This medieval town on Lake Garda has a 14th-century Scaliger Castle and a traditional olive oil museum. Palm trees line its harbor where small fishing boats dock.
Torri del Benaco sits on Lake Garda's eastern shore. Walk through medieval walls and past defensive towers to reach a small harbor where fishing boats bob in the water. Climb the 14th-century Scaliger Castle's steps for lake views, or wander through narrow streets to discover baroque churches and a historic lemon garden from 1760. Take a ferry across the lake to explore neighboring towns, or stroll along the waterfront promenade to watch sunset over the water.
Getting to Torri del Benaco
Drive 38 km from Verona to reach the village, with the journey from Verona Airport taking 45 minutes along Lake Garda's eastern shore. Take a ferry from Maderno on the western shore if you're coming from Milan or Lombardy. The local bus connects Verona to Torri del Benaco in about three hours.
Exploring the Historic Center
Walk through narrow streets lined with stone houses painted in warm yellow tones, their porticos and balconies similar to those in Verona. Stop at the 13th-century clock tower on Gardesana street, where medieval families once gathered to discuss town matters. Visit the Monday market in the town center to browse local produce and handmade goods.
The Scaliger Castle and Museum
Antonio della Scala built this fortress in 1383. Today, you'll find an ethnographic museum inside that documents the fishing life on Lake Garda. Walk through the preserved lemon garden (limonaia) from 1760, where gardeners still grow citrus trees using traditional methods. From the castle's hilltop position, look out over the harbor and learn about the area's fishing methods, olive oil production, and wine making through the museum's exhibits.
Churches and Religious Art
Step into the baroque Saints Peter and Paul Church to see its 18th-century organ, or visit the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità to view 15th and 16th-century frescoes. Recent work has protected these paintings from humidity damage. Dating to the fourth century, the Oratorio ranks among the area's earliest religious buildings.
Lake Activities and Surroundings
Walk the lakeside promenade north and south of the harbor, stopping at cafes along the way. Book boat trips from the port to other Lake Garda towns or join guided tours of the lake. Drive up to Albisano village above Torri del Benaco for panoramic views of Lake Garda. In nearby Pai, explore the Grotte La Tanella caves to see their stalactites and stalagmites.
Local Food and Wine
Try regional dishes in local restaurants, including bigoli con le aole (pasta with lake fish) and cassata gardesana - a dessert made with ricotta, candied fruit, and honey. The hills around town support olive groves and vineyards where farmers produce Bardolino and Valpolicella wines.
