Isola del Garda is the lake's largest island, sitting off the western shore near San Felice del Benaco. A neo-Gothic villa and elaborate Italianate gardens cover most of its surface, with terraces of roses and cypresses cascading to the water. The combination of the ornate architecture and the lake setting is striking.
The island is privately owned and open to visitors only through pre-booked guided tours, which run between April and October. Tours depart from several lakeside towns by boat; the visit lasts about three hours including the boat journey. The gardens are the highlight — lavishly planted and maintained, with panoramic views across the lake from the upper terraces. Book well in advance for summer visits.