Lake Garda

A much better destination for brevity would be Lake Garda , which is at least a weekend option for Northern Europeans within striking distance of the Alps. Lots of wind (especially in summer), a mild climate, and impressive views of the South Tyrolean mountains have steadily built the Lake Garda fanclub since the ’80s. Garda’s an easy beginner and freeride area or windsurfers, but its narrow sandy beaches and rocky shores demand a lot of expertise from kiters. Keen not to miss out on the ‘kite boom’, shrewd Italians now offer a “lift service” by boat into the middle of the lake from almost every Garda school and hire centre. It’s not cheap, but it makes real sense around here.