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Bardolino: discovering the land of wine and olive oil
Three things to see in Bardolino. Exploring Bardolino, strolling along the lakeside, and through the streets of the historic center.
Three things to see in Bardolino
Bardolino is a beautiful village on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda. This small town between Lazise and Garda is rich in beaches and features a picturesque pedestrian and cycling path along the lakeside. In this article, we discover the three things to see in Bardolino, the town of wine and olive oil.
But before we delve into what to see in Bardolino, let’s take a look at some other useful information.
Some useful information
How to get to Bardolino? And where to park?
- By Car. The ‘Peschiera’ exit is the most convenient if you are traveling on the A4 highway. If you are coming from the Brennero A22, you’ll need to exit at ‘Affi‘.
- By Train. If arriving by train, you should alight at Peschiera on the Milan-Verona line. From there, you can take the ATV 164 or ATV 483 bus (summer line) to reach Bardolino.
- By Plane. The nearest airport is Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport. During the summer, the ATV 482 bus will take you directly to Bardolino. Throughout the year, you can take the shuttle (ATV 199) from the airport to Verona Porta Nuova station. From there, you can catch the ATV 164 bus to Bardolino.
For more information on Lake Garda bus schedules and to consult the PDFs, I invite you to read our article here.
Where to park in Bardolino? Blue-striped parking spaces in Bardolino are subject to fees from March 15 to November 1, from 8:00 to 24:00. They are free for the rest of the year. The parking lots at Piazzale Aldo Moro (near the center) and Piazza della Costituzione (more towards the south) operate on a time disc system.
What is Bardolino known for?
Bardolino is famous for several things, including its renowned olive oil. During your journey to discover Bardolino, it is essential to taste this famous oil. In the Cisano district, you will also find a magnificent Olive Oil Museum that offers both a historical and educational journey into its production.
Another highlight of Bardolino is its wine. The town is famous for its ruby-red wine, produced from the indigenous Corvina Veronese grapevines in the surrounding area. To complete the experience, I recommend visiting the Wine Museum.
Both museums are perfect additions to your list of things to see in Bardolino during winter, and they are equally valid options on rainy summer days.
How much time is recommended for a visit to Bardolino? My advice is to dedicate at least a day to explore this charming town on Lake Garda. This way, you will have time to visit the historic center and add an activity such as a museum visit or a lakeside stroll.
Three things to see in Bardolino
The map of Bardolino’s historic center is a maze of narrow alleys and streets where you can get lost while admiring charming flowered balconies and colorful corners. Here, you will find many small businesses, offering a plethora of choices for souvenirs in Bardolino. As for dining, the numerous restaurants and taverns in the center allow you to taste something typical. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a lakeside aperitif or take a stroll while savoring a true Italian gelato!
In Bardolino, like in almost every other village on Lake Garda, there is a weekly market. There you can buy local products and do some shopping. The day of the market Bardolino is Tuesday.
1. The Bardolino lakeshore
2. The pedestrian and cycling path from Bardolino to Lazise
3. The beaches in Bardolino
Events
1. The Bardolino lakeshore
The first of the three things to see in Bardolino couldn’t be anything other than its enchanting lakeside promenade. A delightful view awaits you from this vantage point, especially during the sunset hours when the lights fade, and golden reflections paint the coastline.
Equally picturesque is the harbor, a meeting point for various boats and a crossroads of colors. In this area, you can also find many small restaurants where you can taste some local dishes.
The quintessential symbol of Bardolino is La Botte, positioned at the end of the lakeside promenade. It’s not hard to spot, as if you walk north from the harbor, you’ll find it just before the imposing Ferris wheel. The barrel was chosen as the city’s emblem because Bardolino is the homeland of wine (Rosso Bardolino and Chiaretto). It has a heart-shaped opening, a perfect frame for your souvenir photos with Lake Garda as the backdrop.
2. The pedestrian and cycling path from Bardolino to Lazise
The pedestrian and cycling path that connects the charming Bardolino to Lazise unfolds for about six kilometers along the coast. You can admire the abundant flora of flowers and reeds and the diverse fauna of the lake, including swans, ducks, and mallards. In addition, the route is equipped with kiosks and bars to recharge and relax.
However, it is essential to be particularly cautious during the summer season because of the high attendance, with both pedestrians and cyclists sharing the path. This stretch is so beautiful that it has earned the reputation of being the most frequented pedestrian and cycling path around the lake.
If you intend to add the pedestrian and cycling path to the list of three things to see in Bardolino, it’s useful to know that:
- To cycle the path, it takes about 20 minutes.
- On foot, it takes at least an hour to travel from Bardolino to Lazise.
- The path is completely flat.
- Easily accessible even in the rain without the risk of getting dirty.
- Perfect for families with children because it never runs alongside the Gardesana Road.
City bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes are excellent means to explore Lake Garda. If you want to rent one during your vacation, there are several rental shops in Bardolino.
In the Cisano district, about halfway through the route, you’ll find various bars and restaurants to recharge. There are also green spaces for resting, as well as docks and panoramic benches where you can sit and admire the magnificent azure waters of the lake.
Once you reach the port of Lazise, you can admire the Venetian customs house and the walls that surround the entire historic center of the town. For more information on the things to do in Lazise, visit our article at this link.
3. The beaches in Bardolino
Along the route from Lazise to Bardolino, you’ll find various beaches where you can stop for a refreshing swim in the lake, especially after a warm walk. The majority of these shores are composed of gravel and pebbles. Each beach, whether public or private, is well-equipped, organized, and easily accessible.
Among the most appreciated beach resorts is Lido Holiday Beach. It’s a private space that offers various entertainment options for those looking to relax by the lake. Additionally, if you’re things to do in Bardolino for adults, there’s a nightclub here for music and entertainment lovers.
Another wonderful beach not to be missed is Lido di Cisano, a public area that also features a playground. The water at this spot is not deep, making it suitable for families and perfect for those looking for things to do in Bardolino with children. Furthermore, there’s a green space nearby where you can stop and have a nice picnic.
Lido Mirabello, located at the south entrance of Bardolino, is a paid beach characterized by deep waters, making it excellent for diving. Lastly, there’s Lido Punta Cornicello, a free beach very close to the historic center of Bardolino where you can rent pedal boats.
Events
Now that we’ve finished with the list of the three things to see in Bardolino, keep reading to discover the main events in this beautiful town:
- The Grape and Wine Festival of Bardolino. As I mentioned earlier, Bardolino is famous for its grapes and wine, so an event dedicated to them is a must! Usually organized between late September and early October, it attracts tourists from all over Europe. The emblem of this event is the traditional giant barrel placed in Piazza Catullo, standing at an impressive 6 meters high.
- International Olympic Triathlon. For sports enthusiasts, Bardolino hosts this famous sporting event in June. It involves a 1.5 km swim, a 40 km bike ride, and a 10 km run, totaling about 3 hours of competition.
- Pole of the Greasy Pole (Palo della Cuccagna). Every year, this fun event attracts many participants. Athletes must try to grab the flag placed at the end of a horizontally positioned 12-meter pole. Sounds simple? It’s not! The pole is completely covered in grease, making it challenging not to slip.
In my opinion, Bardolino is worth a visit – start planning your trip! And if you’re already on the shores of the lake, the only thing left is to decide what you want to do today in Bardolino.
