The eastern side of Lake Garda

Val di  Sogno – It’s worth to dream

We stayed at the Residence Hotel Lido https://www.lidomalcesine.com/ , which is located about 2,5km /1,2miles/ from the center of Malcesine, so the town is easily reached on foot or by bike along the lakeside promenade. There is also a regular bus service.

Residence Hotel Lido offers the rooms and the apartments We took an apartment with a kitchenette.

We had the breakfasts in the hotel restaurant.

The breakfasts were really delicious and every morning they served us hand-baked gluten free sweet pancakes or pancakes with vegetables&ham or gluten free banana bread. The lady who was preparing the breakfasts always was asking us the day before what we would like for breakfast the next day, whether something sweet or savory. It was very nice.

There were also of course gluten-free prepackaged bread, milk cereal and many other things. Fresh fruits, eggs, hams, cheese, etc. And delicious coffee of course J The staff in the hotel was very helpful and friendly.

We usually cooked dinners in our apartment. For groceries, we shopped at the Jolly Despar store near the Lido Hotel. It’s very well-stocked with gluten-free products.

We also twice ate pizza at Malcesine in Pizzeria da Pedro. They were really tasty and we didn’t get glutened.  GF is not listed on the menu, but they cook pizzas separately!

They have also gf pasta and panna cotta. https://www.dapedromalcesine.com/en

I recommend taking a walk along the promenade to Cassone and going towards the church, passing the old school. It is worth strolling among the olive groves. In spring, the inhabitants cut the branches of the tree… you can really experience Italy more deeply… Observing the daily duties of the local inhabitants… I experience the place where I am more… You can also meet cute creatures 🙂

An interesting fact is that the famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, whose works I personally like very much, stayed in this area during the summer of 1913. His famous paintings La chiesa di Cassone and Veduta di Malcesine were created here. The second painting  was painted probably from Val di Sogno. Well, I’m not surprised that this place inspired people and artists… it’s really wonderful.

Malcesine

Malcesine is definitely one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda. It’s a perfect spot on the Lake that combines history, Italian charm, adventure and breathtaking landscapes.

On one side, Malcesine is nestled at the foot of Monte Baldo and opposite shore of lake is also mountainous, is cleary visible. The views are really stunning.

For those who like relaxing on the beach, there are many pebble beaches and bays. Malcesine it used to be a fishing port, and now ferries depart from here to neighboring towns – like Limone sul Garda or Riva del Garda.

The old town of Malcesine is built around the thirtheen century castle Castello Scaligero, the most famous monument of the city. If you’re in the area, I definitely recommend visiting this fortress.

From this ancient building you can have access to the most panoramic spots of Malcesine: from the platform called “Rivellino” or from the tower, you’ll enjoy a 360 degree view you will never forget. An interesting fact is that in 1786 Johann Wolfgang Goethe stayed in Malcesine and painted a sketch of this castle.

Wandering the cobbled streets of the local centro storico, you may get the impression that time has stopped in place. On the ground floor of the tenement houses there are shops with local products, boutiques, cafes and restaurants and of course, ice cream shops with delicious gelato.

During our spring trip we visited the Galateria Cento per Cento a few times. The ice creams were very delicious and you can also buy the gluten free cones there. The staff was very knowledgeable about the celiac disease.

The Monta Baldo cable car

Another very cool attraction in Malcesine is Monte Baldo /2218m n.p.m./ cable car, that leads directly to the top of the mountain.

The Monte Baldo cable car is one of the most modern and advanced ski lifts in the world. It’s very unique in that, the second stage of the ride- the one that travels from San Michele to Monte Baldo, is a revolving cabin that rotates around itself. The rotating cabin gives a 360-degree view, so that you can enjoy every detail of this amazing land from any angle. This mountain range is full of trails and paths with a spectacular panoramic view over the lake.

It’s really worth going there in the morning, because later there are often long queues; moreover there’s really a lot to do at the top.

It’s really great excursion, but you need to know that the temperatures on the top are much lower than far below by the lake. The temperature difference is very often a several degrees Celsius.

It is also worth taking sturdy shoes, because the trails at the top are quite rocky and sandals are unlikely to work.

All needed information about the Monte Baldo cable car you can find here: https://www.funiviedelbaldo.it/en/funivia-malcesine-monte-baldo

The Prada Costabella cable car – basket lift!

I also recommend you go on the basket lift cable car… yes…the basket lift 🙂 Some time ago I didn’t know that this type of lift existed 🙂

It’s called the Prada Costabella cable car and is located in the village Prada, which is about 17km from Malcesine.

The lift to the top is divided into two stages – first the two-seater basket lift (20minutes) and then chair lift (10minutes).

We took a break halfway along the route in the Rifugio Mondini-Baito Turri. There is a bar and restaurant with the tarracce overlooking the lake.

On the day that we visited this place, the weather was not friendly to us and at this stage it became foggy, so we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful view.

But we drank tasty coffee and my daughter ate the baked potatoes with garlic sauce. Nice waitress checked for us what in the menu was safe for celiacs.

At the arrival station, the view was much better, but there was also snow –  it was the beginning of May! It cleared up, so we did a little hike there. From the arrival station there are numerous trails leading to mountain refuges.

All needed information about Prada Castobella cable car you can find here: https://www.funiviedelbaldo.it/en/funivia-prada-costabella

Torri del Benaco

I also encourage you to visit the beautiful town of Torri del Benaco. This small yet incredibly charming place exudes a romantic atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples planning their weddings.
At the center of Torri del Benaco, you’ll find the medieval Scaliger Castle, built in the 14th century.
Walking along its old defensive walls, you can enjoy amazing views of Lake Garda, stretching from Sirmione to Limone. The view of the small harbor and the historic rooftops of the town is especially lovely. Don’t forget to check out the orangery next to the southern wall of the castle.

The old town has a pretty, cobbled main street called Corso Dante, with narrow stone alleys full of shops and restaurants.
There’s also a beautiful lakeside promenade that’s perfect for a peaceful walk. Along the way, there are benches where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the calming views of the lake.

While we were there, we tried gluten-free takeaway pizza from Paninateca La Vela. The staff knew a lot about gluten-free diets and celiac disease. The pizza was fresh, tasty, and most importantly—safe. Neither I nor my daughter had any problems after eating it.

For dessert, I suggest visiting the nearby town of Garda and stopping by the Mu gelateria. They have delicious ice cream, and most of it is gluten-free. Everything, including the toppings and sprinkles, is clearly labeled with allergen information.

Garda

Carmel

Carmel shares my love for Northern Italy. He always finds plenty to do here – during the day, he chases butterflies and little lizards, which are quite common. In the evenings, he’s busy darting after bats that often fly low over the water, right by the shore. This place is truly his little paradise.