Lake Garda hotels

Italy's largest lake lies in the foothills of the Dolomites and offers a heady mix of Renaissance architecture, citrus groves and towering mountains. As spa junkies detox in the thermal waters, children frolic on the beaches and sports addicts take to the hills, the lake and the skies.

Covet the elegant yachts at Desenzano harbour by day and party with the revellers in its jam-packed clubs at night. Join post-dinner shoppers in Bardolino where many lakeside boutiques are open until midnight. Admire the pastel-coloured cottages and imposing Scaligero castle of fishing village Torri del Banaco, or scale the dizzy heights of Monte Baldo.

Explore the old town of Peschiera set in the middle of an enormous island fortress shaped like a five-sided star. Taste olive oil in Soiano, swill wine in Marano di Valpolicella or take a trip around Parco Natura Viva safari park on the east coast. Pick up a bargain at the antiques market in Desenzano and stroll through the vast botanical gardens in Gardone.

Explore the natural beauty of Parco Alto Garda Bresciano. Soak in the beneficial waters at the Thermal Park in Garda or admire the Cascata del Varone waterfall that cascades 100 metres. Amble along the plateau of Tignale.

Hook up to a kiteboard at one of the many schools along the shores. Dangle from your fingertips off the Arco rock face or try one of the rock climbing centres in Trentino. Get the ultimate view of the lake with a cable-car ride up Monte Baldo and parapent back down. Choose from more than 40 rides and waterslides at Gardaland Amusement Park.

Savour trout fillets with oranges and lemons in the northwest or tiny barbecued lake fish at waterside restaurants. Trento province specialises in raw salted meat and beans. Tuck into a tasty trench risotto washed down with your choice of Bardolino wine in the southeast.

Hang out at open-air summer parties with the young and trendy and dance poolside under palm trees. Spend a quiet evening watching the lights on the lakes from a shoreside bar. Get into the swing at Desenzano, Bardolino and Riva pubs, clubs and discos.

Buy olive oil from Garda, wines in Bardolino, Italian ham at the weekly open-markets or vintage wares from the Sunday antiques fairs every month.