The eastern shore of Lake Garda, called “The Riviera degli Olivi” is a portion of territory of extreme beauty in which expertly cared for olive groves and vineyards define the landscape.

From Peschiera del Garda to Malcesine, there are kilometers of enchantment that have become famous in Italy and in the world for the production of Garda extra virgin olive oil and wine.

Along the scenic Gardesana Orientale road, countryside, villages and castles alternate and one is enchanted by the landscape cultivated with olive trees, alternating with the typical essences of the Mediterranean flora.

The olive tree on Lake Garda is a tradition inherited for centuries. The cultivation of the olive tree has, in fact, very ancient origins. It was introduced in the Etruscan era, but it is especially during the Roman Empire that it spread, as evidenced by evidence from the Roman era.

The cultivation of the olive tree was also practiced in the monasteries of the area for liturgical purposes and there are evidences of the presence of very old olive groves and mills along the entire coast of the lake.

Thanks to the territorial conformation and the particular Mediterranean microclimate of Lake Garda, with modest temperature fluctuations during the year and relatively mild winters, this is the northernmost latitude in the world where the oil is produced.

Garda oil is fruity, soft, delicate and easily digestible. It obtained the protected designation of origin (PDO).

An extremely fascinating part of the “Riviera degli Olivi” is the most impervious one between the Municipalities of Torri del Benaco and Brenzone where the panoramic views from the hills overlooking Lake Garda, the silvery color of the olive leaves and the curled shape of the trunks and branches look like natural paintings painted against the backdrop of the mountains of the Brescia coast.

A well-kept, protected, natural-looking landscape, in which the element of stone and dry stone walls form the characteristic terraces and mark the properties. Narrow and bristled cobblestone streets hide in the landscape, becoming paths.

It is very nice to walk or cycle through these places and stop to smell the scent of wild herbs.

To discover all the secrets and traditions of olive processing and oil production in these areas, a visit to the Oil Museum in Cisano ( Bardolino) is very interesting. Guided tours illustrate the history of Garda oil, an ancient craft rich in culture.

An appointment not to be missed, in the autumn, is the Review of the Novello oil of Brenzone, an enchanting lake town at the foot of Monte Baldo.

From here we start to discover the oils produced in the area with tours and tastings at olive groves and visits to the mills.

Very fascinating itineraries to discover the oil of Lake Garda!