lake Garda

See & Do

You’d imagine that most of the things to do in Lake Garda would centre around this huge – and downright gorgeous body of water. Not quite. Yes you can motorboat across it, peek around a private island or laze luxuriously on its edges. But your things to do in Lake Garda list needn’t be restricted to the aquatic side of life. There are gourmet eats in the hills to discover, castle ramparts to conquer and cable cars to see it all from. Joyous news then for those amongst us with constitutions at odds with life on the water…

Malcesine to Monte Baldo cable car view

2 days in Lake Garda 

See & Do

Short breaks in Lake Garda come with a hefty dose of FOMO. With so many picturesque towns to visit, too many boat trips to choose from and plate after plate of gourmet Italian food to pass on, how do you stack your itinerary in your favour? Firstly, cast aside the question of how many days you need in Lake Garda and replace it with a list of must-sees, places to eat and nightlife essentials. We’ve gathered a few Lake Garda essentials that are all achievable on just a two day stay on Italy’s biggest – and most beautiful lake.

Aerial coastal view of Albufeira area, Algarve, Portugal

Albufeira

Destination

A gem that shines brightly on Portugal’s southern coast, Albufeira might have once been a sleepy fishing village, but now it’s the premier Algarve destination if you’re looking for fun in the sun. With glorious beaches, luscious holiday homes to luxuriate in, and activities to keep people of all ages happy, you won’t be wanting for anything during your trip here. While it has a well-deserved reputation as a party spot, you can also easily find some serenity between the lively beach bars and varied evening entertainment, so no matter what your ideal holiday is, Albufeira will deliver.

Albufeira’s Old Town is one of the most charming in the region, with its popular yet intimate bars and restaurants staying open late into the evening, perfect for romantic occasions and peaceful dinners alike. The Strip is a livelier proposition, with bars and clubs open until the sun starts to creep back over the horizon. And that’s just the social side of the town; Praia dos Pescadores beach yawns lazily out along the coast and is the perfect place to recuperate under a rejuvenating sun. Then there’s the thrilling waterparks, the vibrant marina, and hundreds of day trips for shoppers, culture vultures, and nature lovers to indulge in. Albufeira really does have it all.

views of Castle of Paderne

Top 10 things to do in Albufeira

See & Do

You don’t get to be the premier destination in the Algarve without catering to every kind of holidaymaker, which is why there are so many things to do in Albufeira. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, an animal lover, or a beach bum, you’ll find the ideal activity that turns your getaway into a dream holiday. Of course, with so much to see and do on the sparkling Portuguese coast, you might find yourself with choice fatigue. Instead of fretting about an itinerary, take a look at our top ten things to do in Albufeira, so you can focus on making memories that you’ll be talking about long after you return home.

golf resort in lagos algarve

Tee off on Albufeira’s best golf courses

See & Do

The Algarve has long been known as an unparalleled golfing destination, and the perfectly located beach town of Albufeira is an ideal base for those looking to wander the fairways (or more likely rough) on their Portuguese holiday. In this wonderful region there are world class courses alongside hidden gems, and plenty of places to practice so you can make the most of the excellent weather. If you’re keen on checking out what courses this stunning region has to offer, then read ahead for Orbzii’s guide to playing golf in Albufeira.

seafood restaurant albufeira

Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Albufeira 

Food & Drink

Thanks to its reputation as a tourist destination, Albufeira is blessed with a range of restaurants and eateries that serve up everything from haute cuisine to a gut-busting Full English. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets in search of the best restaurants in Albufeira Old Town, or strolling along the seafront looking for a dinner spot, you can be sure of a high quality meal with unparalleled service.