La Dolce Vita – SUP at Lake Garda

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is well known for water sports, hiking and mountain biking, but these days Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a great way to see the pretty landscape around the lake from a different angle. You can tour the coast with a few coffee or ice cream breaks and sightseeing: SUP “Dolce Vita” style!

Our plan was to paddle from Torbole to Riva del Garda, a bustling town located at the northern end of the lake, with mountains rising on either side. In order to return  with the famed Ora (south wind) that tends to blow in later in the morning, we decided to start early.

Starting at Circolo Vela Club right at Torbole´s Beachfront we pumped up our inflatable SUP boards and paddled along the beach, passing the Surf Segnana Surf Center, where we also met a lot of fellow SUPs.

It was beautiful to be out on the Lake so early as the water was super smooth and the air still fresh. The beachfront at Riva was very quiet and when we arrived in the harbour, we took a small break and climbed up the beach to have a quick glimpse at the historic centre, which is set back from the lake.

We did not stay out of the water long as we wanted to be back before the Ora started, so we carried on paddling further  towards Limone. The coast was ever changing and full of surprises the best of which was a little hidden cave we checked out and found a stunning waterfall inside with cristal clear mountain spring water falling down the mountain.

Paddling further along the coast we quickly reached the famous „Schweinebucht“, popular with windsurfers. We then reached the Windsurf Hotel Pier where we had a quick cappuccino break at the bar before the water got busy with windsurfers.

The Ora now started to blow gently, just perfect to paddle back to Riva where we stopped for lunch at Spiaggia de Olivo, a very cool bar at the beachfront. There are plenty of eating and drinking choices in Riva, but this place is just perfect as we can take our boards right next to it.

After lunch we slowly paddled back to Torbole, the water definitely now a bit more hectic so we were happy that we had started so early. Arriving back we hit the Beach Bar for a nice sundowner – a perfect SUP day Italian style!

Info

A big choice of accommodation for all tastes and budgets – but be careful its close to the lake before booking:  www.gardasee.de / www.visitgarda.com

SUP and Windsurf Rental: www.segnanagroup.it / www.vascorenna.com

Extra tips: www.spiaggiadegliolivi.it / www.gelateriaflora.com / www.hotelcentraletorbole.it / www.hotelsantoni.com / www.hoteltorbole.it / www.circolosurftorbole.com /