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Torri del Benaco: things to do and see
Have you ever visited this little gem overlooking Lake Garda? If you’ve already been to Torri, you’ll surely agree with me: it’s an enchanting place where tranquility and relaxation reign supreme. Don’t miss the chance to discover everything with our guide to Torri del Benaco: things to do and see.
The charm of a town rich in history and its hamlets
Torri del Benaco, rich in history and culture, preserves ancient rock carvings and Roman remains, like the west tower of the Castle and the harbor’s layout. The first human settlements date back to 2000 B.C., and in the 1960s, traces of an ancient pile-dwelling village were discovered, including Bronze Age tools. After the Romans, the area saw Goths, Lombards, Franks, and Hungarians pass through.
In the 12th century, Barbarossa’s troops arrived, followed by the Scaligeri from Verona, who strengthened the harbor defenses and built the Castle over the ruins of a preexisting structure.
Besides its charming historic center, Torri del Benaco includes two picturesque hamlets: Albisano and Pai.
- Albisano is known for its central square, the Church of San Martino, and spectacular panoramic views of the lake;
- In Pai, you can visit the 12th-century Romanesque Church of San Gregorio, while from Pai di Sopra, you can enjoy lake views, discover the ruins of fortifications destroyed by Barbarossa, explore trails with ancient rock carvings, and cross the famous Crero Tibetan Bridge.
Some useful information
Do you want to visit Torri del Benaco but aren’t sure how to get there?
- By car, you have two options:
- from the north, take the A22 Brennero Motorway, exit at Affi, and follow the SP8 towards Garda, driving along the lake for 15 km;
- from the west, take the A4 Motorway, exit at Peschiera, and follow the SS249 towards Garda and Malcesine for 25 km.
- By train, the nearest station is Peschiera, on the Milan-Venice line, from where you can continue by bus.
As for parking, the two main options are;
- the covered parking on Via Mazzini 23;
- the Castle parking on Via Gardesana 60
Both at €2 per hour. In town, there are also several timed parking spaces available for shorter stays.
After this brief introduction, let’s dive into the heart of our article on Torri del Benaco: things to do and see.
1. City centre and the beaches
2. The Castle
3. The Tibetan Bridge
Events
1. City centre and beaches
A gem to discover
Torri del Benaco is a town rich in history, with significant strategic importance since the 1st millennium. A stroll through its historic center, which unfolds around the shell-shaped harbor, offers the chance to admire the ancient Casa dei Vicari, a testament to the area’s mercantile past.
Looking up, you can take in the impressive Scaliger Castle, while turning north reveals the 15th-century Palazzo della Gardesana, now a hotel. This building is named after the federation of 10 towns that gathered there in 1405, when the Republic of Venice granted them broad autonomy and fiscal responsibilities.
The Church of the Holy Trinity is the perfect starting point to explore the center, where you can discover Casa Marai and Casa Viola. Don’t miss the 1561 Clock Tower, a symbol of Scaliger history, and Berengar I’s Tower, a testament to the ancient city walls. To the south, the Church of San Faustino, with its 15th-century frescoes, speaks to the monastery that once served as a refuge during the plagues of the 1500s and 1600s.
In Torri del Benaco, the historic center and Scaliger Castle are among the main attractions, but the beaches are equally impressive! Let’s take a look at the most beautiful beaches in this must-visit location on Lake Garda.
The beaches of Torri del Benaco
The beaches of Torri del Benaco are true pieces of paradise, often underrated but among the most serene on Lake Garda.
Here are some must-visit beaches:
- Sbocco Valle Randina Beach: Gravel beach, favored by residents and tourists alike, offers tranquility and comfort, along with amenities and sports opportunities.
- Sunset Beach: Located in front of the Scaliger Castle, it offers a Caribbean atmosphere, perfect for sunset aperitifs.
- Lido Brancolino Beach: Located between Torri and Punta San Vigilio, it is a paid beach that provides comfort for relaxation, although parking can be tricky.
There are many places to visit, but in Torri del Benaco, walks and hikes provide unforgettable experiences. Keep reading to discover everything this destination has to offer you!
