Category: Lake Garda Holiday

“Beach life.” Even the thought of living it brings joy, well-being, joy! 

Sunbathing comfortably lying down, reading a good book perhaps under the umbrella caressed by the Òra (the wind of Lake Garda), practicing activities for real sports like windsurfing or less demanding as sup. Whatever your favourite occupation, the beach life in summer (but also in spring in places like Garda Trentino) is synonymous with happiness! 

“DON’T CHANGE THIS YEAR, SAME BEACH… AT THE LAKE!”

Paraphrasing an old Italian song, beach life is often linked to the sea. Anyway, what will amaze you about Lake Garda is its extreme resemblance to the latter (it is the largest lake in Italy) but with peculiarities all of its own that make it unique. Starting from the frame: a Mediterranean landscape in an alpine context, with mountains but scents of lemon and Mediterranean scrub. 

This uniqueness is not the only characteristic of this fairy-tale place. Another is the variety of its beaches. 

THE BEACHES OF LAKE GARDA

Lake Garda boasts enchanting and kilometric free beaches, with many services. 

The beaches of Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Arco and also those of the emerald Lake Tenno (a few kilometers from Riva) are perfect for sunbathing, relaxing in the shade (there are beautiful trees and various refreshment points where you can enjoy cocktails on the beach) and do sports. Thanks to the availability of showers, toilets, deckchairs and sunbeds, you can enjoy a whole day on the beach without needing anything else. 

In the water you can cool off and maybe read a book on the new pier. The temperatures of the lake are always pleasant (never fall below 8 degrees even in winter) reaching in summer reach over 22 degrees! Every day, the lifeguards every day – during the period of presence of “spiagge sicure” – write the temperature of the water on the sides of their lookout post so it will be easy for you to “check” in advance the temperature of the water in view of a nice bath. A nice swim in the lake is always a good idea in summer. Swimming enthusiasts will discover crystal-clear waters where they can swim just like the sea. It is good to remember, however, that Lake Garda lives depending on the time of day more or less intense movements (due to the winds) and, in summer, between many bathers and many boats, it is appropriate for your safety, swim along the shore and, if you go away, take with you the buoy signs float. 

BEACHES FOR ALL

Both adults and children can bathe in peace: during the summer months, in fact, on the beaches of Riva del Garda and Torbole there is a surveillance and rescue service on land and in the water. Moreover, contrary to what you might think, the bottom of Lake Garda is also perfect for children as it is very safe: the depth in fact is reached step by step gently, without sudden “dives” (it is just the case to say) in the void. 

And for the disabled, there are many services available at the Sabbioni beach in Riva del Garda: from the brand-new wheelchairs that allow you to enter the water, to specific sunbeds to ensure that even those with reduced mobility can enjoy the beach life. 

WALKS AND APERITIFS WITH LAKE VIEW 

By bike, on foot, with children in a stroller or with your beloved and faithful dog you can take the lakeside promenade from Torbole to Riva del Garda, or the bike path to Arco, and stop on a bench along the way, perhaps taking a picture at sunset. 

Eat a good homemade ice cream or sip an Italian spritz while the sky is tinged with orange shades with the evocative light of twilight will make even more magical the end of a long day on the beach on Lake Garda. What beach emotions!

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Despite the enchanting and evocative nature surrounding a Lake Garda as you see it only in the postcards, Torbole sul Garda also hosts a tiny historical town centre rich in history.

It is no accident that the well-known poet Goethe (a commemorative plaque on the main square remembers him and the house where he lived) stayed here and got inspired by its breathtaking views, the narrow alleys and the lush nature.

Spending a long weekend in Torbole may seem enough given its pretty limited size, but don’t let yourself be fooled by this! Being you a loving couple looking for some romanticism, a group of bikers searching for some bikeways or rather a yachtsman eager for some wind, this is the real place to be!

The wind lovers will precisely find their paradise in Torbole! Thanks to its breezy position and a sailing prohibition for the motorboats (it is forbidden to use motorboats on the whole Garda Trentino waters), Torbole has turned into a sailing and surfing center famous all over the world, and it is a real paradise for the water sport lovers.

For this reason, you can’t definitely miss the opportunity of trying some windsurfing, a sailing tour or practicing some quiet stand up paddle surfing during your weekend in Torbole.

