Lake Garda reveals itself best from above. These Lake Garda scenic viewpoints offer views that change with the light and the seasons:
Tignale
Tignale on Lake Garda, is nestled in the protected area of the Alto Garda Bresciano Regional Park and is a destination for slow tourism.
Tignale what to see
Tignale, a municipality located in the northern part of the Brescian shore of Lake Garda, is one of the most popular localities of the Alto Garda Park. The municipality of Tignale consists of six hamlets: Piovere, Oldesio, Gardola (where the town hall is located), Olzano, Aer and Prabione. These hamlets are all located in an elevated position, on a large promontory that then juts out into the lake. The whole area is immersed in a wonderful natural setting, with ample woods, meadows and orchards where the villages fit in perfectly.
Of course, Tignale is also popular for its small but beautiful beaches on Lake Garda, where water sports such as sailing and windsurfing are often practised.
Curiosity: The harbour of Tignale is also called ‘pra dela fam’, a dialectal form for ‘hunger meadow’. This is because before the construction of the Gardesana road in 1931, there was no direct connection between the hinterland of Tignale and the shore of Lake Garda: thus, the unfortunate people who took shelter on the beaches of Tignale due to a storm while sailing, often remained stranded there for days without being able to eat.
Tignale in pills
THE UNMISSABLE
• Santuario di Montecastello
• Ecomuseo e Limonaia Pra dela Fam
• Cascata di Aer
top beaches
• Spiaggia Porto di Tignale
• Spiaggia Pra dela Fam
weekly market
• Tuesday morning
What to see in Tignale
The particular position of Tignale, elevated and inland but with convenient access to the beach on the lake, makes it one of the most interesting areas on the entire Garda coast. The villages that make up the municipality offer enchanting views, as well as breathtaking panoramas of the lake and Monte Baldo. The territory of Tignale is rich in places of interest of great historical and cultural value, so here is a short list of those not to be missed:
Historical centres
No, this is not a typing error: Tignale does not have a single historic centre, but several, as its territory is made up of six small, wonderful villages. Each of these is incredibly picturesque and often still retains structural elements from the distant past. Strolling through the pretty alleys of these villages, with their charming squares and small churches, evokes a fairy-tale atmosphere, amplified by the marvellous views of the entire landscape of Lake Garda and its surroundings.
A visit to the villages of Tignale is an excellent opportunity to taste some of the typical products of this area, such as the organic extra virgin olive oil, the famous grappa ‘Rugiada delle Alpi’ (named after the famous Gabriele D’Annunzio) and the ‘spongadì’, a traditional sweet focaccia usually eaten during the Easter period.
Sanctuary of Montecastello
Situated on the top of a high limestone spur, the Sanctuary of Montecastello is the most famous and evocative monument in the whole of Tignale. The sanctuary stands on the ruins of an ancient temple, which was later transformed into a castle.
The present church was completed in 1599, and the complex also contains a small temple dating back to 800 AD, the ‘Casa Santa’. The wonderful architectural structure of the sanctuary is enhanced by what is found inside: here, in fact, one can admire some stunning frescoes of the Giottesque school and several important works of art, including Europe’s largest votive offering, created by Andrea Bertanza in the early 17th century.
As if the sanctuary alone were not worthy enough of a visit, its special elevated location offers an unparalleled view of Lake Garda; from here one can see both the summit of Monte Baldo and the beautiful Sirmione peninsula.
Ecomuseum and Pra dela Fam Lemon House
Lemon houses are special types of gardens designed to encourage the cultivation of citrus fruits, which have been widespread in these areas since the 13th century thanks to the activities of Franciscan monks. The Pra dela Fam lemon house, located right on the shore of the lake, is the largest in the entire Alto Garda area. Thanks to meticulous renovation work, the lemon house is still active today and preserves traditional cultivation techniques.
In 2011, the Ecomuseo delle Limonaie Pra dela Fam was established with the aim of preserving and enhancing the historical and collective memory of the area. Currently, during the warm season, it is possible to visit the lemon house: an evocative walk among the fragrant citrus plants can be accompanied by a tasting of delicious organic products, including jams, limoncello and citrus oils.
Alto Garda Bresciano Park Museum and Naturalistic Observatory
The museum is located in the locality of Prabione, and is aimed at disseminating and preserving the historical memory of this area of Lake Garda and its hinterland. A visit to the museum will take you on an integral discovery of this wonderful area, dealing with its landscape and geological conformation, history, culture and traditions.
Right here there is also the Naturalistic Observatory, which consists of an exhibition route through nature aimed at broadening and deepening what is shown in the museum rooms. Among other things, you can stroll through the Garden of the Five Senses and the Orchard of Ancient Fruits, and then climb a turret and admire the park from above.
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Things to do in Tignale
The beaches of Tignale
Tignale has two beaches on beautiful Lake Garda, both of which are popular with those simply looking for a bit of relaxation, or with lovers of water sports such as surfing or windsurfing.
Both beaches, side by side, are located below the plateau on which the villages of Tignale are built, between the waters of the lake and a very high vertical rock ridge; these are:
- Porto di Tignale beach: an equipped pebbly beach where you can hire parasols and sunbeds. There is a beach bar where you can enjoy excellent lunches and evening aperitifs. An excellent beach for those who come with their dogs, thanks to the presence of a dedicated area. Parking is on payment.
