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The 13 Best Places To Visit In Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of the most popular places to visit in the whole Italian Lakes region. Its proximity to locations such as Verona, Milan and Venice means that it’s frequently picked as a day trip destination, and the gorgeous natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere see that it’s frequented by tourists and locals alike. But […]

Lake Garda is one of the most popular places to visit in the whole Italian Lakes region. Its proximity to locations such as Verona, Milan and Venice means that it’s frequently picked as a day trip destination, and the gorgeous natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere see that it’s frequented by tourists and locals alike.

But with so many different towns, cities and villages around the water, how do you choose where to spend your time? We’ve put together this guide to the 13 best places to visit in Lake Garda to help with your decision.

Sirmione is frequently recommended as the best town in Lake Garda to visit, which is why we’ve put it right at the top of our list. Located on the southern edge of the lake on a peninsula, it’s a historical and beautiful location that sees thousands of visitors throughout the year.

The best-known attraction in Sirmione is Scaligero Castle, which is one of the best-preserved examples of 12th-century architecture in Italy, It was built as part of the defensive network that surrounded Verona and was given over to the government at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming a key location for tourism in the town.

As well as the castle, Sirmione is also known for its natural thermal baths where visitors can enjoy taking a dip in the mineral-rich waters. There are several beaches which are ideal spots to relax on days when the weather is warm, the town is full of friendly restaurants and cafes, and if you visit in the evening or the early morning then you’ll escape the midday tourists and get to enjoy the romantic atmosphere all by yourself.

The second most popular place to visit in Lake Garda is definitely Malcesine. Situated on the eastern side of the body of water, it’s a tourist resort that is often busy with daytrippers and holidaymakers but is definitely still worth a visit to admire the charming architecture, historic buildings, artisan shops and colourful harbour.

A highlight of Malcesine is the hilltop Scaliger Castle that overlooks the entire area and adds quite a dramatic aspect to the skyline. Even if you don’t decide to pay the entry fee and take a look inside, the views from the top of the hill are stunning and well worth the steep walk up to the top.

Malcesine’s cobbled streets are almost as famous as its castle, and as you explore the winding centre of the town you’ll stumble across plenty of food , clothes and souvenir shops that are a great way to spend an afternoon. You can also catch a cable car from the town up to the top of Monte Baldo for an unbeatable look at Lake Garda and the towns that line the lake on the east side of the water.

Limone Sul Garda

Limone Sul Garda gets its name from the Italian word for lemon thanks to the groves of citrus trees that used to grow around the area and the Latin word for ‘boundary’ because of its geographical position. Now it’s a northern lakeside town that is backed by dramatic, rocky cliffs and has a picturesque collection of houses and shops along the waterfront.

If you visit in the spring or summer then you’ll get to enjoy the hundreds of flowers that make it into some of the most stunning photos of Limone Sul Garda, and whilst the few beaches around the area are quite pebbly, you can still take a dip in the water or relax on the lakeside. There are quite a few sightseeing opportunities around the town which see quite a lot of foot traffic, including several small churches, the Limonaia del Castèl, the old lemon grove and the old harbour.

Riva del Garda

You’ll find the Riva del Garda at the northern edge of Lake Garda; a classic lakeside town with beautiful colourful houses looking out over the water and a backdrop of hills and mountains behind it. 

Riva del Garda is a big location for watersports, with windsurfing in particular being popular out on the lake because of the strong winds that are created by the town’s geographic position near the mountains. As well as being able to rent things like paddle boards or kayaks, you can also explore the water on a pedalo boat or even a speedboat if you know how to drive one.

There aren’t many standout tourist attractions in the Riva del Garda, but it’s still a great place to visit to make the most of the outdoor activities on offer, with plenty of hiking trails beginning or ending in the town as well as the things to do on the water. If you’re looking to experience the authentic side of Lake Garda, you’ll find it here.

Desenzano del Garda

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit in Lake Garda, Desenzano del Garda certainly wins the prize for one of the prettiest parts of the area. Situated on the south side of the lake with the Alps rising up in the distance, it’s a town that retains an authentic atmosphere despite being one of the largest settlements around the lake, with beautiful houses and panoramic views across the water.

Historically, Desenzano del Garda was once a holiday resort for wealthy Romans, and still has a charming, old-fashioned port surrounded by colourful lakeside houses. In the centre of the city are the remains of a medieval castle which is popular amongst visitors with an interest in ancient architecture, whilst on the coast are plenty of beaches, a promenade and bars or restaurants that offer excellent value for money.

It’s also worth noting that Desenzano is one of the best places in Lake Garda for nightlife, so if you’re looking to hit the town and party with the locals during your visit, here’s where to do it.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Lake Garda then you’ll find them around the village of Lazise. With naturally soft sand and shallow shores that are perfect for paddling or swimming, it’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting in the summer or to come for the day when the weather is good.

There’s a long promenade beside the water in Lazise that is usually busy with walkers, runners or cyclists, but the benches alongside it make the perfect spot for a picnic or a romantic moment watching the sun set. If you’re hungry you can enjoy one of the area’s many restaurants, and there are frequent live music performances or sporting events organised throughout the year that have turned Lazise into a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike.

The town named after the lake itself is a great place to visit if you’re travelling between the northern and southern towns, as it’s slap bang in the middle of the eastern shore and has a lot of good transport links to other popular locations. The promenade along Garda’s waterfront is a key attraction, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops along here that are always bustling with tourists.

Garda also has a nice beach and a small old town area that is great for fans of more historic architecture. The most exciting sightseeing spot however is the Santuario Madonna della Corona which is a church essentially built into the cliff face, only reachable by a narrow path and one of the most impressive feats of architecture in the entire area.

Peschiera del Garda

One of the best places to visit in Lake Garda if you’ve got a family is Peschiera del Garda, which is found at the southern tip of the lake. It’s a town that has a lot going for it and is a great place to base yourself for a holiday exploring the other locations around this side of the area.

The key attraction for travellers with children coming to Peschiera is nearby Gardaland; the most popular amusement park in the whole of Italy. There is also the Movieland theme park and Sea Life Centre a short distance away, giving you plenty of different options for day trips with your children.

Peschiera is another place in Lake Garda that is popular for watersports, particularly in August when the Palio delle Mura boat race takes place. There are also quite a few brilliant historic sightseeing spots around the town, including the 16th-century Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino where a miracle was said to take place in 1510.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lake Garda that has all the charm and amenities of other, popular towns but much more of an authentic atmosphere, Salò is the place to visit. The town is most famous for having the longest waterfront promenade in Italy, which you can walk all the way down and admire lovely views of the water one way and the mountains the other.

Salò also has an old town that has a peaceful and ancient atmosphere, complete with little shops and cafes where you’ll often find more locals than other tourists and some classic examples of old-style Italian architecture. It’s also a top location for outdoor activities, whether you’re looking to go hiking or take to the water on a boat.

Arco is nestled right at the of the Sarca valley on the northern shore of Lake Garda, close to the Dolomite mountains. The area is known as a Nizza del Trentino or ‘natural clinic’ because of the amazingly pure quality of the air and the warm climate caused by the mountains, making it the perfect place to visit for a detox from the frantic pace of modern life.

The town is home to a medieval castle known as the Torre di Arco, which is found on a nearby hill and reachable from Arco via a 20-minute walk. It’s a popular spot with climbing enthusiasts because of the steep rock faces that surround the town, but also attracts horticulturalists with the ‘Arboretum in Arco’ botanic garden and brilliant weekly markets offering lots of different local produce.

Bardolino has been one of the most important tourist destinations in Lake Garda for hundreds of years, found on the eastern shore of the water and home to two little peninsulas that stretch out into the lake; Punta Mirabello and Punta Cornicello. The hills behind the town are dotted with vineyards and olive groves, so it’s a place that is full of natural beauty as well as somewhere that produces plenty of delicious local ingredients for staple Italian dishes. 

If you’re a wine enthusiast then Bardolino is an absolute must-visit destination because it is home to the iconic Italian red wine named after the area. There are cultural events organised year-round, weekly markets, plenty of restaurants and a lot of outdoor activities available in the surrounding area; Bardolino is a place that has it all!

A small but very pretty place to visit in Lake Garda is Torbole or Nago-Torbole; a municipality that is actually made up of three different villages all at the edge of the Natural Park of Monte Baldo. It’s another location that has become very popular with windsurfers because of the strong breezes over the water formed by the position of the surrounding mountains, so if you’re looking for a watersports destination that isn’t as touristy as other towns in the area, you’ll find it here.

Torbole is also a great place to visit if you like historic architecture, as many of the buildings date back to the 15th century. There are several small but lovely beaches beside the water and lots of lush greenery in the landscape around the area; it’s a peaceful part of Lake Garda that is ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds.

Toscolando Maderno

Toscolando Maderno gets its rather long name from the fact that it used to be two separate towns that were right next to each other; Toscolando and Maderno, which joined to become one municipality in the 1920s. Found on the west coast of Lake Garda, the town is surrounded by hills and mountains that include the impressive Mount Pizzocolo which rises 5,190 feet above sea level.

Attractions in Toscolando Maderno include the botanical gardens and the remains of an ancient castle, as well as lots of beautiful churches that are home to several artworks by notable Italian painters. What really brings people to this area however is simply the stunning natural landscape and opportunities for walking, cycling or sailing on the water or in the nearby mountains.

For more information on holidays in the beautiful Lake Garda area, why not explore the rest of the Italian Breaks website and discover some of our best villas for your next holiday.

VILLAS IN LAKE GARDA

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAKE GARDA

WHERE TO EAT IN LAKE GARDA

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE GARDA

LAKE COMO OR LAKE GARDA

13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at Lake Garda

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

North of Verona, Lake Garda is the most family- and water sports-oriented of Italy's lakes. It's also Italy's largest lake , reaching from the steep Alpine foothills to the northern edge of the Po Valley. The southern shore is lined by beaches and backed by low hills, while in the north, mountains and sheer cliffs fringe the lake, especially along the western shore.

Its terrain gives the lake a wide variety of attractions for sports-loving tourists, from steady winds for sailing and windsurfing to mountains for climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking, all with lake views.

At the same time, its location gives Lake Garda a year-round temperate climate , where olives and lemons grow far north of their usual range, and a somewhat turbulent history that has left several well-fortified castles, Roman remains, and sites of interest to World War II buffs. Add long sandy beaches and a clutch of towns with lakeside promenades and cafés surrounding postcard marinas, whose sole purpose seems to be la dolce vita , and Lake Garda really does have something for everybody.

You could easily spend a week here without being even close to running out of things to do. The attractions below are listed geographically, from the southern end of the lake, heading up the east shore and down the west. Plan your visit with this list of the top attractions and things to do around Lake Garda.

See also: Where to Stay in Lake Garda

1. Sirmione and Castello Scaligeri

2. grotte di catullo: ruins of a roman villa, 3. desenzano del garda, 4. play at gardaland and nearby theme parks, 5. lazise, bardolino and garda, 6. torre del benaco, 7. malcesine, 8. riva del garda, 9. arco and cascata del varone, 10. tour lake garda by bicycle, 11. gardone riviera, 12. vittoriale d'italia, 13. limone sul garda and la limonaia del castel, where to stay in lake garda for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to lake garda, map of attractions & things to do at lake garda.

The picturesque little town of Sirmione sits at the end of a long promontory reaching out into the lake from its southern shore. It's hard to find a more charming entrance to a town - across a moat on a drawbridge and into the forecourt of a castle that looks as though it had been built for a movie set.

The water-surrounded fortress was constructed in the 12th century by the Scaligeri, Verona's ruling family, as part of their defensive network against Milan and was later maintained by the Venetian empire. Tour its restored interior and climb the tower for panoramic views of the lake and town.

Before the Scaligeri, the Romans came here to bathe in the sulphur springs, which are now the basis of a luxury spa. Expect crowds in chic Sirmione on weekends, filling its pricey boutiques and cafés.

Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, Sirmione, Brescia

The Roman poet Catullus, who lived from 84 to 54 BC, had a villa at the far end of the peninsula. Its extensive ruins still puzzle historians, whose theories on its exact nature vary from a huge bath complex to an ancient version of a full-service resort.

Be sure to see the small, but good, museum at the entrance before touring the ruins and enjoying the lake views in three directions. You can get here by a 15-minute walk from the village of Sirmione, or on an electric tourist trolley from Piazza Piatti.

Address: Piazzale Orti Manara 4, Sirmione, Brescia

If you're arriving at Lake Garda by train or from the A4 Autostrada, Desenzano del Garda is where you'll probably catch your first sight of Italy's largest lake. Just west of Sirmione, it's a lively little town centered around a marina basin and the piers where lake steamers and hydrofoils leave for towns all around the lake.

There's not much left of the castle that once crowned its hilltop, but Villa Romana, a Roman villa, has been excavated near the old town center and has impressive mosaics. The parish church has a painting by Tiepolo. With plenty of cafés and restaurants and convenient boat connections, Desenzano is a great base for exploring the lake. Most of the lake's best beaches are along this southern shore.

Several entertainment and theme parks cluster on the southeastern corner of Lake Garda, between Peschiera del Garda and Lazise. Best known - in fact one of the best known in all Europe - is Gardaland, a multi-park complex that includes Gardaland Sea-Life , as well as the Gardaland Hotel.

The well-designed park has all the expected rides, from story-book kiddy rides to adventure and adrenaline thrills. Blue Tornado is a steel, inverted roller coaster guaranteed to please thrill-seekers. New at Gardaland in 2018 was Peppa Pig Land , a fantasy village of kiddy rides.

Nearby Caneva World includes a movie-themed park with shows and features based on popular films, as well as the beautifully landscaped Aqua Paradise Park with palms, white-sand beaches, pools, waterslides, and splashing rides. Farther from the lake shore, you can ride through Parco Naturo Viva to see African wildlife - lions, giraffes, and hippos up close. A dinosaur park has realistic models of prehistoric creatures

Address: Via Derna 4, Castelnuovo del Garda

A cluster of four pretty towns, often called the Garda Riviera, line the southeast shore, which rises on the gentle slopes of Monte Baldo in a landscape of olive groves and vine-cloaked fields. Boats bob in their little harbors, cafés sprawl along their lake shores, and frequent festivals line the streets and parks with colorful kiosks.

The southernmost town is Lazise , with medieval town walls and a castle built by the Scaligeri family from Verona in the 14th century. See olives pressed into oil in neighboring Bardolino, at the Museo dell'Olio d'Oliva , and stop to admire the frescoes inside the church of San Severo , which dates as far back as the eighth century.

