Hi Chix 1

The North end of Lake Garda is stunning. Far more scenic than the South. Malcesine is very nice but we prefer Limone. Both Riva and Malcesine have the main road running through them, whereas most of commercial part of Limone is below the road and is almost traffic free. We have stayed at the Saturno Hotel and the Cristina. Both were OK. The Leonardo da Vinci Hotel is highly rated and it would probably be the one we would go for next time. There, or the Splendid. The only disadvantage of the Leonardo da Vinci is that is quite a way out of the village. If you enjoy walking, it is OK. It will take you about 20 mins to get down in to the heart of the village. The Splendid overlooks the ferry landing and is very convenient for everything. You can easily get a ferry to Riva and Malcesine. We much prefer Malcesine to Riva. You can get the cable car from Malcesine up to the top of Monte Baldo. Alternatively, if you feel energetic, you can walk up. If you do go to Limone, either to stay or visit, we thoroughly recommend the Osterio d'Olivio restaurant. It is a fair climb to get to it, up the Via Tovo (I think that is the name of the road) It is virtually a few minutes steep climb from the Cristina Hotel. The food is fantastic and very reasonably priced. The location is also worth the visit.

Thanks Myrtle, I think we have settled on Limone and the hotel Splendid. We have had a few quotes and now we just have to get the best value. Many thanks for all your info, we are looking forward to it.

Julie

Good choice. I note that it is now called the Splendid Palace. It is one of those hotels where the entrance is at ground level but most of the hotel is below you. The views from the balcony off the lounge/bar are stunning. There is a path down to the village from the lower level of the hotel. It is only a 200-300 yard walk and it emerges by the landing for the ferries. You may be interested to know that some residents of Limone are renowned for their longevity. Apparently they are descended from a couple whose physiology did not store cholestrol, or something like that. However, there are few places in that part of Lake Garda where you do not have to walk up or down hill. We have been to Limone four times and we have always left a lot fitter than when we arrived. The red wine and olive oil probably helped as well.