Lake Garda, in ancient times known as the Benàco, is the largest lake in Italy and is divided between the regions of Veneto, Lombardia and Trentino. Lake Garda is one of the most highly-appreciated tourist destinations in Italy, visited each year by millions of tourists coming from all over the world. It is situated in a favourable position, at the intersection of European motorway and railway links and just a few kilometres from an international airport. The area to the south of Lake Garda is flatter and surrounded by gentle hills. Here the lake is so wide that almost resembles the sea. Moving towards the north the lake becomes increasingly narrower and elongated, enclosed by high rocky banks, a long blue strip which recalls the appearance of a Nordic fjord.