From laid-back Garda , a footpath leads up the Rocca , on the site of an earlier castle, which gave its name to the lake. Between Garda and Torri del Benaco is the beautiful cypress-clad promontory of San Vigilio , with a popular (although pebble-covered) beach beneath a 16th-century palace.

One of Lake Garda's prettiest towns, Torri del Benaco lies along the lake, its shore punctuated at one end by the imposing medieval Castello Scaligero , built in 1383 on the ruins of a 10 th -century castle; the west tower is all that remains of the original castle.

You can learn a lot about the region in the museum that fills several galleries in the castle. Rooms are devoted to olive oil (with an olive press whose stones date to Roman times) and the prehistoric rock engravings found in the region; on the south side of the castle is a lemon grove dating from the 1700s and one of the few remaining in the area. The castle is worth visiting for the magnificent view from its battlements, encompassing the town with its harbor and the lake.

Torre del Benaco is at the eastern end of the cross-lake car ferry from Maderno on the western shore.

Official site: http://www.museodelcastelloditorridelbenaco.it/

As the long ridge of Monte Baldo stretches northward, it grows steeper, and on a spur beneath it, Malcesine perches above the lake. At its top, a 13th-century castle – another Castello Scaligero – stands on a crag, its ramparts dropping directly to the lake below. The views are, of course, superb, as the opposite shore of the lake is even steeper, and in this northern segment, mountains rise on all sides. You can tour the castle and the museum inside.

Narrow lanes climb to the castle through a jumble of medieval stone buildings and tiny squares. Inevitably, a town this picture perfect will have its share of temptations for tourists, which makes is a pleasant stopping place to wander, dine, and browse among artists' studios.

On the uphill side of the main road, where there is also a convenient place to park as you tour Malcesine, a revolving cable car takes you even higher to views and walking trails along Monte Baldo's scenic ridge.

At the northern end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda sits between the mountains and the water, a pleasant combination of medieval old streets and sunny waterside parks and promenades. Poised above the old center on the precipitous Rocchetta is a Venetian watch-tower, and below, in the arcaded square by the harbor, is a massive old clock-tower.

To the east, by the lakeside, stands the old moated Rocca del Riva , yet another castle of the Scaligeri, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Inside is the excellent Museo Civico , with prehistoric and later artifacts, well displayed and interpreted.

The beach at nearby Torbole is best known as a premier windsurfing spot because of steady winds, which also make the northern part of the lake a favorite for sailing. Lessons and rentals for both sports are available here.

North of Riva, roads rise through magnificent scenery of rugged mountains and small lakes. Follow signs from Riva to the Cascata del Varone , a dramatic waterfall that has carved a corkscrew-shaped vertical gorge as it drops from a glacial lake above.

North of Varone, the old town of Arco lies along the bank of the Sarca River, in a valley of unexpectedly luxuriant southern vegetation. In this mild micro-climate, farms and orchards flourish, and two beautiful promenades are planted, respectively, with magnolias and palms. Arboreto di Arco , planted in the 1800s by a Habsburg duke, has trees from around the world. You can climb from the village to the Castello di Arco , on a cliff high above.

The first section of the Garda by Bike project, which is planned to connect existing paths into a 140-kilometer cycling route, was opened in 2018, connecting Capo Reamol with Limone sul Garda . This is an especially spectacular stretch of the northwestern shore, where cliffs drop almost vertically, and in places the path is suspended 50 meters above the lake on steel struts.

The 2.5-meter-wide trail is suitable for either road or mountain bikes and has a dedicated pedestrian lane for walkers. Although it traverses a steep mountainside, the trail has no especially steep sections. The new section is paved with wood, and the path is lighted at night. Planned new sections will connect several existing bike paths to completely encircle the lake.

Gardone Riviera is one of several beautiful towns on the western shore, in the Riviera Bresciana , which begins where the steep mountainsides above the northwestern part of the lake begin to leave enough space for towns to cling.

The combined effects of the lake below and hillsides above give the towns a climate where luxuriant vegetation thrives, and in Gardone, the magnificent Hruska Botanic Garden takes full advantage of the landscape and climate. Thick, almost tropical foliage shades its winding paths and terraces, where sculptures, pools, waterfalls, and plants mingle. Above Hruska and surrounded by more beautiful gardens is the scenic cluster of Gardone di Sopra .

Each of the Riviera Bresciana towns has an attractive lakefront with views, promenades, and parks; several are marked by hotels and villas in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. In the northernmost town of Gargnano , Villa Feltrinelli, now a posh hotel, was occupied by Mussolini from September 1943 to April 1945.

During that time, Salò , to the south in a long narrow bay under Monte San Bartolomeo, was the seat of the Fascist puppet government, known as the Republic of Salò. The Gothic parish church of Santa Maria Annunziata in Salo's main piazza, dating from 1453, has a magnificent altar.

The highly eccentric personality - not to mention ego - of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863-1938) permeates his equally eccentric Art Deco villa and its extensive grounds. There's much see here, and you can choose from several ticket and tour options.

The house is definitely worth touring to get a sense of the man, and to see his decidedly bizarre coffin-shaped bed, indigo bathroom suite, statuary, and other unusual tastes in décor. Touring the house is certainly one of the more unusual things to do around Lake Garda.

The basic house tour takes 30 minutes, and a more in-depth one, called Secret d'Annunzio, includes more of his colorful private life. Another, d'Annunzio Eroe (Hero), features his military exploits, which included leading a World War I bombing raid on Vienna.

Be sure to explore the grounds and gardens to tour the ship Puglia , which he commanded, imbedded into the hillside park. D'Annunzio's flamboyant Mausoleum, an amphitheater, and a museum are also in the extensive park and gardens.

Address: Via Vittoriale 12, Gardone Riviera

Clinging to the steep western shore south of Riva, the small town of Limone sul Garda is known for the lemon groves that thrive in its mild microclimate. The town's southeast exposure maximizes sunlight, and the cliffs protect it from the wind.

Lemon trees are planted in terraces above the pretty little harbor, each terrace backed by a stone wall. Stone pillars support wooden beams, and in the winter, these support glass panels that protect the trees and let in light. Lemons have been planted here since the 15 th century, and the curious removable greenhouses were added in the 17 th and 18 th centuries.

You can see these terraces today and visit an active lemon grove. At La Limonaia del Castel, you can see how the "winter garden" operates and see various kinds of fruit trees that flourish here. It is an uphill walk, but along with touring this living museum, you are rewarded with sensational views of the lake and mountains.

If you are not driving around Lake Garda, the best way to get to Limone is by the short boat ride from Malcesine, across the lake. Boats shuttle back and forth all day, so you can spend time strolling along Limone's harbor and sampling lemon sorbet in one of its waterside cafés. The boat ride also gives you the best views of Malcesine and its castle.

For beaches and easy access to boat transport, the best towns to stay in are those along the southern part of the lake; for windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports, the area around Torbole in the north is more convenient. We recommend these hotels around the shores of Lake Garda:

• Spacious rooms at Hotel Villa Florida , in chic Gardone Riviera, are elegantly decorated; the pool and terrace overlook beautiful lake views.
• Hotel Lago di Garda rooms have private balconies, lake views, and luxury extras; the resort has a hot tub and spa.
• Mid-range AktivHotel Santalucia , only a short walk from the lake, has a gorgeous garden with a pool, sauna, palm trees, and an olive grove.
• The budget-friendly Hotel Santoni has a central location, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.
• Also in Torbole, the family-run Hotel Benaco is a short walk from the lakefront, and some rooms have balconies with lake views.

Touring Lake Garda:

• Savor the scenery and sights of Lake Garda on a four-hour Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise from Sirmione . Board a comfortable boat and sail along the lake's western shores past islands, towns, villas, and more. Glide by the Roman villa of Catullus, lakeside mansions, and islands, stopping for an optional swim before strolling along the marina at Salo.

Touring nearby Attractions:

• Lake Garda lies at the foot of the Dolomites, Italy's most beautiful mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore these lofty peaks and their charming mountain villages on an 11-hour Dolomites full-day tour from Lake Garda , with pickup points in various lakeside towns. Travel with a knowledgeable guide in an air-conditioned coach as you follow the Great Dolomite Road across the 2,240-meter (7,300-foot) Pordoi Pass. Stop to explore villages, including Ortisei, famed for its wood-carvers and beautiful Alpine architecture.

Day Trip to Venice:

• Make the most of your trip to Northern Italy with a visit to its most famous city, on a Venice full-day tour from Lake Garda . The 11-hour day trip begins with a ride through the Italian countryside on an air-conditioned coach, before arriving in Venice. Board a private boat and float through the canals to see the city's most famous sights, including St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Venice on your own or take an optional gondola ride.

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Places to Visit near Lake Garda: Seeing the dramatic mountains around the lake may inspire you to see more of the mighty Dolomites to the north. They are easy to reach on day trips from Bolzano , itself interesting for its blend of Italian and Germanic cultures. While visiting Lake Garda it would be a shame not to see the attractions of historic Verona , with its Roman arena and Renaissance landmarks. Just to the west of the lake, you can visit more Roman sites in Brescia .

Exploring Northern Italy: Lake Garda is only the beginning of northern Italy's spectacular lakes. For more ideas of things to see and do around the lakes that lie just to the west, check our pages on Visiting Como Town & Lake Como and Lake Maggiore attractions and day trips .

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BEST of Lake Garda, Italy: Top 5 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful regions of Northern Italy and has plenty to offer for everyone. But where do you go if you only have limited time and want to experience the very best that Lake Garda has to offer? In this Lake Garda guide, we cover all the most beautiful places, the best things to do in Lake Garda.

At the bottom of this post, you can also find some additional suggestions for things to do in Lake Garda and nearby . Find out!

You can spend a couple of days or a couple of weeks in Lake Garda in Italy and you will not get bored. Lake Garda has charming old towns, beautiful landscapes, plenty of sightseeing possibilities and accommodation in all price categories.

Water sports enthusiasts will find some of the best places for paragliding, windsurfing, and hang-gliding. You can go walking, mountain biking, visit a theme park, a water park, play golf, go sailing, or spend a couple of dolce far niente days by the pool or on the beach.

All of this in the most spectacular setting you can imagine…

Most beautiful places of Lake Garda

If you have a couple of days in Lake Garda Italy, don’t miss the chance to drive around the whole lake and visit some of the charming old towns along the way. This can be done as a round trip or you can choose to stay at one central location and discover the lake from there.

The round trip around Lake Garda is about 150km (95 miles) and in principle, you can do it in one day. However, the roads are narrow and the traffic is very busy, so you won’t have much time left to discover the villages along the way.

That being said, driving around the lake is still worth doing, as long as you don’t expect to see the very best of Lake Garda in one day.

I advise that you choose one or two places to visit along Lake Garda each day. You can drive, take a ferry boat, or, as we did, combine the two. It’s simply not possible to see and do everything in Lake Garda in a day or two, so don’t even try. It’s better to explore fewer places than rush by and only see the lake through the window of your car.

Further below, you can find my list of the most beautiful towns, best things to do in Lake Garda. Read on!

Best of Lake Garda – TOP 5 places you really shouldn’t miss

Below is my list of the very best towns to see in Lake Garda Italy. This is in no way a complete list of things to do in Lake Garda, but if you visit these 5 towns, you have seen the best of Lake Garda!

So if you are wondering what to see and where to go in Lake Garda, this guide is all you need. Find out!

Here are the VERY BEST places to see in Lake Garda:

1. Sirmione

Located on the South shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is probably the most popular tourist destination on the lake. It should stand high on every list of best things to do in Lake Garda!

Sirmione is a beautiful old town located at the end of a small peninsula that towers about 4 km into Lake Garda. If you want to discover this town to the fullest, you should count on spending the whole day here.

Sirmione is easily accessible and is right in the middle of the popular tourist route between Milan , Verona , and Venice . All the organized day trips to Lake Garda stop here as well. Let’s just say, you will not be alone in town…

TIP: Try to get to Sirmione early in the morning or late in the afternoon as it gets really busy during the day. If you are staying at one of the bigger villages at the lake, you may want to consider taking a boat to Sirmione so that you can avoid the busy traffic altogether. Cars are not allowed in the historical city center. You have to leave your car at one of the designated parking areas and walk from there.

Main Sirmione attractions include:

• Not to be missed: Grotte di Catulo – the excavated ruins ( scavi ) of the massive Roman villa at the headland on the tip of the peninsula
• 13th century Rocca Scaligera Castle
• Church of San Pietro in Mavino
• Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
• Really worth it:  if you have time take a short boat ride around the peninsula . It takes just 30-45 minutes – don’t miss it!

2. Malcesine

Malcesine, the pearl of Lake Garda, is located in a very picturesque setting. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful towns of Lake Garda!

It’s a charming old town with narrow medieval streets, a beautiful harbor, and lots of small shops, stores and cafes inviting visitors to stroll around and explore.

Just as most other places on Lake Garda, Malcesine is crowded in the summer months with thousands of visitors squeezing through the narrow streets. If you have a choice, try to visit in May-June or in September.

Main Malcesine attractions include:

• Cable car (weather permitting) to the top of Monte Baldo with amazing views of the area.
• Castello Scaligero – climb the tower for magnificent views.

Good to know: Note that Limone and Malcesine are built on very steep terrain. While in Limone you can still make a nice walk on the promenade near the lake, Malcesine may be difficult to visit for people with restricted mobility.

Our kids were all traveling in strollers when we visited and we could get pretty much everywhere we wanted, but it was quite an exercise with moments and we were glad we had full-size strollers with big rubber wheels.

3. Limone Sul Garda

Probably one of the most picturesque towns of Lake Garda is Limone sul Garda , or simply Limone. Its colorful buildings and extremely picturesque waterfront area look like a real-life postcard.

The scenic road from Riva to Limone takes you through many tunnels and you have wonderful views over Limone just before you reach the town.

Limone has a nice waterfront promenade and a very cozy old town with lots of restaurants, cafes, and little shops.

You can easily combine a visit to Limone with that of Malcesine or Riva. You can leave your car at the paid parking area in Limone and take a ferry boat from here. Since the distance is not very big, it doesn’t take that long and the ferry fees are reasonable as well.

4. Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda is a nice little town surrounded by steep cliffs and high mountains on the Northern shore of Lake Garda. It’s particularly impressive if you arrive there by boat.

Riva has a nice little old town with picturesque narrow streets and plenty of shopping and dining options. You will have a tough time trying to resist buying at least some of the local specialties and all kinds of traditional Italian gifts.

