Gardone Riviera
Province of Brescia · Lombardy · Guide 2026
Elegant resort on the Brescian Riviera, home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani — Gabriele D'Annunzio's monumental estate — and the Hruska Botanical Garden. The centrepiece of Lake Garda's Belle Époque heritage.
Where is Gardone Riviera? Gardone Riviera is a town of 2,626 inhabitants in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, in the Lake Garda area. The town centre sits at 71 m above sea level, and the municipality covers 21.4 km².
Where is Gardone Riviera
Gardone Riviera lies on the Brescia shore, between Salò and Toscolano-Maderno. The town is split between Gardone Sotto, on the lakefront, and Gardone Sopra, on the hill where the Vittoriale degli Italiani stands.
There is no railway station: the most convenient are Desenzano del Garda and Brescia, then an intercity bus along the western Gardesana (SS45bis), which runs through town. Gardone is also a Navigazione Laghi boat stop.
| Mode | How |
|---|---|
| Car | Western Gardesana (SS45bis) from Salò or Toscolano-Maderno |
| Train + bus | Desenzano or Brescia station, then intercity bus along the riviera |
| Boat | Gardone Riviera pier (Navigazione Laghi) |
Bus and boat timetables: always check the operators' current information before travelling.
The Vittoriale, the gardens and the lake's Belle Époque
Gardone Riviera was born as a health resort in the late 19th century, thanks to the riviera's mild climate: grand hotels, villas and gardens still define its character.
Its most famous sight is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the citadel Gabriele d'Annunzio had built on the hill of Gardone, where he lived from 1921 until his death in 1938. It includes the house museum, the gardens, the open-air theatre — which hosts a summer season of performances — and the warship Puglia set among the greenery.
Just below is the André Heller Botanical Garden, founded in the early 20th century by the doctor Arturo Hruska and today enriched with contemporary artworks: plants from all over the world among streams and ponds.
The lakefront keeps buildings from the golden age of the resort, such as the Grand Hotel Gardone, and historic villas like Villa Alba.
Things to do in Gardone Riviera
Gardone can be seen in a day, but the Vittoriale alone deserves several hours.
| Place / Activity | Practical notes |
|---|---|
| Vittoriale degli Italiani | House museum of Gabriele d'Annunzio, gardens, theatre and museum. Tickets and hours on the official website. |
| André Heller Botanical Garden | Garden with plants from around the world and art installations. Seasonal opening. |
| Lakefront | Walk past the historic hotels and Belle Époque villas. |
| Gardone Sopra | The hill village around the Vittoriale, with lake views. |
| Boat | Pier for trips to Salò and other lake towns. |
What to eat in Gardone Riviera
Riviera cooking combines lake fish with hillside olive oil and the wines of the nearby Valtènesi.
| Speciality | Description |
|---|---|
| Lake fish | Whitefish, trout and pike in traditional recipes. |
| Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil | Produced on the riviera hills. |
| Valtènesi wines | Chiaretto and Groppello from the area between Salò and Desenzano. |
| Garda citrus | Linked to the riviera's lemon-house tradition. |
For restaurants open today → IlGarda.live · Shops & Services
Where to stay in Gardone Riviera
Gardone has a long hotel tradition, with historic lakeside hotels and smaller places in the hills.
| Type | Where |
|---|---|
| Historic lakeside hotels | Gardone Sotto lakefront |
| Hotels and B&Bs | Gardone Sopra and hills |
| Holiday apartments | Centre and surroundings |
Check offers and availability directly with the properties. In high season it is worth booking ahead.
A day in Gardone Riviera
A day between the Vittoriale, a botanical garden and the lakefront.
The Vittoriale
Arrive at opening time to visit the house, gardens and theatre at leisure.
Lunch
Lake fish in a trattoria in Gardone Sopra or on the lakefront.
André Heller Garden
Walk among plants, streams and artworks.
Lakefront
The historic hotels and Belle Époque villas.
Boat to Salò
Short crossing for an aperitivo on the Salò waterfront.
Around Gardone Riviera
Gardone sits halfway along the Brescia riviera, between Salò and the upper lake.