Garda with its picturesque town centre, romantic squares and beautiful Venetian villas is tucked away below the prominent Punta San Vigilio and the mighty cliff Rocca. With its lush vegetation of cypresses, olive trees, myrtle and oleander the bay of Garda is one of the best remembered landscapes of the Lake. Since Roman times Garda has been considered the jewel of the Lake. In the 12th century the Lake, up to then called 'Benaco', was renamed after the town. During the full moon in July the fishing trade, which is of great importance for the town, is celebrated. And in the following month of August the 'Palio delle Contrade', a rowing competition, takes place. Otherwise Garda is fairly tranquil, in particular at night-time, when it is very pleasant to take a stroll with an ice-cream or enjoy a cappuccino along the waters edge and watch the boats sail by.
