Garda Tourism Booms as Hotels Fill and Ferries Sell Out

Elsewhere, organizing various kinds of events to attract tourists is necessary. At Garda, it’s not; the beauty of the area speaks for itself: this is clearly evident in the crowds present almost everywhere these days.

Last night, the last groups of tourists arrived at different locations, and this morning commuters are expected. Hotels, campsites, and holiday villages are fully booked, and restaurants display signs saying “full.” It will be an excellent Ferragosto, also in terms of weather.

The Sirmione Environmental Monitoring Center announced yesterday the forecast for the next four days: sunshine and temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius today and tomorrow, with partly cloudy weather on Friday and Saturday. But there are also other good news.

Traffic monitoring and museums open

Starting with traffic. Despite the inevitable congestion that will form at the main junctions (Colombare, La Perla, Padenghe, Tormini, Gardone Riviera), with the recent opening of the new underpass and the Perla Desenzano flyover, motorists should experience fewer inconveniences.

And what about the museums? Those in Garda will remain open as usual: the Roman Villa in Desenzano, the Scaliger Castle, and the other Roman Villa in Sirmione are all operating with no reduced hours.

Transport and reservations at accommodation facilities

The Navigarda service is also doing very well: ferries and hydrofoils will be fully booked thanks to cruises and the wide range of options for tourists, who can choose to sail on fast ships or on slower, more romantic boats.

In Sirmione, reservations for after Ferragosto are progressing well. Dino Barelli, president of the Hotelier Association, remains cautious: until June 30, his data were negative, but the final outcome is expected to be different.

Places are fully booked also in Desenzano, and according to the head of hoteliers, Saverio Ziliani, “there are requests for stays of just two or three days, but we will wait until September before celebrating victory. We also hope that the lakeside promenade will be enlivened with attractions or events; otherwise, no one will stroll there in the evening.”

Prospects in Valtenesi and upcoming events

Excellent prospects are also reported in Valtenesi: campsites and residences have been fully booked for weeks in Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba, and San Felice. Dutch and Germans are in the front row, followed by Italians.

This evening, pianist Daniele Alberti will perform at the amphitheater in Valpiana, Manerba. Large numbers are expected in Salo and Gardone. Meanwhile, in Limone, after a hesitant spring, signals of a good recovery are emerging. The president of hoteliers, Gianfranco Montagnoli, also assures this.

“Unfortunately, fewer Germans are coming. But bookings are good for September, and we hope to recover some of the visitors.” On Saturday, Limone will host the semi-final of the “Cantalago” and a concert by Luca Grignani.