Riva makes a nice day trip on Garda Lake, but it’s also a good base to stay if you want to explore the surrounding mountains of Trentino region. If you have a day extra in this area in summer, I recommend Val di Fumo hike . It will take your breath away!

5. Boat Trip on the Northern Part of Lake Garda

You cannot truly appreciate how spectacular Lake Garda is if you don’t see it from the water. If you don’t have the time, the money, or the desire to spend the whole day touring the lake, I suggest doing at least a short ride.

If you take a boat from either Limone or Malcesine to Riva del Garda, you’ll see the best scenery of the northern part of the lake.

The dramatic fjord-like Northern end of the lake is surrounded by towering mountains and the views are just spectacular! 

The northern side of Lake Garda is surrounded by high mountains and is probably the most impressive part of the lake. Seeing it from the water is really the best way to appreciate the stunning landscapes!

So, if you are visiting Lake Garda and want to see the best of the lake itself, take a boat trip to Riva. You will be really glad you did.

Several towns are close to each other here and you can use the ferry as a hop-on hop-off boat and visit a few of them. Riva del Garda and Torbole at the very end of the lake are well worth visiting. Limone is stunning. But if you stop at just one town, make it Malcesine!

Lake Garda places to visit if you have more time

The following places on Lake Garda might not be as spectacular as the Top-5, but are really nice to visit if you have more time. You can easily combine a couple of them in one day, or just go there for dinner after a day by the pool or at the theme park.

• Gardone Riviera
• Desenzano del Garda
• Salò

TIP: If you have more time and want to visit a more authentic part of Italy, I strongly suggest spending a few days in the Trentino region , North of Lake Garda. It’s an amazing place for those looking for a big variety of more active outdoorsy things to do.

One of the nicest places not too far from Lake Garda is Val di Fumo – the scenery along this easy hike is spectacular! You can find more recommendations for this area in our guide to the best things to do in Trentino in summer .

Lake Garda Markets

Lake Garda is also well-known for traditional Italian markets. These markets aren’t just food markets, you can buy Italian leather goods, pottery, tapestry, clothing and much more…

If you have the time, try to visit at least one local market during your Lake Garda holiday.

Below you can find a short list of Lake Garda markets per day. There are many more markets than this, but I’d choose from one of these because they are in the most beautiful towns you can visit at the same time. Note that most markets stop early in the afternoon so you have to visit in the morning.

Lake Garda market days

Monday: Peschiera del Garda, Colombare di Sirmione Tuesday: Desenzano, Limone sul Garda, Torbole (April to October only). Wednesday: Riva del Garda (2nd and 4th week of the month), Lazise Thursday: Bardolino, Toscolano Friday: Garda, Lugana di Sirmione Saturday: Malcesine, Salò Sunday  is not really a market day in Italy. You can try Rivoltella or better wait a day and go to Peschiera on Monday.

More things to do in Lake Garda and popular day trips nearby

As already mentioned, there is so much to see and do in Lake Garda than just visiting its most beautiful towns or taking a boat ride on the lake. Below is a selection of some of the best short tours and excursions that will make your visit to Lake Garda even more memorable. Take a look!

• Half-Day Wine & Tasting Tour from Lake Garda
• Verona day trip from Lake Garda
• Venice day trip from Lake Garda
• Dolomites day trip from Lake Garda
• Gardaland Amusement Park
• Gardaland SEA LIFE

TIP: If you are visiting Lake Garda, make sure to also Verona in your itinerary (see here our complete guide to visiting Verona , including some really nice places nearby)!

Also Milan is not too far and is more than worth a trip! It’s a surprisingly diverse city, quite unique in Italy. Here you can find our guide to all the top places in Milan . And here is our suggested Milan one day itinerary – complete with highlights as well as hidden gems that most tourists never see.

If you’d like to visit a more ‘local’ city in northern Italy, you can’t go wrong with Bologna . Here you can find our guide to the best things to do in Bologna .

Another place not to miss in the area is Lake Como . If you have just one day, you can take a day trip from Milan . If you have more time, I recommend exploring some of the best towns on Lake Como .

So, this is our guide to some of the best things to do in Lake Garda. You may also like to read our tips for the best Lake Garda itinerary  – it should help you plan your trip to the area.

More tips for your trip to Italy:

• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Best Cities in Italy
• Italy Itinerary
• Best of Venice
• Venice One Day Itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice
• How to Visit Venice by Car
• Tips for Visiting Rome
• Hidden Gems of Rome
• How to Visit Colosseum
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• 1 Day in Florence
• Florence Rooftop Bars
• Best Towns in Tuscany
• Tuscany Itinerary
• Best of Siena
• Best of Montepulciano
• Capri Island  
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Tips for Visiting Amalfi Coast
• Top Places to Visit & Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Tips for Visiting Lake Como
• Things to do in Bellagio
• Things to Do in Varenna
• Things to Do in Como
• Where to Stay at Lake Como
• Off the beaten path:  Emilia Romagna & Ravenna
• Mountains: Best Places to See in the Dolomites &  Best Hikes in the Dolomites
• Bucket list:   San Marino & San Marino Castle & Where to Stay in San Marino

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Wednesday 4th of October 2023

Thanks for your helpful blog. I am coming from Venice the end of august and thought I could do 3-4 nights in lake garda. I have 3 kids (12,15,17). They love adventure so was thinking via ferreti and canyoning. Not sure if I should drive to lake garda from Venice or take the train and the use public transportation in lake garda. And which area should I stay in? South is closer to Venice but maybe less adventure for kids? Open to any other ideas for 3-4 days after Florence and Venice that busy time of year Thanks! Gina

Thursday 5th of October 2023

Hi Gina, unfortunately, I really have no time to help our readers with individual trip planning. There are just too many options and too many factors to consider. My best advice is to first figure out what exactly you want to see and do, indicate on the map all the locations, and then research how to get everywhere. It's quite likely that renting a car will be a better option in your case as public transport is only best if you only visit cities and bigger towns. The moment you want to get a bit further away and do something a bit more special (like via ferratas or canyoneering), it's usually quite difficult without a car. Good luck!

Friday 15th of September 2023

Thanks so much for your very helpful vlog that is an invaluable resource in our trip planning! Coming from Venice with a car in mid-October, can we drive directly to and park at Malsecene, do the panoramic walk on Monte Baldo and take a boat trip to Riva del Garda on the same day (the spend the night in or near Malsecene)? Is the hop on - hop off ferry the best way to do see the north end of the lake from there? How long do each of those activities take? Thanks again!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Hi, if you start your day early, yes, it should be doable. You can take a ferry or a car to explore the towns in the north, but it's definitely more relaxing by boat. How long it all takes depends on so many factors - how busy it is, whether you prebook your gondola tickets for a specific time slot or just get tickets upon arrival and wait for the next available gondola. Also, do you hike at the top or just look around and move on... For the boat, it depends on the schedule which might be a bit less frequent at that time of the year. You can find all that info on the official websites. See here for the Malcesine - Baldo cable car and here for the ferries. Enjoy your visit!

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Is it possible to take a car ferry from Sirmione to the north side of the lake? Or to Malsecene?

Thursday 31st of August 2023

Hi Laura, there are passenger ferries, but if you want to take a car, you can only do it between Limone and Malcenise or between Torri and Toscolano-Moderno (so east-west and not south-north). The road is really scenic though and it's a beautiful ride.

Nicola Johnson

Monday 24th of July 2023

This is a great blog, thanks. We have booked to go to Lake Garda from 30th March 2024 for 4 nights. We will be arriving by train and won't have a car when we are there. I have a few questions! Where would be the best place to stay that's central as we will be getting the train out again for day trips to Venice and Verona? I know the weather isn't going to be great at this time of year, do you know if you can still visit the Dolomites? Is it best to book an excursion from Lake Garda to Venice or do our own thing? We have a 12 year old, we might do the amusement park but is there anything round the lake that would be good? We don't have a lot of time! I am thinking we might not do Verona as I'd like to see more of the lake and the different towns along it.

Many thanks Nicola

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Many thanks for your reply. We had to go at Easter next year, it looks like that we might have to do a second visit another time to see all we want to see! The 1 day Venice itinerary is great, thanks.

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Hi Nicola, you could stay at one of the towns that has a railway station (e.g. Peschiera) - it will make your life easier. Dolomites, you can visit, but it's the end of the ski season, so you won't be able to do much. Some lifts might be closed already, and if they are open, that means there is snow everywhere. You'll also need a car to get anywhere or it will be practically not doable and very expensive. For Venice, you can just take a train and visit on your own - take a look at our Venice 1 day itinerary for some suggestions on what to see/do. I'm not sure you'll find any tours from Lake Garda this early in the season. You could check here a month or two before your trip to see if anything is available. The same with the Gardaland amusement park; I am not sure if it will be open for the season already. It could be since it's Easter holiday, but you'll have to check it before you go. Hope this helps.

Wednesday 24th of May 2023

I love your blog. My husband and I are in great shape and 82. We will train from Venice in late Oct and will stay 5 days at lake Garda. Love to walk and love old towns, walled cities and cobblestone streets Do u give ideas for places to stay? Does the ferry run in Oct? Do u recommend driving from town to town What is the closest international airport for us to fly home? Donna

Saturday 27th of May 2023

Hi Donna, that's a lot of questions and even more possible answers. Airports - Milan would be ok or Venice, or Bologna, and many smaller airports (more for European flights). But you say that you'll train from Venice, so you can easily go back to Venice at the end of your trip again. Driving is absolutely possible and in late October it shouldn't be too busy anymore. However, the roads are narrow and finding parking can be really challenging. I think there are boats the whole year round, just fewer than in the summer. You can find schedules in the harbor when you get there. As for where to stay, it depends on what you want to see and how you'll travel around. You could stay in 2 places for 2-3 nights each. In that case, I'd probably pick Sirmione and Riva del Garda and make trips from there. If you just stay in one place, then stay more in the middle - e.g. Garda town. Have a great trip!

The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Lake Garda

Updated September 4, 2023

// By Margherita

Welcome to our ULTIMATE guide of things to do in Lake Garda! After having visited Lake Garda countless times over the last few years, we’ve decided to gather all we know in this massive post, including info on towns near Lake Garda, other Lake Garda must-sees and the most unusual (and fun) things to do in Lake Garda! ***UPDATED 2023

Would you like to know more about another big Italian lake? Here’s our guide to Lake Como and here you can find our guide to Lake Maggiore!

Introducing Lake Garda Must-Sees

Lake Garda is a world apart. It’s right in the middle of Northern Italy, shaped like a ladle reaching upwards into the mountains. Towns and villages on the lake shore enjoy a milder climate compared to the rest of the region – you’ll see lemon trees and olive groves, palm-fringed lakeside walks with a stunning backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

I love Lake Garda. It’s the most diverse of Italy’s big lakes . It lacks the manicured beauty of Lake Como , the secretive feel of  Lake Orta and the decadent atmosphere of Lake Maggiore.

However, there are so many things to see on Lake Garda, that you’ll never find yourself wondering what to do . From windswept shores to wine-tasting and Roman ruins, from adventure activities to unique things to do like visiting poet D’Annunzio’s grandiose villa, the shores of Lake Garda will keep everyone happy.

The lake is only one hour away from Milan – by train you can easily get to Desenzano and Peschiera, on the southern shore. From there, it’s easy to hop from one village to another by bus or ferry.

Best Towns to Stay in Lake Garda

After having decided to visit Lake Garda, you’ll have to pick the best town for your stay , depending on your needs.

Keep reading the article, and you’ll see that we provide a detailed description of all Lake Garda towns , from Trentino in the north, to the Veneto and Lombardy shores to the east and west, with info on best things to do in and around Lake Garda.

To summarise, the best towns in Lake Garda for adventure lovers are definitely Riva del Garda and Nago-Torbole , located along the northern shore of the lake. Both towns are recommended for sailing and cycling lovers – if you’re into rock climbing, your best bet would be travelling a couple extra miles inland to Arco , the best rock climbing location in Italy. 

Another great place for adventure lovers is Tremosine , a unique ‘scattered town’ made of different hamlets scattered between the lake and surrounding mountains. Lots of adventure activities are available, including paragliding. 

Couples or those in search of romantic atmospheres should stay in either Limone , on the Lombardy shore, or Malcesine , just across the lake in Veneto. Both towns are really charming, with cobbled streets and cute lakeside restaurants. 

Foodies and wine lovers should choose to stay in Bardolino , close to a popular wine-growing region. The best places for those in search of a relaxing holiday are Lazise and Sirmione , in the southern part of Lake Garda, where you’ll find two excellent thermal baths. 

Last but not least, families! Generally speaking, all Lake Garda towns offer something to do for families – however, your best bet is probably Peschiera del Garda , close to two amazing amusement parks.

Let’s move on looking at things to do in Lake Garda , for nature, adventure and culture lovers, starting from the northern shore of the lake (because it’s my favourite!) all the way to the south.

Meanwhile, here is a selection of the BEST Lake Garda tours!

• Lake Garda: Electric Biking and Hiking at Mount Baldo – eBike and hiking tour of the most famous mountain overlooking the lake
• Valpolicella Wine Tour from Lake Garda – a day trip to the home of Prosecco, for true wine lovers!
• Lake Garda 2 Hour Guided Trike Tour – is cycling not your thing? You can experience Lake Garda with wind in your hair on this trike tour!
• Full Day Lake Garda Tour by Bus and Boat – a wonderful day trip covering the best towns in Lake Garda, including a boat ride!
• Lake Garda Half Day Wine Tasting Tour – for the wine lovers out there, a day trip tasting wine in and around Bardolino

Northern Lake Garda – Trentino

1) riva del garda.

Lake Garda is so large, it changes dramatically from north to south. The southern shores are pretty and genteel, beloved by poets and writers throughout history, with beautiful villas and a quiet atmosphere. The northern shores become wilder as you move further into the Alps.

This area has been famous among adventurers and adrenaline-lovers for decades and the opportunities for adventure activities are endless, with parasailing, rock-climbing and windsurfing on offer amongst others. 

Riva del Garda is the largest and most famous town in the northern part of the lake, and it is also the ideal base for GardaTrek , three loop trails of various length between lake and mountains. It is also close to some wonderful mountain bike trails of various length and difficulty, and it is also possible to do some pretty cool lake dives . 

The historic centre of Riva del Garda is full of sights and attractions to enjoy on a rainy day like the MAG – Museo Alto Garda and Torre Apponale . Here is our complete guide to Riva del Garda if you want to know more!

