Lakes, Lake Garda, Gardone Riviera
On the bank of beautiful Lake Garda, the town of Gardone Riviera is one of the more traditional resorts, famous as the former home of one of Italy's most illustrious writers, Gabriele d'Annunzio. Grand old style hotels and residences adorn the main road and there are some famous villas of former residents, not the least of which is the eccentric d'Annunzio's Vittoriale which is open as a tourist attractionand also has a summer season of orchestral concerts, opera and ballet held in the open air. The botanical gardens are a further feature which must not be missed. Ferries depart the local landing for all destinations on the lake and the landscape is breathtaking.
Eight towns make up the community. Fasano (bordering with Toscolano Maderno) and Gardone Sotto are on the lake. Gardone Sopra, Montecucco, Supiane, Morgnaga and Tresnico sit on the hill. San Michele, which sits above the rest, is found at the entrance of Val di Sur. Mounts Lavino (907 m), Forametto (1240 m) and Spino (1488 m) dominate the area, which lies on the shore between the mouths of the Bornico River to the east and Barbarano River to the west. The uncultivated, wood-covered hinterland near Valsabbia has many walking paths and trails. There is a huge variety of exotic vegetation: cedars, magnolias, camphor trees, palm trees, etc. make Gardone an internationally famous 'garden city'. Villas and hotels surrounded by large parks on the shore have preserved their original 19th century Liberty style. 
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