- Pra dela Fam beach: a small free pebbly beach, in the immediate vicinity there is a convenient bar. Parking is free.
Courses at Adrenalina Kiteschool
Adrenalina Kiteschool offers a variety of courses to learn sports on Lake Garda, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing or hydrofoil. Those looking for a more adrenalin-fuelled experience can also book a course in flyboard, jetpack or hoverboard: these are three different ways in which it is possible to ‘fly’ a few metres high over the waters of the lake, thanks to special equipment that generates powerful jets of water.
Excursion to Cima Piemp
Cima Piemp is located at an altitude of 1160 metres and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo, as well as of Valvestino on the other side.
You can reach this destination from Olzano either by car or by bicycle, tackling some challenging climbs. Alternatively, if you want to reach it on foot, you can opt for a hike following several marked trails, again starting from Olzano. Along the way, you can see some caves dug by Italian soldiers during the First World War.
Once you reach the Cima Piemp, you will find a small church and a refuge run by the Gruppo Alpini di Tignale, which has a bar and offers, by reservation, the possibility of organising a dinner in company with an overnight stay in sleeping bags.
Trekking to the Aer Waterfall
This is a short and pleasant walk, although it is advisable to wear suitable trekking clothing. Starting from the Piovere locality, you will have to follow the signposted path no. 265, slightly uphill and immersed in a suggestive forest.
Within half an hour, you will arrive at the Aer waterfall: it is not very big, but it will still leave you speechless. First you will see it from above, crossing a small wooden bridge, and then from below, on the bank of the stream it generates. This destination is particularly popular with canyoning enthusiasts, an outdoor sport that alternates between walking, swimming, climbing and abseiling with ropes.
Once you have reached the waterfall, you can choose whether to return by the same route or continue on to Aer.
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Tignale and Surroundings
Tignale is located on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, in the northern part. It is bordered by two other municipalities bordering the lake: to the north is Tremosine and to the south is Gargnano. In both cases, these are popular destinations for visitors and have much to offer: you can easily reach them with a short drive or, if you prefer, by bicycle.
As an alternative to the lake, there is the possibility of exploring the other nature areas of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park.
We have listed the main things to see and do in and around Tignale, now it is up to you to choose what fascinates you most and set off on your unforgettable holiday on Lake Garda.
Tignale Lago di Garda: FAQ
How to get to Tignale?
-By car
Highway A22 (Modena-Brenner): exit Rovereto Sud-Lake Garda Nord, then continue in the direction of Riva del Garda and Salò.
A4 motorway (Milan-Venice): Brescia Est exit, then continue in the direction of Salò and Riva del Garda, until the deviation for Tignale.
-By train
The nearest railway stations are Desenzano (50km away) and Rovereto (38km away). From both stations it is then possible to get to Tignale by bus.
-By plane
The nearest airports to Tignale are Brescia’s Gabriele d’Annunzio Airport, Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport and Orio al Serio Airport (Bergamo).
From your chosen airport, you can use public transport services or hire a car to reach Malcesine.
Where to park in Tignale?
Here is where to park your car in Tignale:
-Parking for the Montecastello sanctuary: Via L. da Vinci, 2.
-Public car park Piazzale Arcobaleno: Via Panoramica, 1. Near the centre of Gardola.
-Public car park Terrazza Panoramica: Via San Pietro. It offers a breathtaking view of the lake.
-Piazzale Chiara d’Assisi: Via Antonio Gramsci. Near the centre of Piovere.
What to do in Tignale if it rains?
Should it rain during your holiday in Tignale, we recommend that you take the opportunity to visit the historic centre of Gardola, the main locality of the municipality and, consequently, the one with the most shops and bars.
Rain could be an excuse to take a little extra time to enjoy lunch or dinner: if so, you will be spoilt for choice among the many delicious restaurants in the various hamlets.
Finally, bad weather will not prevent you from visiting the very interesting Alto Garda Park Museum in Prabione.
What to do in Tignale with children?
Tignale is full of fun activities to do with the whole family. From March to September, for example, alpaca walks are organised at least once a month: children can get to know these curious animals up close and walk with them in an unforgettable experience.
Near the Alto Garda Park Museum and the Naturalistic Observatory is the Flying Frogs Adventure Park: immersed in the forest, it has several courses suspended among the trees that differ in terms of minimum age and level of difficulty. Everything, of course, takes place in complete safety thanks to a tried and tested harness system.
Finally, a surfing or windsurfing course could be a very fun alternative if your children are sports enthusiasts.
What is Tignale famous for?
Tignale is known to be one of the most popular and appreciated locations in the Alto Garda Park; a perfect combination of lake and hinterland. Its most famous attractions are certainly the Sanctuary of Montecastello and the Limonaia Pra dela Fam.
In what region is Tignale located?
Tignale is located in the region of Lombardy, in the province of Brescia. It is very popular for the wide variety of activities it offers between the lake and the hinterland.
Other curiosities about Tignale:
The tastiest typical products of Lake Garda: olive oil, wines, cheeses, and much more.
The Alto Garda Bresciano Park: an area of rare natural beauty.
Discover the weekly markets on Lake Garda and download our free pdf calendar.