Last summer we took a trip to Italy, the first as a family and the first doing this kind of trip. In the past we’ve enjoyed all-inclusive trips to hotels all over Europe and beyond, but with the girls getting older and not willing to share a room with us, let alone a bed, we looked at different options. A friend mentioned Lake Garda for our summer trip and once I looked into it, it was pretty much a no-brainer.
Here are 5 reasons to visit Lake Garda in the summer for your family trip.
#1 The Location
It’s incredibly easy to get here. From the East Midlands/Birmingham it’s just a 2 hour flight on Jet2 to Verona. And it can be very good value too. Our flight was on a Wednesday and we just went for the week, but it’s so fast you won’t feel tired from the journey. Our village on the south of the lake, Pechiera del Garda was less than an hour from the airport, and car hire was easy and painless, arranged in the UK before we left.
Let’s not forget that both Verona and Venice are within easy car/rail journeys giving your trip that added extra if you wish to spend some time in a city.
#2 The Food
Well it’s Italy isn’t it, what else do you need to know! Restaurants are plentiful, but busy in the peak season so book ahead in the popular ones, or just take your pick. Most sell pizzas of course, with plenty of pasta and fish too. If the children are fussy, there’s bound to be something for them so don’t worry. Supermarkets are big and easy to find, with plenty of fresh produce, fish, meat and more. Our apartment was 5 minutes from the local shops, and had a wonderful balcony and barbecue giving us great opportunity to sample local cuisine.
#The Scenery
Well the scenery is just stunning. Crystal blue waters, surrounded by mountains and beautiful sunny skies. Old buildings, colourful plants and flowers, wonderful architecture and so much more; it really is a feast for the eyes. If you’re into your surrounds, history and design, this is definitely the place for you.
# The Weather
The summer temperatures can be stifling, and watch out for the mosquitoes who come out as the sun sets. You’ll need some pretty strong repellent and anti-histamine if you’re prone to being bitten (I say this from experience). The weather cools at other times of the year but starts to warm up from early April.
# The Welcome
The local people are lovely and welcoming, and if you attempt the language, they’ll love you even more. Of course, it’s a huge tourist area and will be incredibly busy in the peak summer months; don’t attempt to drive around the lake unless you want to be stuck in a massive queue. But the people do make it easier. Restaurants and shop owners are very friendly.
Accommodation will vary. There are lots of package holidays from places like Jet2.com who use local hotels with or without pools, and lots of local apartments too. We chose to try an AirBnb apartment in a new complex just outside the village. We loved it so much WE ARE GOING BACK THIS YEAR! Having never repeated a holiday in the same accommodation this is a huge first for me, but the family and I are so excited.
The apartment is beautifully furnished and very well equipped. In a small complex (still under development) it shares the pool with others, but as so many of the apartments are privately owned as second homes, it was hardly ever being used. In fact, our girls had the pool to themselves for hours at a time, day after day. Just perfect.
You can see more of this apartment HERE.
Jet2 flights can be booked HERE.
Trip Highlights: The pool, the sunsets, the food, the weather and of course, the lake.
If you’ve never considered Lake Garda for a summer holiday, then do think again.
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