Not just havens of peace and a diving paradise, but places where history and nature meld into one
If Lake Garda is famous all over the world, the same cannot generally be said of its five islands. Veritable little-known gems melding history and nature, they are also much loved by divers and sailors.
The largest of the islands, Isola del Garda di San Felice del Benaco, just a short distance from Gardone Riviera, has a history as fascinating as the pristine waters around it. Its origins date back to Roman times, but over the years it has also been a hunting reserve, given shelter to pirates and been a religious centre and St Francis of Assisi and St Anthony of Padua also passed through. Its illustrious guests have also included Dante, and it was Napoleon who suppressed the island’s monastery and set in motion the various changes in ownership which have continued to our own day.
In front of Manerba del Garda, and just a short distance away from Punta Belvedere, is Isola di San Biagio, more commonly called Isola dei Conigli, rabbit island. Why? Because of the wild rabbits which live in the island’s grasses. But its animals are not its only attraction: its crystal clear waters and unrivalled view of the Rocca di Manerba cliffs are another. Divers can also get to the nearby Scoglio dell’Altare rocky spur, where legend has it that a mass used to be held once a year for fisherfolk, who took part from their boats. Below this Scoglio is a rock face which plunges 150 metres down into the lake and hosts two terraces of yellow sponges and a grotto inhabited by various species of fish.
Isola del Sogno – the island of dreams – a name which relates to its location in Baia Val di Sogno, is near Malcesine. And no name has ever been so spot on. With its lush vegetation, the island has a pebbly beach equipped with cafés and restaurants. And divers should not miss out on a ‘visit’ to the wreck of a boat which sank here in 1987.
Little Isola dell’Olivo, a wild haven in the midst of the lake, is also near Malcesine. A traditional sailing reference point, it, too, is a must for divers thanks to a 30-metre-deep grotto.
Lastly, in front of the Brenzone village of Assenza, is Isola di Trimelone whose location meant that it was once used as an army outpost and some of its military buildings are still visible.