THE MARINA AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

The most picturesque spot in Torbole where taking a picture is undoubtedly the little marina. Anyway, there are other peculiar places like the former custom house, A tiny house where the duty used to be paid in the past, an inheritance of the Austro-Hungarian era. It can be seen at the entrance of the small port. Another strategic point to take a selfie or a pano from high up is undoubtedly the Sant’Andrea church. From here, a wonderful view on the whole lake can be enjoyed, and even only walking up there is amazing: you’ll be surrounded by a lot of olive trees!

Another not-to-be-missed panoramic spot is a small rocky clearing overlooking Torbole. From here, the sight stretches on the houses below, and on the blue colour of the lake waters of course. Here around some traces of dwelling walls or maybe of a tower are in view. From this Belvedere it is almost impossible not to take a great picture! 

Going back to the town center, don’t forget to taste a yummy ice cream in one of the several handmade ice cream parlours you will meet on your way around. Keeping on walking, you will maybe reach the highest part of Torbole!

THE NATURAL PATHS AND THE LUSH VEGETATION

Every walking, hiking and nature lover can’t miss the chance to go on a walk on the Busatte-Tempesta footpath: the view is astounding and it’s really worth the strain. Riva del Garda, Torbole, the sailing boats, the windsurfing boards, the high lush mountains surrounding the deep blue lake!

Torbole is really well rich in greenery! In the Nago-Torbole municipality the Mount Baldo Natural Park is in fact also included; thanks to its botanical wealth it is called the “Giardino d’Europa” (Europe’s Garden). There is a great number of plant species that have helped it become famous all over the world!

Another not-to-be-missed stroll during a weekend in Torbole is towards Castel Penede. Probably a Gallic settlement before, and Roman later, the castle is cited for the first time in an official written document on the 11th September 1210.

The place is one of the most enchanting in the area thanks to its rich Mediterranean vegetation and the fabulous view on Lake Garda! These ruins are actually in Nago, a little village nestled on a rocky upland at the foot of Mount Altissimo. In Nago you can’t miss the glacial ice shafts formed thousands of years ago thanks to the rock erosion. These big holes have a 4/5-meter diameter and a 12-meter depth. We are talking about the well-known Marmitte dei Giganti, accessible from the panoramic road that connects Nago with Torbole and the Forte di Nago, an Austro-Hungarian stronghold built in 1862. For the hiking lovers the Marmitte dei Giganti are also a not too demanding, rather not-to-be-missed, path. 

Another evocative footpath was very precious for the poet Goethe. This literary walk recalls Goethe’s footsteps. He reached Torbole on the night of 12th September 1786, going down from Nago on foot along the historic Santa Lucia street, that was the only connecting route towards Lake Garda from the Adige Valley at that time.

TASTY TORBOLE

After all, what weekend in Torbole would it be without tasting the delicacies it can offer?

There is a heap of lakefront restaurants, not only elegant and romantic for a dinner for two, but also some trattorias and pubs where it is possible to dine informally. Out of several delicacies, would you like me to suggest you a not-to-be-missed speciality? The green broccoli from Torbole! A proper “flower”, son of the wind. In case it won’t be the correct season when you’ll come here, you could always try it as a cream, a pesto or a paté in one of the delicatessen all over Lake Garda.

Well, maybe the activity you will like the most will be only… the “dolce far niente”. Appreciating the nature and the beauty of a place that enchants and gratifies the heart before than the sight. And so, a weekend won’t be enough. Goethe has spoken!

Live your dream by booking a holiday at Toblini Apartments.
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Leave it all for a dream destination. Where to? In Garda Trentino, of course. 

And what about leaving with a group of friends? If you really want to take a break from your husbands, boyfriends and kids (although the “good” mums will check everything from their mobiles!) or experience the woman empathy, there’s nothing better than spending few days with your best friend or with the group of your former schoolmates in a peaceful and relaxing place. But that’s not all: you may also have great fun thanks to the thousand opportunities you have of practicing outdoor sports only an area like Garda Trentino can offer you. 

“Pink” ideas to have fun on Lake Garda with your friends

Cut romanticism, on a holiday with friends we first expect a whole day of total and sacrosanct relaxation! Relaxing weekend with your best friends

What about a great day at the spa? An energising massage made by skillful hands can really bring you back to life and help you relaxing. Torbole sul Garda, Riva and Arco: there are a lot of facilities ready to offer you their beauty treatments, massages or some energising time in the outdoor swimming pools, where peacefully sunbathing as well. 

Shopping & co.

Admittedly, shopping is better without men around. You won’t need to get worried because you’ve forgotten the “victim” for many hours waiting for you outside. 

