Unknown water sports gems around Lake Garda

Lake Ledro: Canoeing, SUP and wakeboarding in the Biosphere Reserve

June, 2025. Lake Ledro is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the region: emerald green, tranquil, with a pleasant 24°C in summer – perfect for stand-up paddling, canoeing, swimming, or wakeboarding. As part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the lake is also of particular ecological value. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, yet the lake is still a popular sporting destination: national and international canoeing competitions are held here regularly. From June 26 to 29, 2025, it will once again be the stage for the OM International Ledro Match Race – a thrilling sailing duel on Italy's second-highest regatta course. Lake Ledro, like Lake Terlago, is also one of the few lakes in Trentino where wakeboarding is permitted.

Lake Cavedine: Sailing fun in the Valley of Lakes

Not far away is Lake Cavedine, a true gem in the Valle dei Laghi. The Ora, Garda Trentino's regular southerly wind, makes the lake particularly beginner-friendly for anyone who wants to try sailing or SUP. Surrounded by the impressive mountains of Monte Brento and Monte Casale, as well as the Marocche Nature Reserve, Lake Cavedine offers fantastic conditions for anyone who wants to combine nature and sport.

Lake Terlago, Lake Lamar and Lake Tenno: Quiet retreats with a wow factor

If you're looking for a special thrill, Lake Terlago is the place to be. Trentino's first wakeboarding facility opened here – a true highlight with views of Monte Bondone and Paganella. But the lake is also ideal for quieter activities like paddling or swimming. The same applies to neighboring Lake Lamar, nestled in the countryside, and the photogenic Lake Tenno with its almost unreal turquoise waters. All three were awarded the Blue Flag in 2025 for their outstanding water quality.

Lake Garda: Regatta hotspot and stage for the foil elite

Of course, Lake Garda itself remains a center for water sports and a venue for major events. The international sailing and foiling elite meet here – with over 250 competition days and more than 75 regattas per year. The Lake Garda Meeting Optimist, with over 1,000 participants from more than 30 nations, is a standout – a Guinness World Record. The One Hour Classic is also increasingly focusing on foiling: June 21–22 for foil, followed by the One Hour Wing Foil on August 30–31. Another highlight in 2025 will be the Italian Junior Championships for single-handed classes (September 2–7)., organisiert von vier Segelclubs der Region – mit über 1000 jungen Talenten in Bootsklassen wie Optimist, ILCA, Techno293, iQFOil oder Waszp.

The brand new Garda Trentino Sailing Academy, under the direction of Olympic champion Ruggero Tita – Luna Rossa helmsman and Red Bull Italy Sail GP team member – will also open in 2025. Here, children and young people are trained and professionally supported in modern disciplines such as foil, wing, and switch. Garda Trentino has long been known as a talent factory – top international athletes such as Nicolò Renna (iQFoil World Champion), Bruno Martini (IFCA Slalom World Champion), and Chiara Benini Floriani (Olympic finalist) hail from here.

Exemplary sustainability: From electric inflatable boats to Seabin projects

What makes Garda Trentino special is its holistic approach to nature and the environment. The region has been committed to sustainable solutions for years: the world's first fully electric regatta field is just one example. Electric support boats, buoys, and five inflatable boats from the VSR Zer0 series replace gasoline engines, and microplastic filters in Suzuki outboard motors help keep the water clean. In cooperation with the University of Trento and the Liceo Maffei, Seabin collection systems are used to remove microplastics directly from the water. Specialized divers eliminate invasive species, thus protecting the native underwater flora. And with activities such as Clean Up Days and the awareness campaign "The Lake Begins Here," the region is actively committed to environmental protection.