The culinary festival Ciottolando con Gusto in Malcesine returns on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, for its 22nd edition, transforming the cobblestone lanes of the historic village into a walking gourmet trail across nineteen tasting stations.
Organized by the Malcesine Merchants’ Association under the patronage of the Municipality of Malcesine, the event takes place along the picturesque pedestrian alleys of the town, active on Saturday from 12:00 to 22:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00, combining regional food and wine tastings with access to the town’s historical monuments.
Nineteen Tasting Stops Among Medieval Alleys and Local Flavors
The circuit links local restaurants, traditional taverns, bars, and specialty food shops throughout the historic center, with each stop offering a distinctive regional dish. The tasting route highlights the agricultural heritage of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo, from delicate Garda DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil to freshwater fish specialties such as lake trout and coregone (whitefish), alongside artisanal raw-milk cheeses produced in the high pastures of Mount Baldo.
Each food pairing is accompanied by selections from prominent Veronese wine denominations, including Bardolino, Chiaretto di Bardolino rosé, and Bianco di Custoza DOC poured at dedicated tasting points.
Scaliger Castle and the Natural History Museum
A distinctive feature of the festival is its integration of culinary culture with architectural heritage. Every tasting ticket includes admission to the historic fortifications of Malcesine’s Scaliger Castle, perched on a sheer rocky spur above the water. Participants can explore the medieval keep, the Goethe Room containing original sketches made by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe during his September 1786 journey, and the Museum of Natural History of Mount Baldo and Lake Garda.
Acoustic musical performances will animate the village squares throughout the weekend, from the ancient harbor to Piazza del Municipio.
Visitor Information, Route Maps and Tickets
Tasting carnets and pocket maps indicating all nineteen stations are available at ticket booths located at the pedestrian entrances to the village and at the local tourist information office. For full menu listings across each stop and designated parking zones outside the old town, visitors can consult the official portal of the Municipality of Malcesine.
