The eastern shore of Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, just under 52 kilometres long. Its character changes noticeably from north to south: the north is dominated by surf and climbing scenes; the central stretch around Limone and Malcesine is the most dramatic in landscape; the south around Sirmione and Bardolino is gentler, with olive groves and vineyards.
la Maison sur mer sits on the eastern shore, on the middle stretch, exactly where the lake forms its most beautiful bay: Punta San Vigilio. The setting in Localita Brancolino, a private resort with a nature reserve, is considered one of the quietest and most exclusive locations on the eastern shore.
Torri del Benaco and Garda
The villa sits exactly between the two towns of Garda (about 2.7 km north) and Torri del Benaco (about 2.8 km south). Both offer restaurants, boutiques, weekly markets and marinas — Torri del Benaco is the quieter and more characterful of the two.
Between the two towns lies Punta San Vigilio, a private bay with a historic villa, hotel and beach — often called the most beautiful point on the entire lake. Reachable on foot in about ten minutes from the villa.
Beaches and water
- Lido Brancolino (500 m, 6 min on foot) — a small, direct beach with loungers and a bar
- Punta San Vigilio (900 m, 12 min on foot) — historic bay, accessible for an entry fee
- Spiaggia Cavalcaselle, Spiaggia La Cola, Spiaggia di Garda — all within 2–3 km
The water is pleasantly warm from mid-May to early October. Watersports: SUP, kayak, sailing and water-ski are available all around the lake; surfing is more rewarding on the northern stretch (Torbole, Limone).
Day trips
- Verona — 43 km, about 45 minutes by car. UNESCO World Heritage, Arena, Casa di Giulietta, Piazza delle Erbe.
- Sirmione — 35 km around the lake, medieval peninsula with Castello Scaligero and thermal baths.
- Malcesine — 25 km north along the eastern shore, cable car to Monte Baldo (1,800 m).
- Lazise and Bardolino — historic harbour towns, wine country, medieval markets.
- Venice — 153 km, about two hours. Doable as a long day trip; an overnight stay makes more sense.
- Milan — 148 km, about two hours. Fashion, the Duomo, the Navigli, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Getting here
By car
From Munich via the Brenner Pass and Verona: about 4.5 hours. From Milan: about 2 hours. A private parking space is available directly at the villa. The final approach runs over a private road within the resort — the gate codes arrive with the booking pack.
By plane
Verona-Villafranca (43 km, about 45 min) is the closest airport. Bergamo-Orio al Serio (118 km) and Milan-Malpensa (180 km) are sensible alternatives, especially for low-cost connections. A rental car at the airport is recommended.
By train
International services to Peschiera del Garda (32 km) or Verona Porta Nuova (43 km), onward by bus or taxi/rental car. There is no direct rail connection to Torri del Benaco.
Climate and seasons
Lake Garda enjoys one of the mildest climates in northern Italy — Mediterranean influences despite the Alpine proximity. Olive groves and cypresses grow down to the shore. The high season runs from mid-April to mid-October. Best travel times: May/June and September/October — warmer than the Alps, cooler and quieter than midsummer. In winter the villa is an option for long weekends with the fireplace and walks.
Read more
About us and the private-rental model · Architecture and the Mid-Century story of the villa · Back to the home page with gallery and booking inquiry