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On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, the small Italian town of Torri del Benaco is perhaps a microcosm of that all is agreeable about Lago di Garda, a region that’s bewitched visitors since Roman times. A covetable lakeside setting, a historical heart, a pretty harbour, pebbly beaches, a medieval castle and fragrant citrus groves, backed by forested hills, Torri del Benaco is a cute-as-pie pitstop for your modern-day Grand Tour exploration.
On foot, you won’t go far without spotting the beacon-like Scaligero Castle, the stomping ground for the Lord of Verona, Antonio della Scala – a member of the powerful Scaliger dynasty, also known as the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona from 1262 to 1387. The castle was built in 1383 as a defensive fort for Torri del Benaco’s port and shipyard. Inside the castle is information about Torri del Benaco’s industries such as fishing, olive oil and winemaking and outside the beautiful citrus greenhouse limonaia shows its gems: lemons the size of fists.
While you’re here, join your fellow Lake Gardians on a lungolago – a lakeside promenade, spotting the town’s sights including the town’s historic clock tower Torre dell’Orologio, 13th century church Oratory of the Holy Trinity and the pretty harbour, bobbing with colourful boats. Stop for expresso or if the time is right, an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Bardolino. Torri del Benaco’s lakeside position also means it’s easy to zip off by boat to explore other lakeside towns – head north for Riva del Garda and the gateway to Arco or head south for an exploration of Bardolino and Sirmione
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