In Garda Trentino, shopping is really for everybody. In the historical town centers of Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole, among the alleys and the squares, you’ll meet some refined historic boutiques with top brands, tiny shops of every kind, craft and antique workshops, art galleries and shops selling the typical local products. Those of you who love sports can’t miss a stroll to Arco as well, where you’ll find lots of shops for the outdoor sports. 

Relaxing in the open air

After all, what’s better than chatting with your best friends? And what if you got some tan while chewing the fat? That’s perfect! The beaches in Garda Trentino offer stretches of pebbles and some crystal clear waters that have mild temperatures even in autumn. On sunny days, lying on the beach chatting and laughing is a pure pleasure! Or what about drinking some good aperitivos with your friends? Sipping some drinks or good local wine tasting some tidbits before dinner is an excellent holiday therapy!

Sports and fun

Woe betide you if you think a holiday with friends means only relaxation. What better time to (finally) devote yourself to some invigorating outdoor sports? You are not asked to climb Mount Everest, we are talking about planning some bike tours, a day out sailing or practicing stand up paddle surfing, or also some hiking. All these activities characterise an exciting and energising woman adventure. What about the Busatte-Tempesta footpath, for example? The very panoramic steps that help crossing the most arduous parts will leave you out of breath because of the physical effort and… of the amazing view on Lake Garda.
Anyway, Garda Trentino means also culture, with worth-visiting museums and churches; food and wine specialities, with pubs and bars where sipping some great cocktails, maybe overlooking the lake. 
There are also lots of opportunities for some diversion and fun! Now, you only need to pack your stuff. 
There is no more beautiful holiday than that in the company of your closest friends, that will truly be a holiday to remember!

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Two hearts and a lake. It could be the title of a movie or… the title of your trip! Where? Here obviously, on Lake Garda, where romanticism is an integral part of every glimpse, view and landscape.

Go on a romantic holiday! What better time to “steal” a holiday just for you and your sweetheart, and run away to discover one of the most romantic places in the world?

This show is free of charge, and it is warmly offered by the splendor of the unique landscape of Italy’s biggest lake.

It will be easy to organise a week (or longer) to spend in one of the most evocative and poetic places all over! It’s no accident that, through lingering lines, many writers have told the splendour of a lake nestled amid high mountains, whose shimmering glares touch our soul now as then.

We are giving you 5 excellent reasons to spend a romantic holiday on Lake Garda 

• Sunsets. Torbole is the perfect place to live the most beautiful sunsets. What’s more romantic than looking at the sun going down behind the mountains while the lake fills with love?
• Lakefront walks. Lake Garda offers a great number of romantic and panoramic walks. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the sunny days give you the chance to go on sweet lakefront walks to keep fit, stay in close contact with nature and keep by the hand. Yes, keep the hands of your sweetheart is the most authentically romantic sign that could ever exist!
• Swimming. Do you fancy some real relaxation for two? What’s better than swimming in Lake Garda or a in a pool to chill out and take some time to enjoy the company of your soulmate?

• Appreciating the greenery of the Arboretum. This is a living botanical museum. It takes its name from the Archduke Albert VII, who founded this precious botanical garden in 1873. More than 200 different species of trees and shrubs from sequoias to California incense-cedars, from holm oaks to exotic trees. Don’t you think it is extremely particular and romantic to make an endless love promise in the middle of centuries-old trees?
• Food and wine. Lake Garda is also the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner for two. Here there are loads of very romantic restaurants with breathtaking view!

For a holiday for two, big acts are not needed. Only giving your whole self to the one you love. Take some time for you in one of most beautiful spots in the world: Lake Garda. This is the real message for you and your sweetheart! 

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AUTUMN IN TORBOLE AM GARDASEE TRENTINO

The sun shines up in the mild sky, it warms you up without burning. The nature around us is getting a beautiful warm tone, turning everything romantic. The land gives us mouthwatering fruits like chestnuts and mushrooms!

The woods smell of resin and the sounds of nature are the perfect background music for some beautiful walks you could take on without suffering the summer hot weather.

Are you ready to discover the 5 autumn activities to undertake around the lake in Garda Trentino?

• Appreciating the nature turning yellow. Well, the most energising colour in chromotherapy is in the spotlight in autumn. The woods turn yellow-orange as painted by a great painter and enable you to take the most striking pictures ever! Get your camera ready! The blue of the lake becomes amazing with the yellow of the woods all around!