Food lovers will also find plenty to keep themselves entertained. There’s Birra Artigianale Impavida , an American-inspired craft brewery in nearby Arco, or else you can go wine tasting at Madonna delle Vittorie or Agritur Comai , or enjoy a delicious meal – here is our Riva del Garda restaurant guide!

Where to stay in Riva del Garda – Hotel Luise , a stunning four-star lakefront property with travel-themed rooms. Don’t miss the ‘Psychological Aperitivo’ every Thursday, with a mixologist creating a unique drink on the basis of your personality.

2) Torbole sul Garda

Torbole sul Garda is right next toor to Riva , and it is a common alternative for those wanting to stay on the northern shores of the lake for an adventure-filled holiday.

It’s in a wonderful location for scenic hikes like that to Valletta Santa Lucia , a scenic valley with a cool past – the Venetians fleet crossed it to carry their ships by hand from the Adige River in 1439 to the northern shores of the lake, surprising the Milanese fleet and eventually defeating them in battle. 

Another beautiful hike near Torbole is the Sentiero Busatte-Tempesta , definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Garda! This 5 km path connecting the two hamlets of the same name is suspended between mountain and lake, crossing rocky sections with metal stairs and walkways bolted to the rock. 

Torbole is also a great place for sailing and windsurfing , and it’s connected to Riva del Garda by a lakeside promenade/cycle path.

Where to stay in Torbole sul Garda –  Aktivhotel Santalucia , the ideal hotel for adventure travellers, offering advice on walking and biking paths, and a spa to relax after a day outdoors.

The town of Arco is not actually on the shore of Lake Garda, being located a little further inland along the Sarca River. However, Arco is so close to Riva and Torbole that it is also considered a Lake Garda town, and visiting it is definitely a good idea for adventurers looking for things to do in Lake Garda. 

Arco is worth a visit for its pretty historic centre and famous castle, overlooking the whole of the Alto Garda valley. Those staying in Riva or Torbole can easily reach Arco following the Sarca cycle path , which also continues further inland up to the village of Dro and Sarche , surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. 

Yet, Arco’s main claim to fame is that of being Italy’s best rock climbing destination. Near Arco there are hundreds of climbing routes spread between various falesie (crags) including multi-pitch routes of varying difficulty levels. It’s also possible to visit the famous Rockmaster stadium , one of the locations of the rock climbing world championships – and you can even climb there! 

Check out our Arco climbing post if you want to know more! 

Where to stay in Arco – ALEA Garda Lake Suite , a suites-only hotel surrounded by vineyards in San Giorgio, just a short hop from Arco. The hotel is ideal to relax after a busy day hiking or climbing, and the swimming pool in the garden is a true gem!

Tenno is one of the best kept secrets of the Lake Garda region! Although not directly on Lake Garda itself, Tenno is close enough, only 15 minutes drive from the lake shore.

By choosing to stay in Tenno, you can visit Lake Garda whenever you wish, or opt to relax at charming Lake Tenno , a smaller mountain lake with clear turquoise waters and far fewer tourists compared to its larger neighbour. 

You can also visit Canale di Tenno , a hamlet dating back to the Middle Ages where time feels as if it had stopped. Canale was brought back from neglect by a group of local artists in the 1960s, and one by one, ancient homes were renovated, and turned into workshops or holiday apartments. 

It’s a really fun and unique place to visit, especially during Christmas time, when it hosts one of Italy’s best Christmas Markets. Here is our full Tenno guide for more info!

Where to stay in Tenno – Antica Croce , a hotel with a fantastic restaurant and focus on ‘slow holidays’, with a special package for painters including an easel, canvas and paints! 

Eastern Lake Garda – Veneto

5) malcesine.

Malcesine is probably the most beautiful of all Lake Garda towns , but it’s also worth a visit for another reason – taking the cable car all the way to the top of Monte Altissimo, the tallest peak overlooking Lake Garda, where it’s possible to hike, enjoy a wonderful meal at the Rifugio Altissimo/Damiano Chiesa , or just take in the stunning views. 

The cable car climbs over 1500 meters so the weather can be dramatically different – when we visited, it was sunny and warm in Malcesine on the lake shore, but it was chilly and windy at the cable car’s top station. 

Near Malcesine you’ll also find the picturesque village of Cassone , home to the Aril River, the ‘world’s shortest river’ at only 175 meters long, and the spectacular Val di Sogno, a clear , secluded bay a short distance away from the city, where you’ll also find a pretty island and a wreck that divers can explore. 

The best known sight in Malcesine is the Castello Scaligero , definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Garda for families. The castle is very well preserved and it includes the recently-renewed Museo di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum), with lots of hands-on activities for little ones. It is also possible to explore the castle’s rooms, passageways and tunnels, and climb up to the tower.

If you’re looking for a great vantage point to take pictures of the Castello Scaligero , you’ll need to get out on the lake – there are sailing tours available, or you can just hop on the Malcesine-Riva del Garda ferry!

Where to stay in Malcesine – Bellevue San Lorenzo , a Belle Epoque villa turned boutique hotel, with beautiful lake views (hence the name!) and top amenities, including a spa and outdoor pool. 

Ambienthotel Primaluna – combining a great location and great facilities with a striking look, born from the collaboration between a creative owner and a visionary architect.

6) Garda (The Town)

Yes, I know, this is confusing – there’s a town called Garda on the shores of Lake Garda. This town is actually what lent the lake its current name – before the 8th century AD, when the lake started being referred to as Garda , it was known as Benaco. The name Garda comes from the ancient German word warda , meaning ‘watch’, referring to the town’s castle which in the High Middle Ages was one of the strongest in the region.

Garda town is about 30 km south of Malcesine via the super-scenic Gardesana Orientale , a road connecting all the towns and villages on the lake shore. 

Between Malcesine and Garda , the scenery changes from mountains to hills, and the atmosphere from Alpine becomes Mediterranean, while the weather remains warm year round. In Garda, it’s fun to explore the pretty medieval historic centre, which is also one of the best places for shopping – things to buy in Lake Garda include olive oil, wine, products made with Lake Garda lemons, and lots more delicious food at the weekly markets surrounding the lake. 

Other Garda points of interest include the Madonna della Corona church , built almost right into the mountainside, and Punta San Vigilio , one of the most scenic and tranquil spots of all Lake Garda, with a nice beach and a park. 

Where to stay in Garda – Sky Pool Hotel Sole Garda , which is worth a visit just for its amazing panoramic terrace with infinity pool!

7) Bardolino

Wine lovers will definitely have the chance to taste Bardolino , the signature wine of the Garda region . The best wine tasting region is between the towns of Lazise and Bardolino on the Eastern shore – a wine-tasting day is a great idea, spent visiting cellar doors and tasting delicious Bardolino and Chiaretto, a local rosé variety.

Bardolino was already famous for its wine in Roman times, so it is no surprise that many activities in and around Bardolino are actually wine-related – there are dozens of wineries offering wine tastings at the cellar door, you can go on a wine tour by bicycle, join a combo wine tasting and village tour , or even visit a ‘wine museum’!

If you’re a die hard wine lover , try to visit Bardolino for the yearly ‘Festa dell’Uva’ harvest festival in late September/early October, or the ‘Palio del Chiaretto’ , dedicated to rosé wine. Both festivals feature concerts, street food, firework displays and naturally lots and lots of wine! 

Where to stay in Bardolino – Parc Hotel Gritti , a classic luxury hotel offering great value for money with rooms to be had for as little as €80!

Lazise is a good alternative to Bardolino for those interested in wine, and it also has the added benefit of being close to thermal lakes and springs , making it ideal for a relaxing break. 

Just like Malcesine and Sirmione, Lazise is also home to a Castello Scaligero, with the same trademark swallow-tailed battlements and high towers. It is also worth visiting the former Customs House , built right on the lake – it was through this customs post that the Republic of Venice controlled trade over the lake for centuries. 

Lazise is also a great place for shopping, with a colourful weekly market and lots of shops selling Garda wine, olive oil and leather goods. 

Where to stay in Lazise – Villa dei Cedri , one of Italy’s best known historical spa hotels, with access to indoor and outdoor thermal pools and accommodation in charming 19th century surrounds. 

Best Tours from Lazise

• Lazise: Biodynamic Farm Tour and Natural Wine Tasting
• Lazise: Italian Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting
• Lazise: Winery Tour with Garda Wines and Food Tasting

9) Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera is the largest town on the Veneto side of the lake , and a transport hub due to the presence of the railway station and of the motorway. For this reason, it may feel less ‘quaint’ than other places like Garda, Malcesine or even Riva del Garda to the north. However, there’s plenty to see and do – here’s our guide to things to do in Peschiera del Garda!

The town extends between the shore of Lake Garda and the river Mincio , connecting the lake to the Po river further south. The historic centre of Peschiera del Garda is surrounded by the pentagonal walls of the Fortress, one of the four fortresses protecting the Habsburg Empire, connected to the rest of the city by a pedestrian bridge. 

Peschiera offers many more sights besides the famous Fortress, and visiting is is definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Garda. There are wonderful beaches including Braccobaldo Bau , one of the few Lake Garda beaches to accept dogs, the opportunity to go on boat tours to other Lake Garda towns like Riva, Desenzano, Salò, Sirmione and Lazise. 

And naturally… Gardaland is just next door, just make sure you book your ticket ahead of time!

Where to stay in Peschiera – Enjoy Garda , a sleek, modern 4-star hotel with a large garden and outdoor pool

Best Tours from Peschiera del Garda

• Peschiera Half Day Lake Garda Cruise
• Peschiera del Garda on a Vintage Fiat 500
• Peschiera: SUP Tour on Lake Garda

10) Gardaland

I was in two minds on whether or not to include this. Gardaland is an amusement park , with some hair-rising rides, cartoon parades and the like. Not my cup of tea at 35 – but I did love it as a child, and visited for about 5 years in a row.

If you are visiting Lake Garda or Milan with children and you want to treat them to a day out that is just about them, Gardaland is a great choice , with rides and attraction for all ages. Remember to book your ticket in advance – here you can get an open 1-day ticket or a 2-day ticket !

Try to avoid visiting during school holidays (June-September), as it’s overrun with teenagers and queues can be hours at a time. They’ll certainly remember it as their favourite thing to do in Lake Garda!

Where to stay near Gardaland – Gardaland Hotel is Gardaland’s very own hotel, with themed rooms, characters running around, and lots of magic for children and grown ups alike. This is your traditional amusement park hotel, like those found in Disney parks.

Gardaland Magic Hotel  is a little more upmarket and secluded, with only 128 themed rooms and a ‘magical’ theme throughout.

Southern and Western Lake Garda – Lombardia

11) sirmione.

If you fancy something a little more relaxing than climbing mountains, opt for Sirmione, one of the prettiest Lake Garda destinations . Set on a peninsula jutting into the lake, and beloved by writers and poets from Catullus to Tennyson and Joyce, Sirmione has that kind of  Mediterranean atmosphere that will make you want to stay longer and longer.

History buffs will love Catullus family villa , so engulfed by the wilderness that it was once believed to be a complex of caves. Another sight that shouldn’t be missed is the Scaliger Castle , right on the lakeside, looking like a fairytale manor with its turrets and battlements.

The centre of Sirmione village can be overrun with tourists in summer, but visit in the off-season or head out to the beach for a swim in the turquoise lake waters, and you’re likely to have the place to yourself.

If you’re after some old-fashioned relaxing, head to Aquaria Thermal SPA for hot springs and massage treatments!

Where to stay in Sirmione – Grand Hotel Terme , for a luxurious stay with access to the Spa! Truly the best way to relax on Lake Garda!

Best Tours from Sirmione

• Sirmione: 25-Minute Boat Cruise around the Peninsula
• Sirmione: Vineyard Tour with Lugana Wines and Local Tastings
• Lake Garda: Sirmione E-bike rental with App and Wine Tasting

12) Desenzano 

Desenzano is the largest Lake Garda town. Similarly to Peschiera, it may lack that ‘charming Italian village’ feel, but it’s actually a great choice for a base if you want to explore places like Verona and Mantua , besides enjoying all the many things to do in Lake Garda. 

There’s a railway stop in Desenzano , lots of buses connecting the town to Sirmione and beyond, and ferries heading to the four corners of the lake. However, Desenzano is also worth spending a day or two – there’s an archaeological museum, housing a Bronze Age plough, a Castle also nicknamed ‘la Terrazza sul Garda’ for its scenic views from the tower, a picturesque port and even a Roman Villa. 

Where to stay in Desenzano – Castello Belvedere ,  a charming hotel in a 17th century castle a short distance from the centre of Desenzano, offering great value with rooms starting at €67!

13) Manerba del Garda

The Trentino shore of Lake Garda is usually chosen by people looking for nature and adventure, but if you want to stay on the southern part of Lake Garda while enjoying some outdoor activities , Manerba is the place for you!

The main point of interest to explore is the Rocca di Manerba , the ruins of a medieval castle overlooking the lake. You can hike up to the Rocca via a scenic path, but don’t forget to also check out the Parco della Rocca , with different species of native flora including over 20 orchid species. 

Near Manerba there are also several more options for hikes or bike rides – a scenic trail joins Pisenze to Dusano , with a stop at Punta Sasso, another scenic viewpoint over the lake. If you prefer relaxing, Manerba offers 11 km of beaches , with opportunities to rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. 

Manerba is also the ideal place to reach two Lake Garda islands – Isola del Garda , with a stunning 19th century mansion, and Isola dei Conigli/Isola San Biagio , so close to the shore it’s possible to walk there. 

Where to stay in Manerba del Garda –  The Swan B&B , run by friendly host Adriano who offers accommodation in his villa just a short walk from Lake Garda. There’s also a lovely garden with a swimming pool, perfect to escape if the lake beaches get crowded!

14) Padenghe sul Garda

Just a stone’s throw from Manerba, Padenghe is another cute lakeside village, perfect to combine relaxation and outdoor activities on Lake Garda. 

You can visit Padenghe Castle , dating back to the 12th century with well-preserved drawbridge and stone towers, check out Sant’Emiliano Church, or just take a relaxing lakeside walk to Manerba , from where you can hike up to the Rocca. 

The beaches are stunning and ideal for families – at Desenzanino Beach you can also rent a sunlounger and umbrella for €8 per day. 

Final tip – if you are a nightlife lover , in the vicinity of Padenghe there are several discos and nightclubs. Two recommended ones are Red Clubbing and Coco Beach Club!

Where to Stay in Padenghe sul Garda – Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort , one of the best 5 star hotels near Lake Garda, featuring a private beach, wellness facilities, 3 restaurants and a sprawling outdoor pool! 

