Gulf of Salo activities

The most popular visitor attractions, places to see & things to do in & near Gulf of Salo Italy.

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Things to do & see in Salo

This is a lovely location to enjoy a real Lake Garda experience whether you want to take advantage of the walking and cycling routes, spend time in the water, tour the sights or just relax by the lakeside. Thanks to the beautiful and varied Valtenesi hills, there are some lovely long walks and bike rides to be enjoyed and there are just as many (if not more) things to do on the water if you’re looking for an active holiday.

With its position on the mid-west side of Lake Garda, Salò is well positioned if you want to explore other towns and attractions: take a trip to the Isola del Garda or hop on the ferry to Gardone Riviera, Desenzano and Malcesine. The town itself has some lovely religious buildings including the cathedral in the town centre and is known for its shop-lined streets running parallel to the lakefront, where you’ll find a brilliant range of stores including high end boutiques.

Walking

Salo Walking & Hiking: The area has a really colourful and varied landscape, making it ideal for long, scenic walks. As well as Lake Garda’s longest promenade on the lakeside, you’ll find meadows, olive groves, vineyards and lakes in the gorgeous Valtenesi hills, with walks of varying length and gradient taking you to chapels, natural wonders and breathtaking viewpoints. Walk in Portese and enjoy a view of the Isle del Garda from the promontory of San Fermo. Enjoy the narrow lanes and panoramas around San Bartolomeo or visit Puegnago via the Sovenigo lakes. A popular excursion in the area is to the Madonna del Rio, which has a stunning waterfall nearby.

Cycling

Salo Cycling & Mountain Biking: Salò offers access to hilly terrain and steep inclines well as gentler routes through fields and vineyards, so whatever you preferred bike experience, you can have a fantastic time. Take your mountain bike on the challenging steeps of Monte San Bartolomeo, along the winding paths around Val Sabbia and Roè Volciano or head behind Gardone to the Val di Sur. For a lengthy bike ride, visit Lumezzane or Lake Idro. There are some great easier routes in the Valtenesi hills and towards the gulf of Manerba where you can stop off and visit Romasque churches and ancient villages along the way.

Watersports

Salo Water sports & Lake Activities: This is a fantastic place for diving in Lake Garda, whether you’re learning or exploring. Sub Club Brescia has an underwater gym with various platforms, making it a perfect place for beginners who can book diving lessons and hire equipment locally. There are some fantastic dive sites including the statue of the Madonna and a number of wrecks and with the lake’s crystal clear water, visibility is superb. If you prefer to stay on the surface, ocean kayaks, canoes, jet skis and motorboats are readily available to hire and there are a variety of boat tours for sightseeing, celebrations or romantic evenings on the water.

Salo Attractions

Cathedral

History and art buffs should pay this 15th century Gothic Cathedral a visit. With its looming red brick exterior and Renaissance inspired interior - home to famous art works by the likes of Girolamo Romanino - it provides an insight into this town’s culture and story.

Library of the Academy

If you like Italian books, or libraries, then pay the Library of the Academy of Salò a visit, which is home to over 25,000 volumes. An Italian library lover’s haven! Created originally by poet Filippo Meio Voltolina with the commendable intention of promoting cultural activities.

Pio Bettoni Meteorological Observatory

Your trusty guide to Salò’s gorgeous summer weather forecast. Dating back to 1877 where the task was left to Professor Pio Bettoni to monitor Lake Garda’s air temperature; atmospheric pressure; rainfall and general weather conditions, the Meteorological Observatory is an important piece of Salò’s geographical history.

Church of San Bernardino

Set by the water’s edge with an amazing backdrop of Italy’s Northern Alps, Salò’s church is home to some impressive works of art. With Zenon Veronese’s depiction of “Nativity with St.Francis d’Assisi and St.Joseph” decorating the high altar, this 15th Century monument is as pretty as a picture both inside and out.

Palazzo della Magnifica Patria

Walk through the pillared arches of the entrance to the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria (the Palace of the Magnificent Motherland… huh…), currently home to the Historical Museum of the Azure Ribbon, educating its visitors on all things Renaissance, war and resistance.

Palazzo Terzi Martinengo

Originally the meeting place of Mussolini’s government, Palazzo Terzi Martinengo is now open to be marvelled at for its impressive architecture. Gaze at the palace’s gardens as you walk its stretching reception hall: but gazing is all you can do here I’m afraid, as the palace’s green expanses are now privately owned.

Weekly market

Salò’s most popular market takes place on a Saturday morning, where tourists and locals alike can find edible and drinkable goods, household necessities and clothing. Olive oil; a bottle of Bardolino red; a tiny espresso cup and a very believable Dolce and Gabbana bag: check.

Delai Sergio winery in Puegnago

In the nearby town of Puegnago sul Garda, Delai Sergio winery prides itself on its range of home produced wines, olive oil and a very alcoholic brandy called Grappa del Garda Invecchiata: sample at your perril. Wine tasting and a visit of the wine cellar available.

La Isola del Garda

Only recently opened to the public, the Cavazza family invite you to discover their paradisiacal island dwelling of La Isola del Garda. Take the 15 minute boat ride from Salò to reach the exotic fruit tree walls protecting the sun kissed structure of the island’s generational villa.

Golf Club Il Colombaro

For golfing, head to Golf Club Il Colombaro’s lakeside green, known as a working farm in a previous life. With a 9 hole course, driving range, putting green, pitching green and practice bunker, think to pack your golfing visor for the occasion!


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