Shakespeare may have popularised Verona in Romeo and Juliet, but the little town of Malcesine isn’t one that should be overlooked. Situated between the Lake Garda and Monte Baldo, the little town is in a beautiful and scenic location and it is usually those looking for a relaxing time who goes there. Like most Italian cities, there are castles and walls to see: the most popular man-made site is the Castello Scaligero, the beautiful lakeside castle of the della Scala family of 12th and 13th century Malcesine. The Castello now houses a natural history museum on the region, a good accompaniment to the architecture. There is even a room dedicated to the hilarious incident where the famous Goethe was accused of being an Austrian spy for sketching the castle. For those interested in the geology of the region after visiting the natural history museum, the castle towers themselves offer some of the best views of the lake and valley. The promenade along the Lake also offers many cafes and small restaurants to sit against the backdrop of the water.

Monte Baldo is for the thrill-seekers who come to Malcesine, though taking the cable car to 1.7km above sea level doesn’t take much effort and is relaxing. With a rotating cabin offering magical views, In the winter, the slopes are ideal for skiing, but in the summer, visitors like to take the arduous trail to the peak, at 2.2km. Whether you’re into adventure or just want to relax by a quiet lake, Malcesine in Veneto has something for everyone.