🌅 Sunset Hike in Northern Italy: Lake Garda’s Secret Spot

You're after some real, insider top tips and hidden gems, right?

Well, before we moved to Val di Susa (Italy's best kept secret IMO!) we lived on Lake Garda, and there's nothing quite like a Lake Garda sunset viewed from the east. You can sit at one of the lakefront bars with an aperitivo and soak in the beauty as the sun goes down.

But if you know where to go, there’s a secret spot with an unbeatable view.

It’s so good that I almost didn’t want to share it. Forget fancy cocktails. Sometimes a picnic blanket, a mini speaker, and the right view are all you need.

🌄 Hiking to La Rocca, Garda Town

The spot is at the top of La Rocca, the rocky headland above Garda Town. From here you look across Punta San Vigilio and out towards the north-west of the lake. The best bit? It only takes around 30 minutes to hike up.

How to get there:

• Start at the Garda bus station and head left up the road.

• Pass the church, then take the stairs upwards.

• Keep following the trail uphill until you reach a clearing.

• Take the right-hand path and in minutes you’ll be at the viewpoint.

Pack bug spray, a bottle of something cold 🍾, and a blanket. Arrive half an hour before sunset so you can settle in and watch the colours change. If you’ve got a headtorch, stick around until the stars come out — and don’t miss the old military caves and tunnels you can explore on the way down.

🏔️ Beyond Lake Garda: A Hidden Gem for Hiking Holidays

Lake Garda is stunning, but it’s no secret. In peak season the trails and towns are packed, and prices rise. If you’re looking for a hiking holiday that’s more authentic, quiet, and local, we always recommend heading west into Piedmont’s Val di Susa.

Here you’ll find:

• 🌲 Trails through the Gran Bosco National Park, straight from the door of The Hideaway Holiday Apartments.

  
  

• 🌊 The peaceful Lago Orfù, surrounded by forest and mountain peaks

  
  

• 🏛️ Historic sites like Forte di Exilles, perched dramatically in the valley

  
  

• 🌌 Night skies with almost no light pollution — perfect for stargazing after a day’s hike

Unlike Lake Garda or the Dolomites, Val di Susa is still a hidden corner of Northern Italy. That means uncrowded trails, lower prices, and the chance to experience Italy as the locals do.

🛏️ Want to Come to Val di Susa? Where to Stay

If you’re planning a hiking trip in Northern Italy, The Hideaway Apartments just outside Sauze d’Oulx make the perfect base. Modern, comfortable, and designed for mountain lovers, they’re in Borgata San Marco right on the edge of the forest.

From here, you can:

• Step straight onto hiking trails without getting in a car

• Take day trips to Turin, Bardonecchia, or even Lake Garda itself

• Relax in a spacious apartment with secure storage, a proper kitchen, and comfy beds

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Lake Garda, hike up La Rocca for one of the best sunset views in Northern Italy. But if you’re looking for something quieter, more authentic, and just as spectacular, plan a holiday in the Val di Susa.

👉 Book your stay at The Hideaway Apartments and discover the wild side of Northern Italy’s mountains.

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