Rovereto, Italy

TORBOLE, 4km east of Riva, played an important role in the fifteenth-century war between Milan and Venice, when a fleet of warships was dragged overland here and launched into the lake. Nowadays the water still dominates, since Torbole's main diversions are sailing and windsurfing, and the place has a fresh, youthful outlook. Windsurfing enthusiasts come here from all over Europe, attracted by ideal wind conditions. The lakefront tourist office (Easter– Oct Mon– Sat 9am– noon & 3–6pm; June– Aug also Sun 10am– noon & 3.30–6.30pm; Nov– Easter Mon– Fri 9am– noon & 2.30–5pm; Tel:0464.505.177, Web: www.gardatrentino.it ) has details of the dozens of hotels: Lido Blu, Via Foci del Sarca 1 (Tel:0464.505.180, Web: www.lidoblu.com ; Price: € 126-150), has some great beaches and cut-price deals in the low season (open year-round), while Villa Verde, Via Sarca Vecchio 15 (Tel:0464.505.274, Web: www.hotel-villaverde.it ; Price: € 76-100), has its own pool and garden.