After Desenzano, Salò is the second-largest town on the Lombardia shore of Lake Garda, famous for having been the headquarters of the Repubblica Sociale , the seat of the Fascist government at the end of World War II. 

It’s worth a visit for its lakeside promenade , the longest in the entire Garda area, and for its 15th century Duomo di Sant’Annunziata , whose architecture is a hybrid between Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Near Salò, there are also many hiking opportunities along the paths of the Alto Garda Bresciano park, while those wanting to relax can head to Rimbalzello beach , where you can choose between chilling in sun loungers, swimming or playing a variety of sports.

Where to stay in Salò – Hotel Spiaggia d’Oro Charme & Boutique ,  relaxed lakeside hotel with outdoor pools and landscaped gardens, away from the centre of the city and perfect for a relaxing stay.

16) Gardone Riviera/Vittoriale degli Italiani

Literati and lovers of quirky sights will enjoy visiting the Vittoriale , poet D’Annunzio’s whimsical villa on the shores of Lake Garda, near Gardone Riviera on the western shore of the lake, just north of Salò.

I visited the villa years ago, during a school trip, but I remember being amazed by the eclectic furniture and crazy exhibits on show. One room is decorated like a Bedouin tent, an Art Deco dining room comes complete with a gilded turtle on the table, and another room had a plane propellor hanging from the ceiling.

The craziest thing to do on Lake Garda , though, has to be visiting military ship Puglia, lying on top of a hill among the trees in the gardens of the Vittoriale. It was donated to D’Annunzio, who had it taken apart and carried to his residence where it was reassembled on a hill, pointed symbolically towards the Adriatic sea.

Where to stay in Gardone Riviera – Grand Hotel Gardone , an elegant 19th century hotel to make you feel as if you travelled back to the time of the ‘Grand Tour’, when Lake Garda was already a popular tourist destination.

17) Gargnano

Gargnano is probably the prettiest town on the Lombardia shore of Lake Garda, with a photogenic curved promenade and lots more sights and activities – don’t miss it, visiting Gargnano should be included in your things to do in Lake Garda list!

Whether you reach it from the north or the south, if you’re driving you’ll probably reach Gargnano via the Gardesana Occidentale , a scenic lakeside road connecting towns and villages on the shore. It is indeed a stunning drive, but be very, very careful of the traffic lights around Gargnano – many have cameras!

There’s a lot to see and do around Gargnano – you can stay at Villa Feltrinelli, Mussolini’s lakeside home now turned into a luxury hotel, hike the surrounding mountains, and enjoy sailing and other water sports. You can also visit Limonaia La Malora, one of the oldest Lake Garda lemon groves, run by a father-and-son team.

Where to stay in Gargnano – Lefay Resort & SPA , an eco-sustainable property with a focus on wellbeing, a spa, and scenic lake views. This is probably my favourite Lake Garda hotel, so don’t miss it!

18) Tremosine

Tremosine is also known as ‘the town that doesn’t exist’ – it’s not one town, but a collection of nineteen hamlets on the north-western side of Lake Garda, developed on a small plateau.

The largest of the hamlets is Pieve di Tremosine , with a spectacular hanging piazza overlooking the lake. Another popular thing to see near Tremosine is the Strada della Forra, a scenic road crossing a canyon and connecting Pieve to the lake shore – the road was featured in a 007 movie, and in many car commercials. 

Tremosine an outdoor mecca, with opportunities for horse-riding, canyoning and kitesurfing in addition to hiking and cycling, two of the most popular things to do in Lake Garda. From Tremosine, it is also possible to reach Passo Nota , starting point for hikes on the surrounding mountains, especially interesting for history lovers as it’s possible to visit WW1 trenches and battlefields.

Where to stay in Tremosine – Hotel Le Balze Aktiv ,  a family friendly property in a scenic location, with a focus on outdoor activities and wellbeing.

19) Limone sul Garda

The secret of why Limone is so special is in its name – its mild climate made it the ideal location to grow lemon trees, and all throughout the 19th century the town was surrounded by lemon groves. Nowadays, tourism is a much more important revenue source than lemon products, but you can still see lemon trees growing on terraces on the steep hillside just behind the town.

Limone also has a scenic historic centre and lakeside promenade – but at this stage, I’m sure you’ll have realised that pretty much every Lake Garda town has them! What makes Limone unique, though, is the new cycle path, built in a scenic position hanging over the lake. If you like cycling and views, you can’t miss adding the Limone cycle path to your list of things to do in Lake Garda!

Where to stay in Limone sul Garda – Park Hotel Imperial , the best luxury property in town!

Things to Buy in Lake Garda

First things first – make sure you have an empty bag to take home with you all the cool things to buy in Lake Garda!

Let’s start with food products. As we’ve seen, Lake Garda is a wine area, with lots of cellars and wineries around Lazise and Bardolino. The most iconic varieties are Chiaretto, Bardolino and Garda Classico , so make sure you try them all!

The northern shore of Lake Garda is also an olive-growing region – near Riva del Garda you’ll find 46° Parallelo , the northernmost olive oil producer in the world! Omkafe near Arco is a wonderful local coffee roastery, and another great place to get presents for wine-loving friends. 

If you have a car, you could also buy some freshwater fish from the lake, or some meat products such as carne salada,  cured beef typical of the Garda area which is delicious both fresh or cooked. 

Best Lake Garda Street Markets

Besides food, the weekly street markets in all Lake Garda towns are a great place to buy leather products, shoes, clothes and other souvenirs.

Every day, there’s a market being held in one or more towns around the lake. You’ll find all sorts of products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to artisan cheeses and cured meats, entire stalls just selling olives and pickled goods, mobile trucks offering rotisserie chicken, and more. 

Just remember street markets in Italy generally take place in the morning. They open as early as 7 am, and by lunchtime, they start unpacking. Some vendors may linger around until early afternoon, but by 2 or 3 pm generally they’re all gone. Don’t forget to visit in the morning to do your Lake Garda shopping at street markets!

Here is a list of the best Lake Garda street markets for each day of the week!

• Monday: Peschiera del Garda, Colombare di Sirmione
• Tuesday: Desenzano, Torbole (March/Sept, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month), Limone (April/Dec), Arco (May/Oct)
• Wednesday: Riva del Garda (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month), Arco (every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month), Gargnano, Lazise
• Thursday:  Bardolino, Toscolano, Dro (not far from Arco)
• Friday: Riva del Garda, Garda, Lugana di Sirmione
• Saturday:  Malcesine, Salò
• Sunday: Rivoltella di Desenzano

How to Get to Lake Garda

• By Plane – the closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona (VRN), followed by Milan Bergamo (BGY). Travel time depends on where exactly in Lake Garda you need to go. 
• By Train – the Milan/Venice railway line travels along the southern side of Lake Garda, with stops in Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda. From there, it’s easy to hop on local buses to reach most Lake Garda towns. If you’re planning to visit Riva del Garda, Torbole or Malcesine, it’s probably better to take the train to Rovereto on the railway line heading to Austria and Germany via Trento, and continue by bus.
• By Car – the A4 railway runs along the south of the lake, following a similar route to the railway. You can exit at Brescia Est, Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera if you’re planning to visit the southern half of the lake and then continue on secondary roads, or connect with the A22 and exit at Rovereto Sud for northern towns like Riva and Torbole. 

Best time to Visit Lake Garda 

Now you know everything about Lake Garda, you’ll just have to decide when to visit! Let’s start with good news – Lake Garda is truly a year-round destination.

Its Mediterranean microclimate ensures warm summers and mild winters , and the constant Lake Garda winds, especially in the northern part of the lake, mean that summer is rarely stifling hot. 

Just one clarification before we move onto discussing the best times to visit Lake Garda. Don’t forget that the lake is the largest in Italy, with over 70 km from its northern tip in Riva del Garda to Peschiera, the southernmost point.

This means that weather and temperatures may vary from one location to another, and it’s generally a few degrees warmer in the south compared to the north. 

The best times to visit Lake Garda are probably spring and summer. In spring, temperatures are between 15 and 25°C in the daytime, dropping to 5/15°C at night. You’ll find wildflowers, sunny skies and few tourists up till Easter, then they increase steadily. 

If you are planning to visit in spring but want to save on accommodation, avoid visiting during Italian and German/Austrian public holidays , when the lake gets busy with visitors. 

Autumn is comparable to spring in terms of temperatures, probably just a touch colder, especially from mid-October onwards. November is probably the quietest month around the lake, but it can be quite rainy. 

December and January are the coldest months , with daytime temperatures around 5-6°C and freezing nights. December is quite busy, with visitors to the Christmas Markets taking place in most towns around the lake.

The rest of winter after the Christmas/New Year’s holidays is very quiet, and daytime temperatures are ideal to go hiking, cycling or enjoy other outdoor activities. 

Summer is by far the busiest time to visit the lake – but admittedly, it’s a great time to visit. Average highs often touch 30°C, dropping around 20°C at night – on top of that, the long days and late sunsets are perfect to enjoy spritz or an alfresco dinner overlooking the lake. 

Last but not least, yes you can go swimming on Lake Garda! Water temperature generally reaches 20°C in late June/early July, and stays warm all through to September. On very warm summers, the temperature may rise even further. 

7 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Lake Garda”

Great post. The pictures bring back so many memories of my visit on the lake. I explored most of the southern parts. I will have to go back for Riva though, I hear its absolutely stunning.

What an interesting and beautiful place. Clearly we didn’t spend enough time in Italy. And that pool looks so inviting.

It does, right? shame we didn’t get to try it. It was too cold!

Those are really a lot of faces of Lake Garda, Margherita! But I agree with you, the lake is definitely a beautiful place to visit and I really enjoyed spending some relaxing days there at the end of last summer. The one face I would have to add would be camping. There were some really nice camp sites, situated right on the lake and allowing me to jump into the lake before even having breakfast in the campervan… 🙂

That sounds brilliant Dennis! Don’t forget to call me next time you’re traveling with your van in Italy. I’ll take my tent and pitch it next to you! 🙂

Wow…I have heard that Lake Garda was worth a visit but didn’t realize it was so beautiful. I love that it offers so many things for various interests. I think my kids would be at Gardaland as a first choice. Enjoy your blog tour!

I must say, I do love Gardaland myself! But if you are thinking of visiting Garda head to the northern shore… stunning place, with a wild and rugged atmosphere!

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Poets and politicians, divas and dictators, they've all been drawn to captivating Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). In fact, 7% of all tourists to Italy head for the lake’s shores, taking to its wind-ruffled waters in the north and village- and vineyard-hopping in the south. Surrounded by three distinct regions – Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto – the lake’s cultural diversity attracts a cosmopolitan crowd. Mitteleuropeans colonise northern resorts such as Riva del Garda and Torbole, where restaurants serve air-dried ham and Austrian-style carne salada (salted beef), while in the south, French and Italian families bed down in Valtenesi farmhouses and family-friendly spa towns such as Sirmione and Bardolino.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

Lake Garda West Bank

Poet, soldier, hypochondriac and proto-Fascist, Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863–1938) defies easy definition, and so does his estate. Bombastic, extravagant and…

Museo di Salò

Opened in the mid-2010s and housed in an old monastery a block back from Salò’s ferry dock, Musa’s exhibits are split between a permanent collection that…

Grotte di Catullo

Occupying 2 hectares at Sirmione's northern tip, this ruined 1st-century-AD Roman villa is a picturesque complex of teetering stone arches and tumbledown…

Cascata del Varone

An unusual 100m waterfall that thunders through a vertical limestone tunnel rather than off an open cliff. With the help of metal walkways, you can enter…

Parco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba

Protected by Unesco, the gorgeous 'rock of Minerva' juts out scenically into the lake just north of Moniga del Garda. The park contains the remaining low…

Monte Baldo

The long mountain ridge that towers above the northeast shores of Lake Garda is known as Monte Baldo. Ironically, the name doesn’t refer to its baldness …

Republic of Salò

In 1943 Salò was named the capital of the Social Republic of Italy as part of Mussolini and Hitler's last efforts to organise Italian Fascism in the face…

Isola del Garda

It's not often you get to explore such a stunning private island, villa and grounds. Anchored just off Salò, this speck of land is crowned with impressive…

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8 Prettiest Lake Garda Towns You Must Visit (+ Map & Tips)

After several trips to Italy where we’ve explored popular cities like Florence and Verona and had some fun in the sun on the Italian island of Sardinia , we have to say that Lake Garda in the north is quickly becoming our favourite Italian escape.

It’s officially the largest lake in Italy, and especially on a clear day, the views you’ll see across the lake (and when on it!) are simply stunning. Like a sparkling liquid sapphire right at your feet.

Lake Garda is also full of pretty market towns in rainbow colours, as well as towns built on ancient Roman ruins and cradled by dramatic mountains.

So if you’re wondering which Lake Garda towns are the prettiest and absolute must-sees during your trip, then you’ve come to the right place!

8 of the Prettiest Lake Garda Towns You Must Visit!

1. Sirmione

Sirmione sits on the tip of the peninsula that juts out from the bottom of the lake and is one of the most popular Lake Garda towns (especially for first time visitors).

Thanks to its sandy beaches (Jamaica Beach and Spiaggia Lido Delle Bionde are particular favourites), as well as easy access for swimming in the lake, Sirmione is a popular favourite with sunseekers. 

But what makes this town even more special is its ties with history and royalty.

Queen Ansa of Desiderio chose this area of Lake Garda to build a monastery for the Benedictines in the 8th Century and there are ancient Roman ruins abound here too.

There’s the Scaligero Castle (built by the Scaligeri of Verona in the 13th century), which you can climb to the top of for stunning views across Sirmione and the glistening lake.

And at the end of the peninsula, you’ll come across Grotte di Catullo, which is an ancient Roman villa dating back as far as the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 1st century A.D.

Despite the villa being in ruins, some walls and windows remain, so you can easily get a feel for how luxurious this villa must once have been, complete with unparalleled views of the lake from its many windows.

Before leaving Sirmione, we’d recommend taking a relaxing dip in the thermal pools found at the Aquaria Thermal Spa (Terme di Sirmione), some of which are infinity pools overlooking the lake.

Finally, the harbour at Sirmione also offers various boat trips to other towns around Lake Garda including Malcesine, Garda and Bardolino, which you can visit as day trips or for longer if you prefer.

TLDR VERSION: SIRMIONE

Reasons to visit: Beaches, history, easy access and incredible views Must-sees: Scaligero Castle and Grotte di Catullo Must-dos: Aquaria Thermal Spa and boat trips to other Lake Garda towns

– Recommended by Ivan from Mind The Travel

Torbole is a postcard-worthy fishing town nestled on the northern shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. 

