Gulf of Salo holidays, Italy

Salò is stretched along a gorgeously long gulf on Lake Garda’s mid-western shore with the lush, hilly surroundings of the Limone Riviera as its backdrop.

This elegant and quiet town has a traditional Italian feel and is well known for its beautiful lakeside promenade – the longest on Lake Garda which stretches all the way along the gulf and is perfect for leisurely evening strolls along the lakeside.

On the streets running parallel to the promenade, you’ll find historical buildings and high-end boutiques as well as a range of bars and eateries. For the best places to eat and drink in Salò, visit our Restaurant and Bars pages.

The town is excellently positioned for visiting other places on Lake Garda. You can use a local bus service to visit places like Desenzano and Riva or travel by water on the ferry or hydrofoil to the Isola del Garda and other towns.

Local events include long-standing lake traditions, regattas and music concerts. More can be found about what’s on in Salò here.

When it comes to things to see and do, Salò’s historical attractions are a must-visit if you want to get a feel of the town’s colourful past. This is a top destination for diving and there are some lovely walks and bike rides in the surrounding hills which are a great way to enjoy historical attractions and unforgettable panoramas.

Taking advantage of Salò’s convenient positioning to visit towns like Gardone Riviera and Desenzano is a must. You can also take a short trip to the Isola del Garda to explore the serene island in the company of one of the aristocratic owners, ending with a tasting of oil, cheese and wine from the family estates. For more of an idea what you can do in the area, see our Activities page.

The area dates back to the Roman era and has cultural sights in abundance with elegant and classical architecture lining the lakeside.

Lakeside attractions include old churches, a 15^th century cathedral and the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria (which is now the town hall). As well as having some lovely frescoed ceilings, this served some important roles in Salò’s prestigious past as the administrative centre of the lake and capital of the Magnificent Motherland.

Salò is proudly the birthplace of Gasparo da Salò, famous maker of violins and there’s a statue of him here as well as frequent musical events to commemorate him.

For a real taste of the area’s history of culture, attend the weekly market and keep an eye out for the Sardellata celebrations at Vo and the traditional Bisse regattas. More information on the history of the area can be found here.