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Rocca di Garda
A rocky hill rising above the village with one of the finest views over the lower lake, reached by two different routes, both easy and suitable for families.
The Rocca di Garda is one of the most popular hikes in the area: a hill overlooking the village with a 360-degree view over the lower lake, from Monte Baldo to Sirmione. Two different routes lead to the top, both classed as easy: one starts in the centre of Garda town, near the parish church, the other from Via Camaldolesi, on the edge of the industrial area. Both routes meet at the Eremo di San Giorgio before reaching the Rocca, so whichever starting point you choose, the destination is the same.
Useful information
The Rocca di Garda has overlooked the village since prehistoric times: palaeolithic traces, the remains of medieval walls and trenches dug during the two 20th-century World Wars tell the story of centuries of history on this rocky outcrop. Two different paths lead to the top, both signposted and suitable for families, meeting at the Eremo di San Giorgio before the final climb.
What is the Rocca di Garda?
The Rocca di Garda is a rocky hill behind the old centre of Garda town, home to settlements since prehistoric times and, more recently, to medieval fortifications and 20th-century trenches. Today it is the destination of a scenic hike over the lower lake.
What is the difference between the two routes to the Rocca di Garda?
The route via Rocca Vecchia is the shorter, more direct option, starting in the centre of Garda town. The route via Eremo dei Camaldolesi is longer, starts at the edge of the village's industrial area, and also takes in the old Benedictine monastery before joining the first path.
Which route should I choose to start with?
If you're short on time or setting off on foot from the centre, the route via Rocca Vecchia is the most straightforward choice. If you're after a longer hike, including by bike, the route via Eremo dei Camaldolesi is worth considering.
The 2 routes to the Rocca di Garda on the lower Lake Garda
Route 1 — Rocca Vecchia
From Canevini to the Rocca di Garda
The shortest trail to the Rocca di Garda starts to the right of the parish church in Garda town. After crossing the old quarter of Canevini Bassi, a flight of steps leads straight up to Rocca Vecchia, past palaeolithic traces and 20th-century trenches. A short detour at the start of the steps leads to a second viewpoint, where the statue of the Madonna del Pign stands.
View the routeRoute 2 — Eremo dei Camaldolesi
From Via Camaldolesi to the Rocca di Garda
The longer route to the Rocca di Garda starts at the edge of the village's industrial area. After a stretch along the cycle path through fields and woodland, you reach the boundary between Garda, Costermano sul Garda and Bardolino, then a flat path skirting cultivated land leads to the Eremo dei Camaldolesi, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1663 and open to visitors at set times. By bike, the route takes around an hour.
View the routeWhat to bring for the hike to the Rocca di Garda
For a hike of just a few hours, a light daypack is all you need. Here’s the essential kit:
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sun cream
- A light jacket
- Energy snacks (dried fruit, chocolate)
- Walking shoes or trainers with a non-slip sole
Europe-wide emergency number: 112
FAQ - Rocca di Garda
Is the Rocca di Garda suitable for children?
Yes, both routes are classed as easy, although they involve over 200 metres of ascent: with children, it's worth allowing more time than the figures stated here.
When can I visit the Eremo dei Camaldolesi?
The Eremo dei Camaldolesi is an active monastery, open to visitors only at set times: it's worth checking opening hours with the monastic community before setting off.
Where do the routes to the Rocca di Garda start?
The route via Rocca Vecchia starts in the centre of Garda town, to the right of the parish church; the route via Eremo dei Camaldolesi starts instead at the edge of the village's industrial area.