With a long paved promenade, the colourful houses, dramatic scenery of craggy outcrops and high mountains coupled with the deep blue waters of the lake, Torbole has lots to offer visitors and is truly a hidden gem.

Located between Monte Baldo on the eastern side and the Sarche plain on the northern side, Torbole is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing fans. 

Furthermore, you can have a wonderful canyoning experience and launch yourself from the top of rock formations formed over thousands of years into the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda.

There are plenty of land-based activities in Torbole too. You’ll find numerous comfortable and challenging hiking trails at different altitudes stretching through the beautiful natural landscape that can be walked in a few hours, including the popular panoramic route from Tempesta to Busatte Park. 

This trail features two sections with stairs and railings bolted onto the rocks and offers fabulous views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Naturally, Torbole also offers a smattering of medieval architecture and historical sites.

A lovely walk from Nago to Torbole will lead you past the Marmitte dei Giganti formations that were sanded smooth by the unimaginably powerful glacial movements and offer an impressive natural phenomenon. 

If you find yourself here in late spring, make sure to see the harbour and hike at Mount Altissimo di Nago, which dominates Lake Garda.

Don’t miss Vecchia Dogana (a Customs House that dates back to the 15th century), Casa Breust, the main square and the tollhouse (Casetta del Dazio) on this little exploration.

Also set some time aside to visit the Church of Saint Andrea that overlooks the older part of Torbole. Its history is tightly woven with the fortunes of this charming old town.

TLDR VERSION: TORBOLE

Reasons to visit: Colourful houses, dramatic scenery and fun outdoor activities Must-sees: Vecchia Dogana, Casa Breust and Casetta del Dazio Must-dos: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, canyoning and hiking

3. Riva del Garda

– Recommended by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe

Sitting at the northern end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is a beautiful medieval city built around a picturesque harbour. This popular holiday resort boasts some fine architecture and has plenty of charm.

Right beside the harbour you’ll find Piazza Tre Novembre, a large square which dominates the centre of the town. Shops and cafes housed in brightly coloured buildings line the square, all watched over by the Torre Apponale, a 13th-century clocktower.  

If you’re feeling energetic, why not climb the tower’s 165 narrow steps for magnificent views over the lake and surrounding mountains?

Piazza Tre Novembre is the place to grab a bite to eat from one of the many cafes, trattorias or tavernas. In summer, umbrellas shade the tables and there’s no better place to sit and watch the world go by.

Just a few steps away you can visit a moated castle, originally built to protect the town from pirates. Today it’s home to a small museum and art gallery and can be reached by crossing a double-arched bridge and the former drawbridge.

Riva del Garda appeals to all ages with its array of sports, too. Swimming, sailing and windsurfing are extremely popular, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the nearby mountains.

Lake cruises are a popular pastime, and the nearby Bastione, which can be reached by funicular, provides some of the best views of the lake from up high.

The ‘pearl of Lake Garda’, as it is commonly known, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is busiest during the months of July and August. If you visit in May or September you can take advantage of warm temperatures without the crowds.

TLDR VERSION: RIVA DEL GARDA

Reasons to visit: History, architecture and fun outdoor adventures Must-sees: Piazza Tre Novembre, Torre Apponale, Museo Civico and the Bastione Must-dos: Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, mountain biking and lake cruises

4. Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano isn’t usually included in roundups of the prettiest towns on Lake Garda – but it should be. 

While the buildings throughout the town are painted in bright summer colours like reds, oranges, yellows and blues, the bustling harbour of Porte Vecchio is a charming place for a stroll to see moored sailboats, lakeside views and picturesque arches.

Desenzano is also one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda without a car because the railway station is just a twenty minute walk from the centre of town and has good connections to other Italian cities like Milan, Verona , Venice , Brescia, Padua and more. 

This not only makes it easy to get to Lake Garda without a car but also allows you to visit other cities nearby as day trips.

TLDR VERSION: DESENZANO DEL GARDA

Reasons to visit: Pretty buildings, bustling harbour and easy railway connections Must-sees: Porte Vecchio harbour Must-dos: Day trips to cities like Milan and Verona

5. Peschiera del Garda

– Recommended by Noel from Travel Photo Discovery

Lake Garda has so many lovely little towns and communities to explore around this colourful and scenic landscape. 

One of my favourite towns to visit is Peschiera , a lovely lakeside town with a beautiful historic centre with its ancient walled city, ramparts and fortress that are fun to explore. 

One of the best ways to explore nature and the outdoors around Peschiera is by boat and cruising the lovely canals around the walled city and lake region. You can also get to the old town with beautiful views of the city centre from the water. 

Or if you prefer to just stay on land, go and walk through the old streets through pretty and pastel coloured buildings filled with cafes, boutique stores, galleries and other tourist shops that are fun to walk through and window shop.

Peschiera just oozes with Italian charm, lovely flowers everywhere and an Instagram spot everywhere you turn around the town.

If you are looking for a pretty and relaxed place to enjoy with historic interest and charming flair, check out Peschiera and even cruise through the ramparts and canals surrounding this lovely Italian town right on the banks of Lake Garda.

TLDR VERSION: PESCHIERA DEL GARDA

Reasons to visit: History, architecture and relaxing boat cruises Must-sees: The ancient walled city, ramparts and fortress Must-dos: Canal cruises, walks through the old streets and boutique shopping

6. Limone sul Garda

– Recommended by Arzo from Arzo Travels

Visiting Limone in Lake Garda is a must. It is probably the cutest place out there. Though it is very small it is full of charm and there are many reasons why it is the best town in the area.

The village centre is gorgeous – with flowers all round and cute narrow streets that want to be explored. So, while Limone is small, take your time to explore the side streets that are so colourful and pretty with colourful houses and flowers everywhere.

Walk along the promenade in Limone and enjoy the great views of the lake on one side and the houses sitting on the hills and mountains on the other side; explore the side streets with cute shops, restaurants and cafes. Or you can take a drink to go and sit down at the harbour and enjoy the happening and pretty surrounding.

Then head to the cycle path that opened in Limone in 2018 – this “street” is car-free and offers beautiful views of the lake. Tip: Get there early when everyone is still sleeping to have it all to yourself.

There are also a few museums and Limone even has (a small) beach – all this makes Limone the best town around Lake Garda to visit.

Tip: Limone is very small – and yet very busy. So while summer is the most popular time to visit, shoulder season (April, May or September and October) might be the best time to visit to avoid the crowds in Limone.

TLDR VERSION: LIMONE SUL GARDA

Reasons to visit: Stunning village centre, colourful houses and promenade walks Must-sees: The harbour, beach and museums Must-dos: Walks along the promenade and check out the views from the cycle path

7. Gardone Riviera

– Recommended by Teresa from Brogan Abroad

Located on the western shore of Lake Garda, Gardone Riviera is a charming little town that is ideal as a base to explore Lake Garda and the region of Lombardy.

Known as the ‘garden city’ of Lake Garda, Gardone Riviera is one of the most prestigious spots in Lake Garda. It is part of the famous ‘Borghi Piu Belli D’Italia’ club, which translates as the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’ club – and for good reason.

With opulent waterfront villas and belle époque hotels, Gardone Riviera is ideal to spend a day strolling and enjoying the lake views, gelato in hand. The charming historic centre of the village, a short walk uphill from the lake shore, is another great place to walk around and enjoy the cute courtyards, stairs and flowers all around.

Aside from the beauty of this village, one of the reasons that people visit Gardone Riviera is Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. Il Vittoriale is a grand Italian villa with spectacular gardens and views over the lake, which used to be the home of eccentric writer and poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Visiting Il Vittoriale is one of the best things to do in Lombardy , and the house itself gives you a unique insight into the writer’s obsessive life. But the highlight is the grounds, which has a number of gorgeous viewpoints, garden areas and even a battleship turned garden!

TLDR VERSION: GARDONE RIVIERA

Reasons to visit: It’s in the ‘Borghi Piu Belli D’Italia’ (‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’) club Must-sees: Il Vittoriale degli Italiani villa and grounds Must-dos: Stroll around the historic centre, indulge in gelato and admire the views

8. Malcesine

Last but certainly not least on this list of pretty Lake Garda towns is Malcesine – and the highlight of our trip to Lake Garda. 

It’s a small harbour town on the north-eastern side of the lake, and thanks to its resident mountain, Malcesine offers views across Lake Garda like no other.

At over 2000 metres, Monte Baldo might be considered a small mountain by some, but a short cable car ride to the top will have you in awe of your surroundings. 

Plus, there are various mountain hikes you can embark on from up here, which have incredible views the whole way across both the lake and mountain range.

And for the adrenaline junkies among you, Monte Baldo is also a popular spot for paragliders! 

Once you’re back down on the ground, be sure to take a wander around Malcesine harbour, which has a charming mix of sailboats, gelato shops and Italian locals basking in the sunshine.

Still not convinced Malcesine is one of the prettiest Lake Garda towns of the whole lot? Can you be persuaded if we tell you the bay of Malcesine is aptly nicknamed ‘Dream Valley’? 

TLDR VERSION: MALCESINE

Reasons to visit: Unparalleled lake views and paragliding opportunities Must-sees: Malcesine harbour and the bay Must-dos: Monte Baldo cable car trip, hiking and paragliding

More Lake Garda Towns For Your Wishlist

If you have longer to spend in Italy and want to see even more Lake Garda towns, then here are some more to consider (which are on our own wishlist for our next trip to Lake Garda):

• Torri del Benaco

Where To Stay In Lake Garda

While we think Desenzano is one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda without a car, you may also want to consider staying in one of the towns that has a bit more going on such as Sirmione. 

Each of these towns are also well connected for day trips around the lake, so there’s no reason why your itinerary can’t include trips to other pretty Lake Garda towns.

During our visit, we chose to stay in Sirmione and booked a luxurious one bedroom suite with a balcony overlooking the lake at Casa Dei Pescatori . While our room was stunning and luxurious, the views were great and it was easy enough to walk into the old part of Sirmione from where we were staying. 

The only downsides were the lack of kitchen facilities to do our own cooking and the fact that a popular restaurant backed onto the apartment, so our balcony wasn’t very private in the evenings. But these are minor points and are unlikely to bother many of you.

Check prices for Casa Dei Pescatori on Booking.com >>

Other places to stay in Desenzano or Sirmione that come highly rated by other travellers are:

• Hotel Pace : Beautiful 3-star beach hotel near Scaligero Castle in Sirmione | Check Prices
• Hotel Mon Repos : Relaxing 3-star hotel with pool bar also near Scaligero Castle in Sirmione | Check Prices
• Hotel Désirée: 3-star lakefront hotel near Scaligero Castle in Sirmione | Check Prices
• Hotel Vittorio: Charming 3-star lakefront hotel near the centre of Desenzano | Check Prices
• Villa Rosa Hotel: Delightful 4-star beachfront hotel near Spiaggia “Desenzanino” | Check Prices
• Wellness Boutique Hotel Mayer & Splendid: Charming 3-star hot springs hotel in the centre of Desenzano | Check Prices

Find more Lake Garda hotels on Booking.com >>

Getting To & Around Lake Garda

Lake garda road trip.

One of the most popular ways to get to and around Lake Garda for both locals and tourists is with a road trip, so you can take in the views from multiple towns around Lake Garda during just one trip. 

While it’s possible to visit Lake Garda as a day trip from somewhere like Verona, most Lake Garda itineraries suggest spending 5-7 days road-tripping around the lake so you can spend time in a couple of different towns without rushing.

We wouldn’t recommend doing this during July or August though as Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination and the roads surrounding it are narrow in a lot of places, so traffic builds up quickly during the summer months.

Without A Car: Buses, Trains & Boats

If you’re like us and hate driving on the other side of the road(!), then it’s more than possible to visit Lake Garda without a car thanks to various bus, train and boat routes.

The best city to fly into is Verona. And from there, you could choose one of these routes for an easy trip:

• Hop on a train to Desenzano, which takes less than 30 minutes
• Hop on a bus to Sirmione, which takes roughly 45 minutes (sometimes longer in heavy traffic) 
• Hop on a train to Peschiera, which takes just 15 minutes. (You can then also get an easy connection from here to Bardolino, Garda or Lazise.)

Whether you head for Desenzano, Sirmione or Peschiera from Verona, it’ll be easy enough to get a train and/or ferry to other Lake Garda towns during your stay – even as day trips.

Without A Car: Lake Garda Day Trips

But if you don’t want to drive or rely on public transport and just want to visit Lake Garda for the day, then tours are a great option (and a relaxing one!) 

We like to use Get Your Guide for all our tours as they have fair prices, a good selection of options to choose from and a fantastic cancellation policy for most tours.

Here are some Lake Garda day trips we’ve found that you might like:

• From Verona: Sirmione and Lake Garda Small Group Tour
• From Verona: Lake Garda Full-Day Tour by Bus and Boat

Day Trips From Lake Garda

It’s also possible to visit other places in Italy as day trips from Lake Garda. Here are a few ideas from Get Your Guide that you might like:

• Verona Full-Day Tour
• Half-Day Wine & Tasting Tour
• Dolomites Full-Day Tour
• Venice and Lagoon Full-Day Tour
• Milan Full-Day Tour

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading all about these beautiful Lake Garda towns! Which one(s) have you added to your wishlist? Do you have any other questions about your trip to Lake Garda? We’d love to hear from you so leave a comment below…

Did you like this? Pin this mini Lake Garda travel guide now, read it again later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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15 Prettiest Lake Garda Towns That'll Make You Swoon

After the last five years of living in Europe, I’ve been to Italy at least half a dozen times. My latest trip was to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake and one of the most popular places to visit for both Italians and European tourists alike. There are so many Lake Garda towns that without a guide, it’s hard to know where you ought to visit and what to skip. For that reason, I wrote up this post!

I hope it helps you decide where to go in Lake Garda, the best towns of Lake Garda, tours you can take to Lake Garda, the best day trips from Lake Garda, as well as how to reach Lake Garda from Verona, Milan, or Bergamo.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in lake garda, how to reach lake garda, tours to lake garda from other cities.

• Best towns to visit on Lake Garda

Best day trips from Lake Garda

Here are two places we stayed around Lake Garda. It’s helpful with a lake this big to stay at a different place as you make your way around the lake. Since you’ll most likely be renting a car, you can easily drive between the different places you book.

• Hotel Baitone (Malcesine) Budget-friendly Located a little ways out of Malcesine, this budget-friendly hotel has its own restaurant and private access to the lake.
• Borgo il Mezzanino (Salò) Really nice grounds you can walk around, and a beautiful view over the lake (since it’s situated up on a hill). Can be a little tricky to find since it’s on a dirt road!