• Hiking. Ponale, Busatte-Tempesta, San Pietro, Mount Altissimo. Whatever the path you chose, hiking in Garda Trentino has never been so impactful. Grueling sweats? Bye bye! Baking heat? Forget it. The golden landscapes and the pleasant, not yet cold temperatures are a perfect combination for those who love this activity. 

• Olives and co.. This incredible fruit gives its best in autumn with its… pressing! The “green gold”, that is the precious 46° parallel oil (the most northern latitude where this tree is cultivated in Italy), is produced exactly during this season! It is possible to taste it in many restaurants and taverns together with delicious traditional dishes.

• Autumn menu. Always dealing with delicacies, you have the chance to taste the autumn menus in the Garda area restaurants. The restauranteurs have invented some proper menus with the products the land gives in this fabolous period of the year! Seasonality and delicacy. 

• Lakefront autumn with your family. Autumn reserves the opportunity to get excited together with a lakeside walk! The color of the water is an even more intense blue and the green mountains with amber brushstrokes seem to enhance it even more! The beach in September is still perfect for sunbathing and outdoor sports all together: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, sup!

You can choose yourself if ambling, swimming or… running! Anyway, at the end you should remember to stop for a lakefront sundowner. After all, for this last “activity” every season is perfect!

September and October are two incredible months for an autumn family vacation in a place like Torbole sul Garda which, in this period, seems even more beautiful than in August.

Less frequented bike & trekking routes, less crowded restaurants, typical shops that sell at cheaper prices and still warm temperatures. All this makes this little corner of the Mediterranean a place to be loved even more intensely in autumn.

Live your dream by booking a holiday at Toblini Apartments.
Book now Residence Toblini
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Despite the enchanting and evocative nature surrounding a Lake Garda as you see it only in the postcards, Torbole sul Garda also hosts a tiny historical town centre rich in history.

It is no accident that the well-known poet Goethe (a commemorative plaque on the main square remembers him and the house where he lived) stayed here and got inspired by its breathtaking views, the narrow alleys and the lush nature.

Spending a holiday in Torbole may seem enough given its pretty limited size, but don’t let yourself be fooled by this! Being you a loving couple looking for some romanticism, a group of bikers searching for some bikeways or rather a yachtsman eager for some wind, this is the real place to be!

The wind lovers will precisely find their paradise in Torbole! Thanks to its breezy position and a sailing prohibition for the motorboats (it is forbidden to use motorboats on the whole Garda Trentino waters), Torbole has turned into a sailing and surfing center famous all over the world, and it is a real paradise for the water sport lovers.

THE MARINA AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

For this reason, you can’t definitely miss the opportunity of trying some windsurfing, a sailing tour or practicing some quiet stand up paddle surfing during your holiday in Torbole.

The most picturesque spot in Torbole where taking a picture is undoubtedly the little marina. Anyway, there are other peculiar places like the former custom house, A tiny house where the duty used to be paid in the past, an inheritance of the Austro-Hungarian era. It can be seen at the entrance of the small port. Another strategic point to take a selfie or a pano from high up is undoubtedly the Sant’Andrea church. From here, a wonderful view on the whole lake can be enjoyed, and even only walking up there is amazing: you’ll be surrounded by a lot of olive trees!

Another not-to-be-missed panoramic spot is a small rocky clearing overlooking Torbole. From here, the sight stretches on the houses below, and on the blue colour of the lake waters of course. Here around some traces of dwelling walls or maybe of a tower are in view. From this Belvedere it is almost impossible not to take a great picture! 

Going back to the town center, don’t forget to taste a yummy ice cream in one of the several handmade ice cream parlours you will meet on your way around. Keeping on walking, you will maybe reach the highest part of Torbole!

THE NATURAL PATHS AND THE LUSH VEGETATION

Every walking, hiking and nature lover can’t miss the chance to go on a walk on the Busatte-Tempesta footpath: the view is astounding and it’s really worth the strain. Riva del Garda, Torbole, the sailing boats, the windsurfing boards, the high lush mountains surrounding the deep blue lake!

Torbole is really well rich in greenery! In the Nago-Torbole municipality the Mount Baldo Natural Park is in fact also included; thanks to its botanical wealth it is called the “Giardino d’Europa” (Europe’s Garden). There is a great number of plant species that have helped it become famous all over the world!

Another not-to-be-missed stroll during a holiday in Torbole is towards Castel Penede. Probably a Gallic settlement before, and Roman later, the castle is cited for the first time in an official written document on the 11th September 1210.

