Lake Garda defies logic. Perched in听the foothills of the Italian Dolomites below the snowy peaks of the Mont Baldo ski area, it should be like any other large alpine lake: cold. But the immediate waterbed sustains its own warm, Mediterranean-like microclimate, giving fruit to surrounding olive and lemon groves, vineyards, and wineries听and clear water that looks almost as if you鈥檙e in Positano or Portofino.听
鈥淚 lived in Northern Italy for many years and first learned about 听from the Italians who would flock there on holidays,鈥 says New York鈥揵ased photographer , who captured this shot while walking round Torbole, a town at the northeastern corner of the lake known for its windsurfing schools and competitions, kite surfing, paragliding, fishing, and sailing.听
Located between Venice and Milan (it鈥檚 approximately 2.5 hours from each), the lake is also renowned for diving. It contains about ten spots, mostly along the lake鈥檚听north and east shores, known for eerie underwater relics.
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On land, you鈥檒l find excellent mountain biking, especially if you head up to Mont Baldo. Climb?听Base out of Arco on the limestone cliffs just north of the lake. There are more than 1,000 routes鈥攎ostly one or two pitch for sport climbing, but also a few airy 2,000-foot ascents.
Unwind with some of the area鈥檚 famed Bardolino, an Italian red wine,听and some fresh-caught fish. If you can, try the lake鈥檚 trout,听one of the locals鈥 most sought-after dishes.
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