If you believe Lake Garda is all about beaches and charming villages… Well, it’s time to step off the beaten path! Just a short hop from the shoreline, hidden natural treasures are waiting to be discovered. Today, join us on a loop trail that reveals a stunning new perspective of our beloved lake – winding its way from Affi up to the summit of Monte Moscal!
A hidden story just around the corner
As we walk through nature and history, there’s a fascinating secret tucked just outside Affi: the West Star area. Its name was chosen to stand in stark contrast to the Soviet Red Star, as this spot was once home to a NATO base built during the Cold War.
Spanning 13,000 square meters and constructed between 1960 and 1966, it was Italy’s largest anti-atomic bunker, a powerful reminder of a tense era. The base was decommissioned in 2007, and while our route doesn’t take us inside, it’s surprisingly close to the trail we’re following. Curious? Keep in mind that the base isn’t open to the public regularly, but on special occasions organized by the FAI – an Italian non-profit dedicated to preserving our cultural heritage – you can step inside and uncover its hidden stories.
The trail: where effort meets awe
Now, let’s get back to the trail! This circular route covers about 7 kilometers with a 300-meter elevation gain, perfect for a refreshing 2 to 3-hour escape into nature. We recommend starting in Affi to avoid the busy lake traffic and the hassle of finding parking, especially during summer.
The best time to hike? From spring through late autumn. And here’s a little insider tip: if you plan to catch the sunset from the summit, make sure you’re well prepared. Don’t linger too long up top without a torch, because the first part of the descent needs extra caution, and having a portable light is a must once the sun goes down!
The trail isn’t always clearly marked on the way up, but don’t worry – the full route is linked below, so you’ll never lose your way!
After a brief stretch on asphalt through the center of Affi, the trail kicks off with a steep climb along narrow paths framed by dense vegetation, so… watch your step! But trust us, the effort is totally worth it. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. From up here, you can take in stunning views of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and Punta San Vigilio, plus Monte Baldo, the Val d'Adige (with Rivoli’s wind turbines), the Lessini Mountains, and so much more.
On the way back, the trail shifts, giving you an even richer experience: you’ll cross mixed terrain, with grassy paths and some stretches of asphalt that make the return easier. After the more challenging climb, the descent is gentle, lined with lush greenery, vineyards, and beautiful glimpses of the lake.
There are no equipped rest areas along the trail, but when you return to Affi, you’ll find a fountain and a few benches, perfect spots to take a breather. Unlike the outbound journey, the return path is better signposted, making it easier to navigate.
Ready for adventure? What to pack in your backpack
To make the most of this adventure, here’s what we recommend bringing along:
- Shoes with rubber soles. These are a must for good grip, especially on the return trip where the path gets rocky and uneven.
- Long trousers. Great for protecting your legs from dense vegetation and any pesky scratches along the way.
- Sunglasses and a hat. The views are incredible, but the sun can get pretty intense once you reach the summit!
- Water and snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled up is key to enjoying every step of the journey.
And here’s a little confession... As you can notice, the route on the map stops just short of the finish line, but don’t worry – you’re not lost! Our phone simply ran out of battery right when things were getting exciting. A gentle reminder for all of us: soak up the views and snap plenty of photos, but don’t forget to bring a power bank!
👉 Check out the full route on Wikiloc: CLICK HERE
🎥 Take a look!
Want to explore more trails like this?
If you enjoyed this route, you might also like these blog posts about hikes around Lake Garda and nearby areas:
- Panoramic route winding through the wind turbines in Rivoli Veronese
- Scenic trail in Garda: Madonna del Pign and Rocca di Garda
Planning a stay on Lake Garda? Check out Europlan’s hotels and holiday apartments in the best spots around the lake to make your visit even more memorable.
