Day 6 Summer playground, winter treasure.

Why would you visit Largo Di Garda (Lake Garda), a popular summer destination, in the winter?

Firstly, the huge, picturesque lake is just as beautiful in the winter as in the summer. Italy’s largest glacial lake, located east of Lake Como and surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains, is an extraordinary visual treat.

 
Secondly, the small town of Torbole, where we are staying, is almost empty at this time of year but would be packed with tourists in the summer. Visiting out of season means that we can enjoy it with only the company of the locals and a handful of crazy Germans.

Thirdly, the perfectly located boutique hotel provided us with a picture perfect postcard view that would be way beyond our budget during the summer, but in March, the price is cheaper than most average motels in NSW.

Fourthly, the lake is a swimming, diving and sailing paradise for Italians in the summer but frankly even then we would find the water temperature too cool for us. The temperature of the lake, according to an information sign today, was a chilly 9 degrees.

Fifthly, when we arrived the receptionist told us that the mini bar in our room was free and that we could also enjoy the bar in the hotel – again for free. What a waste you may be thinking – a free bar, for a couple who don’t drink!

Finally our day was made complete with a cable car ride to snow capped Mt Baldo high above the lake where we could enjoy a chocolata (hot chocolate) in a warm, glass-fronted, south-facing café – loving the view of the lake while the temperature outside was a chilly -4 with the wind blowing at 60kms per hour. You are unlikely to have such an experience in the summertime.

So… sometimes it pays to be a contrarian.