Both Malcesine and Salò are excellent places to stay on opposite sides of Lake Garda, even if my two recommended hotels are not available at the time when you book your trip.

View of the common area at Borgo il Mezzanino .

There are a number of different airports you can fly into for reaching Lake Garda, so just check which one has the best deals from the city you’re flying into. The most popular airports to arrive in are either Milan (MXP) or Venice (VCE). I’ve flown in to both airports, and they are almost equidistant from Lake Garda. This time, I flew into Venice because I was planning to spend a few days there before continuing the trip.

I highly recommend renting a car during your time at Lake Garda. We always book through DiscoverCars and find the service great. Just make sure to get some kind of insurance in Italy, as people tend to be less gentle with their cars.

If you just want to visit Lake Garda for one day, there are a bunch of different options to visit Lake Garda from some of the most popular neighboring cities, such as Verona , Bergamo , or Milan .

• From Verona: Full-day Lake Garda Tour by Bus and Boat
• From Bergamo: Verona and Sirmione Full-Day Tour
• From Milan: Full-Day Lake Garda Tour

Best towns on Lake Garda

Lake Garda has dozens of tiny towns dotting the coastline, but we don’t have all the time in the world! So here are the top 10 towns I would definitely recommend you check out during your trip to Lake Garda, as they are the best examples of small Italian villages that’ll make you swoon.

Gardone Riviera

Limone sul garda, riva del garda, desenzano del garda, lago di tenno, peschiera del garda, moniga del garda.

If you read just about any post on Lake Garda, Sirmione is listed as the number one town to visit. Trust me! It’s the top of the list no matter where you look. There’s a pretty good reason, though, that Sirmione is one of the most memorable towns you’ll encourage around the lake. Part of the reason is that Sirmione is home to one of Italy’s best-preserved castles .

If you have time to see just one town on Lake Garda, Sirmione is easily the top pick for the honor.

Things to do in Sirmione

• Visit the Scaligero Castle – Again, this is one of Italy’s best-preserved castles. You can go inside for 6€ or just admire it from the outside if you’re in a hurry or on a budget 😉
• Walk around the Archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo – Walk through the ruins named after Catullus, perhaps the most famous Roman poet of all time. Hang out with the olive trees and enjoy a gorgeous view over the lake.
• Go to a thermal spa – If you’re on a grown up vaction, consider visiting a spa in the area and just relax.
• Lay out on Jamaica Beach or Lido delle Bionde – While Lake Garda is rather big and deep (making the water cold! ) you can still enjoy the sunshine on the most popular beach, Jamaica Beach, or another options, Lido delle Bionde.
• Take a boat ride out on the lake – Get a totally unique view of the Scaligero Castle by taking a boat ride around the Sirmione peninsula.
• Walk around the Sirmione park – Escape the crowds by visiting this park, which is slightly hidden from the main areas on the peninsula.
• Grab an ice cream and walk along the promenade – Sirmione has a lovely promenade where you can walk along. Grab a gelato and just enjoy watching the boats come and go.
• Do some shopping – There are a number of fashion shops you can stop in here to level up your Italian style.
• Take the family to Gardaland – Not exactly in Sirmione, but close enough, this amusement park is a great option for entertaining the kids (or just go as a grown up, no judgement!)
• Enjoy a sunset over Lake Garda – Just soak it in 😄

Archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo

This Roman villa is rather well-preserved, and when walking around the expansive ruins there’s a good chance you’ll wish this had been your villa back in the day! An accompanying museum gives you an idea of what it must’ve looked like, with a sweeping view over the lake. The Grotte di Catullo is actually the largest domestic villa in Northern Italy, making it a very special place to visit while you’re in Sirmione.

Besides ruins to explore, there are a large number of olive trees and places to just sit and watch boats skip across the lake. Entry costs 8€ per person.

Bonus fact: Apparently they filmed part of the movie Call Me by Your Name here!

Scaligero Castle

This castle dates back to the 13th century and is in excellent condition given its age. It used to be the base of the Scaliger fleet, thanks to its strategic location on the lake on the peninsula. For just 6€ you can pop inside and see a museum, or enjoy the unique design of the castle from the outside. One good thing about going inside is that you can take photos over the colorful rooftops of the town from the elevated height of the castle.

If you’re visiting Lake Garda with your family, Gardaland might just be exactly what you’re looking for. I mean, when I was a kid I’m not sure I appreciated the fine art that is sipping an Aperol Spritz under the Italian sun. I mean, I’m sure I didn’t given I was too young to drink and had never been to Italy. But I digress.

Gardaland has two main components: Gardaland Park and Gardaland Sea Life. If you decide to go to both instead of just one, you can tack on the other to a combination ticket for just a couple of euros extra.

Garda’s eponymous town is a great place to explore the rest of the area, and its most famous sight is not located directly in town but accessible by car fromt the city center, Santuario Madonna della Corona . This church is essentially embedded into the rock face and is accessible by foot via a narrow road.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Atlas Obscura (@atlasobscura) on May 1, 2019 at 10:08am PDT

There’s also a lovely promenade in Garda (as you’ll find in a lot of these pretty towns!), with tons of restaurants and bars for you to enjoy the sunset at with a drink in hand. Besides the church mentioned above, you can also visit a more centrally located church, Santa Maria Maggiore Church . Garda also has a decent beach, though it’s not one of the highest ranking around the lake (that award goes to the beaches at Sirmione, Lazise, or Torbole depending on your taste).

Salo is one of the top places I would be sure to visit in Lake Garda, thanks in large part to the fact that you have tons of great options when it comes to eating delicious food. We ended up at Osteria dell’Orologio , which offers both locally caught fish and home-style Italian food. That said, I’m one of those people who’d say food is the reason to visit anywhere, so I can also give you a couple more reasons to visit this town on Lake Garda.

Things to do in Salò

• Visit Isola del Garda – You can take a boat to this small island in the middle of the lake, where you’ll encounter some nice gardens.
• Drive over to Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Heller –These botanical gardens are home to numerous varieries of orchids as well as a gorge and waterfall.
• Walk along the pier at Lungolago Salò –One of the prettiest spots in Salo to go for a walk along the lake.
• Pop into Duomo di Santa Maria Annunziata – The main church in the center of the town itself, if you like to visit churches!
• Do a farm stay – When booking a spot to stay in Salo, consider doing a farm stay (also called “agritourismo” in Italian).

WHERE TO STAY IN SALÒ – Borgo il Mezzanino , grounds pictured below.

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I didn’t spend any time in this town itself, but I did visit a major attractions located nearby: the Vittoriale degli Italiani , one of the best known villas on Lake Garda. Funny enough, on one day the weather was not cooperating but on the very next day it was bright and sunny! Here’s what you need to know before visiting this huge property.

Vittoriale degli Italiani

This villa belonged to Gabriele d’Annunzio, whose estate – if I had to sum it up in one word – could be described as “extravagant”. When you come here you’ll see what I mean – not only is there a huge villa, but expansive gardens and a full-sized battleship smack in the middle. This harkens back to the fact that d’Annunzio was upset that, after World War I, the city of Fiume was going to be handed over to Yugoslavia rather than Italy. So he gathered together a small military and invaded the port, occupied the town, and declared himself the ruler.

Tours are granted regularly, so be sure to give yourself enough time to arrive and book a ticket for a tour in your language. There’s a set meeting point where you’ll show up for the tour that you booked in advance. While you wait, you can walk around anywhere outside, but access to the interior is only available on a guided tour.

After the tour you’re also able to visit a large theatre where a small airplane hangs aloft in the air. It’s one of those things you just have to see to understand (and marvel at how they even got it inside the building??).

Check the official website for up-to-date information about opening hours, buying tickets, and other special events at the villa.

Tragically we did not get a chance to visit Limone sul Garda , but I thought it was important to include this town because it’s considered one of the TOP towns to visit on Lake Garda. It gets its name from the orchards of lemons that grace the slopes near the town, and you can enjoy a variety of lemon-flavored delights while you’re here, such as limoncello (a popular Italian aperitif).

Arco is very north in Lake Garda, placing to close to South Tyrol and the Dolomites. For a taste of the mountains, you can do a small hike up the hill to an old fortress. The cost of entry is just a few euros, and there’s even a tiny drink shop at the top if you’re thirsty after the walk. Castello di Arco dates back to the medieval times.

Riva del Garda is a really popular place for windsurfing on Lake Garda, thanks to its strong winds location in the northernmost corner of the lake. For a view over the lake, you can climb the Torre Apponale at the center of town. A little further up the coast, and you can visit the Cascate del Varone , which I’ll cover in more detail below!

Cascate del Varone

Here you’ll find a waterfall tucked inside a tall ravine, where you can walk to it through a pathway through the rock. It’s a bit dark and narrow but quite neat to be able to visit. You can approach the waterfall from two different sides to get a different view (and also to have your picture taken 😉).

Besides the waterfall (the “cascate” mentioned in the name) there are gardens containing a wide variety of orchids that grow naturally in the area thanks to its unique climate. At the end of your visit you can also grab something at the neighboring cafe!

See the official Cascate del Verone website for details on opening hours. At the time of writing, the admission is 6€ per person, but you can also get a group discount for groups of 20 people or more.

There are a lot of things to do in Bardolino, and a lot of them surround two of Italy’s key specialties: wine or olive oil! Here you can visit a wine-making museum AND an olive oil museum (Museo dell’olio). There are also a number of highly rated wineries, in case you are the wine-loving sort (and aren’t we all?). For instance:

• Cantina F.lli Zeni
• Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery

Both of these places are quite close together on the map in case you want to make an afternoon out of it 😉

Malcesine is another lovely town to visit, with a great combination of cobbled streets and winding flowering trees gracing the façades of homes, as well as local artisan shops where you can buy goods made from olives or lemons. Easily the most famous sight in Malcesine is a counterpart to the castle in Sirmione, called Castello Scaligero .

Unfortunately we didn’t have the best weather in Malcesine (that’s what you get for traveling in the off season!) and it rained for us, but that didn’t take away from how cute the town was, even while the water was coming down.

WHERE TO STAY IN MALCESINE – Hotel Baitone

Easily one of the prettiest towns on the lake, Desenzano del Garda has not only a lovely view of the lake but also of the Alps. Besides that it has three main beaches (Desenzanino Beach, Spiagga d’Oro, and Porto Rivoltella Beach) and a number of hotels. If you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll also find an ample nightlife scene in Desenzano del Garda. Come for the beaches, stay for the party 😉

Similarly to Arco, Torbole is known for windsurfing and is also located at the northern part of Lake Garda. The architecture dates back to the 15th century. Even Goethe, the famous German poet, loved the town when he toured Italy back in the day. And, as with many of the small towns of Lake Garda, here you’ll also find some nice beaches.

Ok, this one I am cheating on because Lago di Tenno (or, Lake Tenno) isn’t a town but I think it’s definitely worth visiting anyways. This lake has some of the purest turquoise waters of any body of water I’ve ever seen! It’s a rather small lake, but you can come here for a picnic or just enjoy taking some pictures. When we were here it wasn’t too busy, just a few people who took the windy path away from the main lake to visit this smaller one. Do stop by if you want to see this crystal clear blue lake for yourself.

This cute town is the one closest to Gardaland , but is by no means the only reason to pass through. You can also pop by Braccobaldo Beach , a dog-friendly beach you can share with your furry friends! It’s a pebble beach, but still one of the nicest ones to visit around Lake Garda.

Has another well-preserved castle, called the Castello di Moniga . From the surrounding walls you can get a gorgeous, panoramic view over Lake Garda. In the same area you can find a park to walk around, or stop for drinks to go with your view from the nearby cafe.

Saving the best for last – or, the best beach that is! Lazise is one of the best beach spots around the lake, as it has some of the nicest sand you will find. Part of the beach is privately owned by a campground, but you can still enjoy this beach in the free areas too.

If you’re staying for longer in Northern Italy, I highly recommend visiting some of the surrounding cities. The lake is beautiful, but you may also want to visit some cities or get into the mountains. Here are a few really nice places to visit near Lake Garda.

• Venice Recommended – Before going to Lake Garda, we spent a few days in Venice . If you don’t have enough time to stay longer, I definitely recommend at least doing a day trip to experience this truly gorgeous city.
• Verona – Famous for being the location of Romeo and Juliet , this gorgeous Italian city has beautiful views and delicious food. It’s also much less crowded than many popular tourist locations.
• Dolomites – The main natural attraction in the region. If you love nature, definitely see if you can fit a trip to the Dolomites into your itinerary.

If you don’t have a car or want to join a tour where you’ll get more information about the city, here are the top-rated tours you can take for each of the three excellent day trips recommended above:

Make Lake Garda part of a larger itinerary

We went to Lake Garda as part of a larger itinerary, going to a number of different locations in the region. These cities specifically are the ones we also visited in the same trip. We flew in and out of Venice, and visited the others as part of a large loop.

Venice can be a really pricy destination, but with these travel tips you can get the most out of Venice without breaking the bank. Keep reading for street food, budget-friendly transit, and tips for taking great photos in this city!

Do you want to visit Lake Garda?

Let me know in the comments which Lake Garda town is the most appealing to you, or if you can recommend a beautiful town to me that you think I missed!

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

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The 6 best villages to visit on Lake Garda

Lake Garda ranks as one of my best holidays to Italy so far. But with over 60 villages scattered around the shore of this 32-mile-long lake, how can you make sure you see the best ones? Here’s a guide to seeing the most interesting, most picturesque villages on Lake Garda.

Lake Garda, in the north of Italy, almost on the border of Switzerland, is Italy’s largest lake. Over 60 villages, grouped into 24 communes, are scattered around its 98-mile long shoreline. It’s a gorgeous place to visit, but if you have limited time in this part of Italy, how can you make sure you visit the best bits? Here are the best villages to visit on your trip to Lake Garda.

This post contains affiliate links – all this means is if you buy something as a result of clicking a link, I’ll make a small commission that helps me run this site. There’s no cost to you.

Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano is the largest village on the shore of Lake Garda. Situated on the southern edge of the lake, Desenzano makes a perfect base for your Lake Garda trip. It’s one of only two villages on Lake Garda with a train station (the other is Peschiera) and boasts one of the most comprehensive ferry services of all the lakeside villages. The train service means it’s easy to get here from one of the Milan airports, and if you want to combine your Lake Garda holiday with a day trip to Verona or even Venice, it’s just an easy train ride away.

