Lake Garda is surrounded by mountains, especially towards the northern end, but towns and villages occur wherever there is a bit of suitable land.
Many have connections with famous people as diverse as Mussolini and Maria Callas.
Bardolino wine comes from the town of that name on the eastern shore.
There are many olive groves and cypress trees in the area giving it a very typical Italian look, but the tree most famous at Garda is probably the Oleander (in the photo, above) which ranges from white to dark red in colour. A drink made from these trees, known as 'Garda Tea' is supposed to induce a heart-attack without showing any traces! If a Garda man dies unexpectedly then this is often suspected as being the cause, especially if he hasn't been fully attentive to his wife. It certainly keeps the menfolk on their toes!