2. Scaliger Castle
The second attraction to see in Torri del Benaco is the Scaliger Castle. Although its origins are difficult to date, it is believed to have been built on top of a pre-existing medieval fortress. Some historians suggest it may have Roman origins with defensive functions, while others place its construction in the early years of the 10th century under King Berengar I.
Over the centuries, the castle has been rebuilt and changed ownership, from Antonio della Scala to the Visconti, and finally to Venice in 1405. In the 18th century, the outer walls were demolished to make way for a citrus greenhouse. Purchased by the Municipality of Torri in 1973, the castle became an ethnographic museum open to the public in 1980, offering a journey through time with its keep and a yellow marble well.
The Scaliger Castle Museum features various themed rooms, such as the Fishing Room and the Olive Room. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the castle walkways, and be sure to check out the lemon house dating back to 1760.
3. The Tibetan Bridge
The last attraction to see in Torri del Benaco is the Tibetan Bridge, recently inaugurated and perfect for nature lovers. This steel structure, 34 meters long and just over a meter wide, connects Pai di Sopra to Crero, allowing a maximum of 15 people to cross at a time. While it is safe for children, those who suffer from vertigo should be aware that it is located above a gorge approximately 45 meters deep.
The bridge offers breathtaking views of the Val Vanzana, and while it is stable, it may sway slightly. The trails that start from here are varied and suitable for everyone, but it is not recommended to bring strollers due to some challenging sections. If you’re looking for an easy walk that’s perfect for families, get ready to discover the routes I have in store for you.
1. STARTING FROM CRERO – Short route
Starting from the parking area in Crero and reaching the Church of San Siro, continue along a dirt road surrounded by the olive groves of Garda, which will take you in 20 minutes to the Val Vanzana and its Tibetan Bridge. Here, you can either return along the same path or continue towards Pai di Sotto by following trail Cai No. 38, which will lead you to the village in 40 minutes, and then return along the route you took to get there.
2. STARTING FROM CRERO – Long route
For more experienced hikers, the longer route is a loop trail that leads to San Zeno di Montagna, with an elevation gain of about 680 meters. Starting from the parking area in Crero, you will reach the bridge and follow the path towards Pai until you find trail Cai No. 38, which takes you to San Zeno di Montagna. The ascent will require effort, but the views will reward your hard work. To return, you can take trail Cai No. 39, which leads to the La Spighetta area in Albisano and connects to the famous Pilgrim’s Trail to return to Crero.
The day has come to an end, and after a long walk, you want to relax but aren’t sure where to eat in Torri del Benaco? In our article about restaurants with lake views, you’ll find a gem you won’t want to miss!
Events in Torri del Benaco
In addition to the sights we’ve covered in Torri del Benaco, you can enjoy fun moments by participating in the various scheduled events. Let’s take a look at the recurring ones together.
1. Feast of San Filippo
The Feast of San Filippo, the patron saint of Torri del Benaco, is celebrated on May 26 with lively events, culminating in the “fire of the boat.” During this tradition, a wooden boat inscribed with “Viva San Filippo” is set on fire and dragged across the lake among floating lanterns, commemorating how the saint freed the town from the plague in the 1600s.
2. Olive Festival
If you love olive oil, don’t miss the “Festa dell’Oliva” at the end of January, featuring experts, awards for producers, and a market for olive oil equipment. You’ll have the chance to taste olive oil on bruschetta and risottos, all accompanied by folk music that will enliven the streets of Torri’s historic center.
3. Regata delle Bisse
The rowing competition of the Bisse, historical boats measuring 10.5 meters used for Venetian rowing, is a tradition from Lake Garda that dates back to 1967. Every year, the League of Bisse organizes the “Bandiera del Lago” championship in various towns around the lake, including Torri.
Other events
In Torri del Benaco, events are numerous and varied, including the medieval festival with costume parades, concerts, and painting exhibitions.
This year, during the “Lago di Garda in Love” event, the town hosted a delightful live performance featuring two extraordinary voices accompanied by a piano, creating a memorable evening in a spectacular setting.
One event that takes place every week is the market! Want to know when the market is in Torri del Benaco? The weekly market is held on Mondays, while the farmers’ market takes place on Fridays.
Is Torri del Benaco worth visiting? That’s for you to decide, but I hope you enjoyed this article and that it encouraged you to visit this beautiful place on Lake Garda. Want to know more about other villages?