The place is one of the most enchanting in the area thanks to its rich Mediterranean vegetation and the fabulous view on Lake Garda! These ruins are actually in Nago, a little village nestled on a rocky upland at the foot of Mount Altissimo. In Nago you can’t miss the glacial ice shafts formed thousands of years ago thanks to the rock erosion. These big holes have a 4/5-meter diameter and a 12-meter depth. We are talking about the well-known Marmitte dei Giganti, accessible from the panoramic road that connects Nago with Torbole and the Forte di Nago, an Austro-Hungarian stronghold built in 1862. For the hiking lovers the Marmitte dei Giganti are also a not too demanding, rather not-to-be-missed, path. 

Another evocative footpath was very precious for the poet Goethe. This literary walk recalls Goethe’s footsteps. He reached Torbole on the night of 12th September 1786, going down from Nago on foot along the historic Santa Lucia street, that was the only connecting route towards Lake Garda from the Adige Valley at that time.

TASTY TORBOLE

After all, what holiday in Torbole would it be without tasting the delicacies it can offer?

There is a heap of lakefront restaurants, not only elegant and romantic for a dinner for two, but also some trattorias and pubs where it is possible to dine informally. Out of several delicacies, would you like me to suggest you a not-to-be-missed speciality? The green broccoli from Torbole! A proper “flower”, son of the wind. Well, maybe the activity you will like the most will be only… the “dolce far niente”. Appreciating the nature and the beauty of a place that enchants and gratifies the heart before than the sight. And so, a weekend won’t be enough. Goethe has spoken!

Take a look at the availability now .
Book now Residence Toblini
Book now Casa Toblini al Lago

The couch potatoes struggle to understand the early birds: they set the alarm clock early even on holiday.

Anyway, the ancients used to say <<All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy>> and, especially on holiday, days are special if you get up early with the pink and golden lights of sunrise.

OBSERVING NATURE WHILE IT IS WAKING UP

The sunrise at Lake Garda is one of the best moments to live the charming beauty of a lake that, here in Trentino, is hugged by massive mountains, the first to welcome the warm and faint golden sunrays.

Pink, golden, light blue. No matter where you are going: getting up early is a great way to discover the less common colours of the lake, to watch the sun rising and begin your adventures earlier.

DAYBREAK SPORTS

The early morning is the perfect moment to practise some outdoor sports on holiday, because there’s nobody around. The water sports you can practise at Lake Garda are many. Riva del Garda and Torbole are the undisputed queens of windsurfing and sailing thanks to the regular winds that blow from morning to night.

At sunrise? Well, this is the perfect moment for the SUP – because the lake is flat – or the kayak!

Otherwise, you can enjoy the wind Pelèr – the northerly morning wind that blows from the early night to 11:00-12:00 a.m. – to go windsurfing!

If you prefer the mainland, your morning exercises might be some yoga on the beach or jogging along the shore of the lake.

SHOOT YOUR SUNRISE

There are so many places to observe or take pictures to the sunrise at Lake Garda! Here’s a list:

• The majestic Bastione of Riva del Garda (fortress over the village of Riva built around the beginning of the sixteenth century), one of the symbols of Garda Trentino. From there, the dawn looks like a lighthouse that wakes up the inhabitants little by little.
• Belvedere della Ponale. From there, you can admire the waterfall and the whole lake! The perfect excuse to go trekking early in the morning on one of the most known and loved courses in Europe.
• Castle of Arco. The course across the olive trees is very suggestive, a very pleasant company you until the castle. To stop and stare at the sunrise at the belvedere – a transparent platform jutted outwards right under the castle is fabulous.
• From the ruins of Castel Penede. A dawn full of history at the ruins of this medieval castle in Nago-Torbole. There, you can enjoy an awesome view over Monte Brione.

To watch the sun rising, enjoy the empty beaches and a delicious and revitalising breakfast at the lake almost alone, just like that marvel was only for you, painted by a divine artist.

The sunrise at Lake Garda is pure magic. You may also become an early bird too, who knows…

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Impressive surrounding walls, high crenellated towers among those mountains that seem to be born to nestle majestic castles: we are in Garda Trentino and here, in the beautiful setting of Italy’s biggest lake, we can find many historical signs of a glorious past.

Since ages, the castles have always fascinated thousands of travellers and tourists who choose Garda Trentino as the ultimate destination for their holiday every year; holidays that are characterised not only by sports and beaches, but also history and culture.

We have tried to compile a list of the 5 most beautiful castles. Are you ready to wear an harmour, ehm sorry, some comfortable clothes and find them out?

