Family holiday review: Apartment in Lake Garda, Italy

“We stayed in a two-bed air-conditioned bungalow, which was basic but very clean and well equipped. There’s a really good outside area to each bungalow, with a small terrace and a grassy area with some shade where the children were happy to play.
The grounds are beautiful with trees and flowering plants, and the area feels very safe.

“During the day the kids were more than happy at one of the baby pools on the site, or we’d go down to the beach on the edge of the lake for a paddle. A 15-minute lakeside walk takes you to the town of Peschiera where there are lots of shops and restaurants, plus boats that you can take to any village around the lake, and a market twice a week.

“Early evening we’d often take a walk around the site – there’s a lovely atmosphere with everyone sitting outside their tents and caravans – and then after we put the children to bed we’d enjoy some adult time with a glass of local wine on our terrace!

“We’ll definitely go back again, and as the children get older there are all sorts of things to explore – such as Gardaland Theme Park, which is only 10 minutes away, as well as all the picturesque lakeside villages and towns.”

Holiday highlight

“In typical Italian style we’d stroll along the lakeside into Peschiera for a meal with the children and enjoy the balmy evenings and the view of the lake.”

Essential info

Crystal Lakes (0871 230 8180; www.crystallakes.co.uk) offers a week’s self catering in the four-star Bella Italia apartments in Peschiera on Lake Garda with car hire included from £419 per person with flights from Gatwick. Direct flights from eight other UK airports available at a supplement starting from £10.