Travel Eye on Malcesine (Italy)

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Overview:

Malcesine lies among the fragrant olive and lemon groves of the lower slopes of Monte Baldo, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Once a sleepy fishing village, it now bustles with life as cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques line the narrow cobbled streets that wind down to a picturesque harbour. Narrow archways lead to the ancient castle which towers above the lake on a sheer rock face.

A new revolving cable car, rises to the top of Monte Baldo (6000ft) and giving you all-round views on the way up and down. At the summit you can marvel at the panorama of Lake Garda and where many unique groups of flora and fauna can be found. Hiking trails abound, and you can see as far as Torbole or Brenzone on a high level walk. Malcesine enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and is especially renowned for its breezes: the 'ora' that blows from the south, and the 'vert' from the north, making it a paradise for sailing and windsurfing.

In the town there are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, and from the quayside there are regular boats to take you to see other villages and resorts around the lake.

Locality:

Malcesine is approximately 85 mls from Milan and 115 mls from Venice airport. It is found on the east side of the lake with the Monte Baldo chain of mountains immediately behind it. It looks out across the narrowest part of the lake to Limone on the west shore.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

This area is suited to mid to upmarket couples, families and groups with a big variety of accommodation in this area, including camping and tourist villages. There are approximately 100 hotels, most of them being 3 or 4 stars catering for groups. There are 2 stars for families and couples. Either situated just off the main road above the town or along the waterfront.

There are pebbled beaches outside the town in both directions. Bay of Val di Sogno is the most pleasant.

There is a saturday market. Also found are the usual clothes boutiques and souvenir shops throughout the town.

During the daytime popular activities include a visit the 13th-century castle & museum. There is a year-round funicular to Monte Baldo, known as the "botanical garden of Italy".

There is a variety of sports such as sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, tennis, minigolf, paragliding, mountain walks and bike rides. Boat trips are also organised from the local area. There is limited skiing.

The nightlife includes one disco and the local hotels with some evening entertainment. For food there are snack bars near the harbour. Pizzerias and restaurants in the backstreets. Many of the hotels also have restaurants.