• Arco Castle. Dating back to the 12th century, the Conti d’Arco’s ancient dwelling, now a ruin, is one of the most amazing sign of the medieval life in Alto Garda. The path to get there is astounding: three different routes twisting and turning through ancient olive trees and a breathtaking view on River Sarca and the surrounding mountains. The Frescoes Room can’t be missed with its representations of courtly life… and dream about being ladies and knights from the old times!
• Tenno Castle. Impressive, rather spare. Strong and imperious, no. We are not speaking about a Medieval Lord, but about it, Tenno Castle. Unfortunately, it is not available for visits because it is private, but also an outer tour is worth taking; from here, you could enjoy the evocative view sheer from the lake, and set off to Frapporta, a medieval hamlet connected to the above castle. To get there, people had to cross the ancient pointed door that preserves the grooves of the closing grating still nowadays. Here, time seems to stand still! 
• The Rocca in Riva del Garda. Since its creation (around 1124), it has gone through many changes during the centuries and it has been a key point for the citizens of Riva del Garda and the manyfold visitors. An inch from the water, directly on the lake, it seems to look fiercely the horizon in front of it. At present, it is home of MAG, the Alto Garda Museum and at Christmas time it turns into Santa’s House (keep it quiet, he’s resting at the moment!) From the fortified tower you will enjoy an incomparable view you can’t miss out!
• Drena Castle. Its impressive structure strikes the gaze when coming to Arco from north. Its elegant walls, the majestic 22-meter-high crenellated tower, the central fortified tower and the ruins of an ancient church. Even just the unique view is worth a visit: the surrounding valleys and the “moon” stretch called “deserto delle Marocche”.

• Castel Penede – Nago. Now a ruin, the remains of this castle date back to Roman times. Although there isn’t a proper building to be seen, it is really interesting visiting it for its historical facts (through the centuries, the castle has been competed for many times) and the amazing view on Lake Garda, a proper observation point for its beauty.

If castles are your passion, how about a holiday at Lake Garda to visit all five? These listed are all in Trentino, on the north side of the lake. A comfortable accommodation for setting out to discover the castles?

Modern and design apartments in the center of Torbole: the Toblini Apartments. Take a look at the availability and choose your ideal period for a holiday on Lake Garda in search of castles!

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It’s time to prepare the Christmas menu! Have you already chosen what to bring to the table? 

We want to give you a small gift: the recipe for the typical Italian Christmas cake, Panettone, with a secret ingredient from our beloved Lake Garda: DOP extra virgin olive oil.

To all of you our best wishes! And, don’t forget to think about your next holidays at Toblini Apartments!, the rates for 2022 are already online.

Ingredients

300 gr 00 flour 

90 gr Manitoba flour

80 gr cane sugar 

70 ml PDO Lake Garda extra virgin olive oil

4 egg yolks

150 ml water

25 ml milk

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons honey

100 gr raisins

100 gr chopped candied orange peel (optional) 

1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped

lemon zest

orange zest

6 gr fresh brewer’s yeast

paper panettone mold (500 gr)

• Prepare a starter: dissolve 3 gr of yeast in 70 ml of water and mix with 150 gr of 00 flour in a large bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

• First refresh: add another 3 gr of yeast dissolved in 80 ml of water to the starter. In a glass, combine 2 egg yolks with 35 ml of oil and beat with a fork. Add these to the starter with 50 gr of sugar and mix everything with 150 gr of 00 flour using a spatula. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in the oven until it doubles.
• Second refresh: add the lemon and orange zests along with the vanilla beans to the dough. Add 30 gr of sugar, the salt, and honey. Separately, like in the first refresh, beat the 2 remaining egg yolks with 35 ml of oil and 25 ml of milk, and mix everything with 90 gr of Manitoba flour using a spatula. Finally, add the raisins and the candied orange peel. Knead well until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl, even if it will still be somewhat moist. Place the paper panettone mold on the baking tray and pour the dough into it. Let rise in a lukewarm oven until the dough reaches the top edge of the mold.
• Once it has risen, temporarily remove the tray and preheat the oven to 180° C on static. Bake for about 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the panettone. If the toothpick comes out dry, the panettone is done. Once out of the oven, it has to cool upside down. Insert four long wooden skewers in a star shape into the panettone, then turn it upside down over a large pot, resting  the sticks on the edge of the pot to support it. Once cool, store in a tightly sealed plastic bag until it’s time to be eaten.

As a gift idea, use the same dough to make mini panettones in muffin molds, then wrap them up in a pretty Christmas package as a gift to give to those you love the most.