In 1958, the Freccia del Garda hydrofoil made its debut on Lake Garda, revolutionising the world of navigation. Built by the Rodriquez Shipyards, it was an innovative “flying boat” that immediately became a symbol of modernity. Thanks to its hydrofoil wings, the hull lifted completely out of the water, delivering both remarkable speed and an unforgettable sight. In the 1950s, when the area was flourishing once again as a tourist destination, the Lake Garda Community supported the introduction of this new vessel, operated by Navigarda. The hydrofoil captivated the public so much that a miniature toy version was even produced.
The first tourist guidebooks
The Northern Italian lakes became popular European tourist destinations from the late 1800s onwards, thanks to new rail connections and the first tourist guide books. These contained rail and boat timetables, thus...
