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Toscolano Maderno activities
Top visitor attractions, places to see & things to do in Maderno on Lake Garda, Italy.
Things to do & see in Maderno
Linked with its neighbouring town, you have both tourist- focused Maderno and industrial-focused Toscolano where you’ll find historical buildings, charming shops and cafes to explore during your stay. This is a great base for active holidays with a variety of walking, hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails in the hills and mountains as well as the opportunity to explore the scenery on horseback (the best months for active holidays are May and October when the weather’s milder).
Golfers can enjoy a few rounds at the Bogliaco golf course while Residenza dei Limoni is perfect for a pampering session or two. Places to visit include the Paper Mill Valley which is scattered with factory ruins and has a brilliant museum and various religious buildings including the 12th century church of St Andrea. For an amazing evening, take the ferry to Torri on the east side of the lake and watch the sun set over Maderno.
Walking
Maderno Walking & Hiking: You’ll find varied walking and hiking opportunity behind the town, including steep tracks and woodlands as well as some of the best views of Lake Garda. Take the panoramic climb to Montemaderno from which you can explore historical centre Maclino and enjoy the lovely olive groves that surround it. For a rewarding hike, climb to the peak of Monte Pizzocolo where the views are second to none or for less legwork, enjoy the scenery from the village of Gaino (just over 2km from the town centre). A must-do here is to explore the ruins in the famous Valle delle Cartiere (Valley of the Papermills) which attracts many walkers and hikers to Maderno throughout the year.
Cycling
Maderno Cycling & Mountain Biking: There’s fantastic cycling and mountain biking terrain here from leisurely lakeside paths to serious mountain steeps. Mountain bikers should head behind the town and up Pizzoccolo or to Val di Sur behind Gardone Riviera for varied terrain and some amazing viewpoints. For a great cycle ride combined with fascinating local history, follow the Toscolano River to the old factory ruins in the beautiful Valle delle Cartiere (valley of the paper mills). Some lovely small villages nearby well worth a visit on bike include Gaino and Cecina; in hot weather, cycle to Azzuro beach and cool off with a swim in the lake.
Watersports
Maderno Water sports & Lake Activities: If you’re looking for lake life, one of Lake Garda’s best sandy beaches can be found here. It’s south facing (so it gets the best of the sunshine) and has crystal clear water which makes it a great place for swimming and snorkelling. For boat hire, go to Lungolago Zanardelli where you’ll find a range of vessels of all shapes and sizes for license holders as well as those without a license to enjoy some quality time on the water. The water and winds are great for sailing and you can learn to sail here, with sailing boats to rent and lessons for beginners. Other water activities in the area include kayaking, rafting and waterskiing.
Maderno Attractions
Church of Sant'Andrea
For visitors interested in Roman architecture and history, this is not to be missed. The Romanesque architecture is beautiful and can be compared to some of the ornate churches in Rome. The church dates back to the 12th century and has a wonderful antique feel to it.
Bogliaco Golf Resort
Based at 100 metres altitude on the western side of Lake Garda, this course offers golfers an excellent view of the lake and its surrounding areas. The golf course itself is in a sensational setting and the course is beautifully maintained.
Orto Botanico "G.E. Ghirardi"
The garden is connected to the University of Milan and is used to study the medicinal qualities of plants. It covers an area of 10000 square metres making it a great place for visitors to find some space and tranquillity whether you’re interested in plants or not.
Paper Museum
Detailing a history of an industry dating back to the 12th century, this includes exhibits with photographs, machinery and tools used to make paper. There is even an old, working paper-making machine for visitors to enjoy.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Benaco
The Sanctuary of the Madonna was built in the 14th century and is decorated with a large number of statues and paintings of saints. The building has a great historic feel and gives visitors an insight into the areas religious history.
Weekly market
Every Thursday Toscolano-Maderno holds a weekly market. Here you can buy local, fresh food produce alongside the residents. Get there early and wander round the colourful stalls and enticing kiosks, absorbing the atmosphere of a bustling Italian market.
Residenza dei Limoni
This beautiful spa can be found where a 19th century lemon house once stood and offers numerous treatments, including relaxing massages with wellness facilities including saunas and Turkish baths. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon being pampered and waited on by the friendly staff.
History in Resorts Near Toscolano Maderno
More Toscolano Maderno Holiday Resources
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