THE ISLANDS OF LAKE GARDA: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HISTORY AND NATURE

THE ISLANDS OF LAKE GARDA: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HISTORY AND NATURE

Discovering the islands of the lake

Lake Garda holds more secrets than you might imagine. Pirates who raided passing boats, noble families in refuge on a private island, colonies of wild animals, forgotten wrecks resting on the lake bed: the five islands of Lake Garda are full of history (and more than a little mystery). In this article we take you on a journey to discover each one, with some practical tips on how to visit them or admire them up close during your stay.

Isola del Garda: the largest and the most noble

Facing San Felice del Benaco lies Isola del Garda: the largest island on the lake and one of the best known. It is a private island, and the only way to explore it is by booking a guided tour on the official Villa Cavazza website, which includes access to the gardens and some of the villa's rooms. Alternatively, you can simply admire it during a boat trip along the coast.
This is where Villa Borghese Cavazza stands, a residence in Venetian neo-Gothic style surrounded by Italian and English style gardens, with a historic park home to both local and exotic plants. In some seasons it also hosts musical and cultural events. Its history is just as rich: a Franciscan monastery once stood here before being suppressed during the Napoleonic era. For centuries, the island was also a hideout for pirates who raided passing boats, before becoming noble property and finally passing to the Cavazza family.

Isola di San Biagio, known as Rabbit Island

A little further south on the Brescia shore, facing Manerba del Garda, lies the Isola di San Biagio, known to everyone as "Rabbit Island" for the colony of wild rabbits that live there freely. It is private, and access is only allowed with a ticket. You can reach it by taxi boat from Porto Torchio, or, when water levels are very low, on foot along the strip of land that emerges from the lake bed. Once there, you'll find meadows, shaded areas and small coves with crystal clear water, plus a bar and a rental service for sunbeds and deck chairs. Diving lovers will find the Scoglio dell'Altare nearby, a wall that drops to 150 metres, with caves and abundant lake wildlife.

Isola dell'Olivo: wild nature on the Verona shore

On the eastern shore, in the Malcesine area, lies the Isola dell'Olivo. It takes its name from the many olive trees that cover it and is not set up for tourism: it has no facilities, but you can approach it by boat and stop on the rocks. Beneath the waves it hides a cave that runs from 13 to 30 metres deep, rich in underwater nature. Not far away rests a wreck about 10 metres long, now a refuge for fish. The island is also a landmark for sailors during the Centomiglia, the historic regatta that passes right by it.

Isola del Sogno: a name that's already an experience

Also in the municipality of Malcesine lies the Isola del Sogno ("Dream Island"), covered in dense vegetation that truly creates a dreamlike atmosphere, just as its name suggests. At certain times of the year, when the lake level drops, you can reach it on foot directly from Val di Sogno beach; at other times you can get there comfortably by boat or motorboat. Here too, the lake bed holds a small treasure for diving enthusiasts: a wreck about 16 metres long, sunk in 1987, lying at around thirty metres deep.

Isola di Trimelone: the mystery of the lake

The Isola di Trimelone, facing the village of Assenza in Brenzone, is different from all the others: landing is forbidden, and even approaching it is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Its history is in fact a complicated one. It served as a military outpost during past invasions and was used in both world wars; after 1945 it became a kind of dumping ground for explosives. On 5 October 1954, a violent explosion destroyed part of it. Although thousands of devices have been removed over the years, the lake bed remains dangerous to this day.
From the shore, or from a boat kept at a safe distance, you can still see the remains of military buildings, such as a barracks and a small fort. Today, this now wild setting has become a nesting ground for gulls and cormorants.

Conclusion

If one of these islands has caught your interest, getting there is simple. Travelling with your own boat? You can use our launch ramp. Prefer to rent one? We work with several rental companies in the area, perfect for reaching Rabbit Island, Isola dell'Olivo or Isola del Sogno on your own. All the options, with prices and practical details, are in our dedicated article on renting at the campsite.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, stop by reception: we're always happy to help.

See you soon on Lake Garda! From your #campingwithlove