Valley of the lakes

A microcosm nestled between Trento and Alto Garda: the Valle dei Laghi takes its name from its wealth of lakes: Lamar, Terlago, Toblino, Santa Massenza, Cavedine, and Lagolo are the main ones.

Vegetation here ranges from alpine vegetation on the slopes of the southwestern slope of Monte Bondone to olive, beech, holm oak, and white grape vineyards such as nosiola. In addition to the lakes, from Sarche toward Garda the valley is furrowed by the Sarca River, a tributary of the great lake. Geological history here is uncovered through the Marocche di Dro - a spectacular landslide from the post-glacial era - or the Marmitte dei Giganti of Vezzano, which have a geological trail.

Around Lake Santa Massenza, grappa is produced and a traditional broccoli cabbage is grown. The Dro area grows the famous and tasty oval-shaped, medium-sized sweet plums, with flesh shaded from yellow to green. These are PDO plums and are harvested strictly by hand between August and September. 

The castles of Toblino - which lie around the lake of the same name - and Drena - which sits on a balcony jutting out over the valley - tell of the history of the Valle dei Laghi. This valley has been able to harness hydroelectric power, focus on climbing tourism on the zebra-clad walls of Pietramurata, and enhance its towns. 

Agriculture yields delicious fruits: grapes, olives, plums, broccoli. The oenological pride of the Valle dei Laghi is Vino Santo (Holy Wine), one of the noblest expressions of Trentino's viticulture. Why holy? There are two explanations: first, its use as a mass wine; second, the crushing of its grapes takes place in Holy Week. The microclimate between Garda and the Alps is the secret to the high quality of this product, which is the result of expert winery processing. The Ora del Garda and the Pelér are the winds that caress the grapes. A dry and constant breeze that favors the drying processes of the grapes of the native Nosiola vine.