Desenzano is set in rolling countryside rather than the dramatic mountain setting of the villages at the other end of Lake Garda, but it’s still picturesque and charming. It boasts its own castle as well as some Roman ruins, and the old harbour is particularly beautiful.

The village of Sirmione is a real stunner, and definitely shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting Lake Garda. The peninsula where Sirmione sits extends out from the southern shore of the lake like a long, slender finger, with the village towards the tip, separated from the mainland by the moat of its main attraction, the 13th-century castle.

The gorgeous castle of Rocca Scaligera is one of the best-preserved in all of Italy; a ticket to go in and take in the views of Sirmione’s rooftops and the lake from the ramparts costs just 6 euro.

Sirmione also boasts an even older attraction. Right at the end of the peninsula, you’ll find the ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, a lavish Roman villa dating back to 1AD. It’s the largest domestic Roman ruin in Northern Italy; with amazing 360-degree views of the lake, this must’ve been quite the holiday home.

Interested in Roman history? See my guide to visiting Pompeii

Elegant Salò feels quite different to the other villages on Lake Garda. The main reason to visit Salò is its long promenade – rumoured to be the longest in Italy – which gives it a more open, outward-facing atmosphere when compared to fortified villages like Sirmione and villages further up the lake which nestle into their mountainous surroundings.

The inventor of the violin,  Gasparo da Salò , was born here in 1542, but Salò also has a very modern history. From 1943 to 1945 it was the seat of government for Mussolini’s Nazi-backed puppet state, and many of the large villas in the town housed government departments.

It’s best to approach Limone on a Lake Garda ferry so you can appreciate how tiny the village is compared to the huge rocky mountain that towers over it. The pastel-coloured buildings around the tiny harbour hunker down on a narrow strip of the shoreline, and if Limone wasn’t already picturesque enough, every available scrap of land at the base of the mountain is covered with lemon groves.

Just north of Limone, you’ll see the road to Riva del Garda hug the edge of the lake on a series of platforms and tunnels through the mountainside. This road features in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace; during the film’s production a driver crashed a £134,000 Aston Martin into the lake. The driver was unhurt but the car was completely destroyed.

On the opposite side of the lake, almost facing Limone, you’ll find another unmissable village on Lake Garda, Malcesine. Nestled at the foot of Monte Baldo, the highest mountain around the lake, it makes the most of its stunning setting with a beautiful harbour and an impossibly-romantic castle.

A gentle walk uphill from the harbour takes you to the foot of Monte Baldo and the lower station of the Monte Baldo cable car. From here, a two-stage cable car takes you up the mountain to the ridge above Malcesine and a stunning view of the lake.

Monte Baldo and the northern part of Lake Garda is a playground if you love outdoor activities. We were lucky enough to see paragliders taking off from the top of the mountain near the cable car station. If water is more your element, you can enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle boarding from the lake shore near Malcesine.

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda, or simply Riva, is the second-largest town on Lake Garda after Desenzano, but Riva’s mountainous setting means it feels very different to its urban sister 32 miles to the south – less hurried, more peaceful, more remote. Getting here from Desenzano means an early ferry and careful planning, but it’s well worth it, because Riva has elements of all the best villages on Lake Garda.

Like Malcesine and Sirmione, Riva has its own castle, the Rocca di Riva. It’s a little more sober in its architecture than the other two, but it’s older than both, dating back to 1124. Like Salò, there’s a wonderful lakeside promenade, and Riva’s is backed with a beautiful park, perfect for enjoying views of the lake and the mountains either side.

For views that rival those from Sirmione’s castle and even Monte Baldo, visitors can climb the 13th-century Torre Apponale clock tower for a vista over Riva’s rooftops.

That’s my view of the six best villages to visit on Lake Garda – which is your favourite?

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3 thoughts on “The 6 best villages to visit on Lake Garda”

je m’y suis rendue pour la première fois en 1981 (une madeleine de Proust) mon fiancé m’y attendait.. La deuxième en 1999 avec mon fiancé devenu mon mari et avec mes deux amours de fils. La troisième avec ma famille et mes parents… ‘ MAGIE QUAND TU NOUS TIENT’…

Dear Helen, thanks for your Lake Garda suggestions. I live in Desenzano and run a couple of holiday rentals here (www.elenagardaflat.com). Feel free to edit my comment and delete my website name if you feel it is not appropriate. I love both Sirmione and Salò, you are right, they are stunning. My favourite place is Gardone Riviera where also is Il Vittoriale, the former residence of poet (and womanizer. I had a crush on him when in high school. though of course I’m not that old) Gabriele d’Annunzio, it’s a great place for a visit because, besides the house and the garden, there’s also a ship set right in the garden overlooking the lake. A lovely walk along the lake is the one connecting Lazise and Bardolino, on the east side of the lake.

Hi Elena, thanks very much for your comment and for your recommendation, the ship sounds so cool and the walk sounds lovely!

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LAKE GARDA'S TOWNS you really have to see

Given the more than 150 km (93 miles) of coastline, divided into three different provinces (Brescia, Verona, and Trento), there are many beautiful cities on Lake Garda and all have something to offer: castles, Roman villas, vineyards , olive groves , medieval villages, hiking trails and mountain biking , sailing clubs…

If you really want to enjoy your trip, here is a list of Lake Garda’s best places to visit according to… well, according to us who live there!

Don’t forget that Lake Garda is well connected to all the best places in Northern Italy : it is just over an hour from Milan and Venice , and about half an hour from Verona , Brescia and Trento (learn more about this in our guide to train service on Lake Garda ). 

It’s time to plan your trip to Lake Garda: discover the best Lake Garda’s towns !

THE BEST TOWN TO STAY ON LAKE GARDA? YOU DECIDE!

⇒   Useful tips for your trip

Limone sul Garda

Peschiera del Garda

Riva del Garda

THE BEST TOWN TO STAY ON LAKE GARDA? You decide!

Here are our tips to help you find what’s right for you on Lake Garda .

If you are TRAVELING WITH KIDS:

• In the province of Verona: Lazise , Bardolino , Castelnuovo, Peschiera del Garda
• In the province of Brescia: Desenzano  

Ever heard of Gardaland ? I bet your children have, since it’s one of the biggest amusement parks in Europe and is located right here! If you are looking for quiet beaches , fun for the little ones and walks by the lake, Lake Garda’s southern end is the ideal destination. 

If you love OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: 

• In the province of Verona: Malcesine  
• In the province of Trento: Riva del Garda , Torbole

The best trekking and mountain bike routes are certainly to be found in the Valle del Ponale (near Riva del Garda) and Monte Baldo (near Malcesine). If you come here in winter, you can also ski on Monte Baldo! 

If you want to discover LOCAL CULTURE & TRADITIONS:

• In the province of Brescia: Sirmione , Gardone Riviera, Limone sul Garda

Roman villas, museums, ancient villages, breathtaking views: if you literally want to walk through centuries of history and taste the authentic flavor of this land, there are no better places than these.

Best villages on Lake Garda for your DAY TRIP

If you are near Lake Garda and you only have one day to visit it, you should organize in advance because there are so many attractions and choosing is not easy.

Here are the places you shouldn’t miss, depending on where you come from and how you will arrive on Lake Garda.

Coming from MILAN by train

If you come from Milan by train, you’ll arrive in Desenzano del Garda , also known as the capital of Lake Garda. From here you can easily reach Sirmione , the real gem of Lake Garda.

Coming from VERONA by bus

If you come from Verona you can easily reach the eastern shore of the Lake: the best cities to visit on this side are surely Lazise and Bardolino , two beautiful medieval villages connected by a suggestive cycle path.

Coming from VENICE by train

If you take a local train from Venice, you will probably arrive in Peschiera del Garda, a little town with a picturesque port: from here, you can easily reach Sirmione, as we said, the most suggestive place in Lake Garda.

Coming from BRESCIA by bus or train

Travelling from Brescia by bus or local train will easily take you on the southern shore, where you’ll find Desenzano , Sirmione and Peschiera. If you want to discover a hidden gem, from Brescia you can also take the bus to Limone del Garda (it will take about 2 hours, but its beauty will repay the effort).

Best cities near Lake Garda

Get around Lake Garda

Train stations

Bus service

Your local on Lake Garda

Find fun things to do, places to visit and experience to live, get organized, lake garda offers experiences and a lively atmosphere all year round.

Places to stay

Every journey starts with an image and a feeling, through our articles we will inspire you to start imagining your own story on lake garda, the complete guide of lake garda, some ideas to help you get the right inspiration on things to do and places to visit on lake garda.  , all articles.

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Lake Garda: best thermal baths and SPA hotels

Lake Garda: everything you need to knoe about the ferries

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Unlocking the Best Group Activities at Lake Garda

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Lake Garda: what to see, drink, eat and do

Delicious food, gorgeous views, wine-tasting galore: Lake Garda has it all.

Scratch thoughts of this only being the playground of the super-rich (though Tom Cruise, Drew Barrymore and the Beckhams have all visited in their time). Lake Garda, nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites and surrounded on all sides by steep hills, is only a forty minute drive from Verona, and it’s simply bursting at the seams with things to do, luxurious hotels to relax in and tiny cantinas where you can sample local olive oil and wine. In short, it’s a bit of a hidden gem – and here’s our guide for making the most of your time there.

What to see

First things first: it would be criminal not to see at least some of atmospheric medieval villages and towns this area is famous for. There’s Garda itself – a sweet town with a lovely long waterfront – but visits to the slightly more atmospheric medieval walled fortress towns of Torre del Benaco, Malcesine and Lacize are also a must. Do also make time to see Borghetto: a tiny village that straddles the river Mincio on the lake’s south side. Boasting rickety houses, three old mills and a reputation for excellent tortellini, it’s the ideal lunchtime spot.

If you fancy more of a day out, the mazy streets of Sirmione are home to some of the best food in the area as well as some archaeological treasures. Surrounded by thick walls and crowned with the imposing Scaligero Castle, the town is perched on the edge of a peninsula and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Needless to say, a stroll through the historic centre (packed to bursting with churches, naturally) is well worth a few hours of your time, and for history buffs, the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo are also nearby.

If you’re staying in the north, then the brightly coloured houses of Riva del Garda are also definitely worth a visit (as is neighbouring Torbole Sul Garda). Though it has a tiny historic city centre, there’s nevertheless loads of things to do here – including climbing the Torre Apponale, riding the funicular to the spectacular views of Bastione de Riva or even biking the Old Ponale Road. And definitely make time to visit the nearby village of Canale di Tenno, which has atmosphere in spades.

Keen for some views? Garda also has those in bucketloads: ride the cable car up to Monte Baldo for a panoramic view of the entire lake, or, for those looking for something slightly less touristy, how about a hike to Punta Larici? The path is steep and definitely not for inexperienced hikers, but you’ll be amply rewarded.

Is there any better place in the world for a wine tasting than Italy ? For those looking to slake their thirst, a visit to Zeni is a must.

A local producer, Zeni is both a wine shop and a tasting mecca: those who fancy a taste can avail themselves of the cantina’s free wine samples on the top floor, but the wine cellar is where the real magic happens. There, you can sit among barrels of the vineyard’s wines and taste four (or indeed more) of their vintages from €37.40 a person, paired (should you wish) with a delicious food platter. And don’t forget to try their signature Amarone: slightly bitter red wine – a specialty of the region – that goes perfectly with dark chocolate. Be warned, though: you need to book in advance.

Wine tasting not your thing? An olive oil tasting is also a must, especially as Lake Garda olive oil is renowned throughout Italy for its delicate flavour. In addition to the olive oil museum in Bardolino (why not; it does also do tastings), there are loads of local cantinas to visit; our suggestions would be Venturelli near Raffa, which offers tours of their mill (plus tastings) from €15; Malcesine on the north-east coast of the lake, which boasts a lovely little museum as well as a well-stocked shop, or Agririva near Simione, which offers tastings from €15.

Lake Garda being as long and narrow as it is, it also takes a surprisingly long time to drive around. Solve that problem by catching a ferry across the lake: it stops at pretty much every major town and costs €9.80 for a one way ticket (find more information here ).

And finally, round out your trip with a spot of sunbathing or swimming at one of Garda’s many famous beaches. Top of the list is Baia delle Sirene (otherwise known as Mermaid Bay: a gorgeous beach set among olive groves on the lake’s west side, but Jamaica Beach in Sirmione, Spiaggia d’Oro in Lacize and Baia Bianca Beach in Manerba (which boasts the best sandy spot on the lake) are all good for kicking back and doing a bit of holiday reading in the sun.

What to eat and drink

This being Italy, there is literally no shortage of excellent places to satiate your hunger for a slice of la dolce vita. The cobblestoned villages and towns that dot the lake’s edges are the perfect place to sip an Aperol (expect to pay between €4-6 for one, which is expensive by Italian standards but still considerably cheaper than London), while the abundance of tiny tables by the lakeside offer everything from pizza to spaghetti alle vongole.

That said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t pick out a few highlights. Top of the list would have to be Ristorante Il Girasole in Sirmione, which offers perhaps some of the best food anywhere on the lake for around €50pp. It specialises in Italian food, done well: think creamy cacio e pepe topped with truffles, surprisingly good breadsticks and prosecco to die for (as well as an unexpectedly delightful complimentary dessert).

Another excellent shout is Restel de Fer in the northmost part of the lake: Riva de Garda, which offers tasting menus for €65pp. A family-owned inn, it oozes countryside chic: think hand-woven rugs, old leather armchairs and outdoor seating areas garlanded by grape vines. The food is just as good as you would expect: smoked hams, locally-caught Garda trout and veal with truffles.

In the mood to splash out? Vecchia Malcesine has to be on the list. Nestled in the hills that ring the lake, it’s one of the best restaurants in the entire area and boasts an excellent €95, seven-course tasting menu that focusses either on earth or sea-based ingredients – both are equally sublime. The restaurant offers signature dishes (classics, done well) or the more intriguing Psicodishes (experimental food, taken to the extreme) which should give you some kind of idea about how fun a dining experience this is. Tuck in and enjoy.

And if you’re in the mood for fish (who isn’t?) then there’s no better place than La Goccia , which specialises in just that. Come for the seafood carpaccio, stay for the spaghetti tossed with razor clams – and of course, it’s all served with lashings of local wine.

Where to stay

For those in need of some real pampering, there’s no better place to be than Cape of Senses . A brand-new, five-star hotel (it opened in July 2023) perched on the hills above Garda town, Cape of Senses offers truly stunning vistas that are complemented by the hotel’s gorgeously landscaped gardens, dotted with olive trees.

The rooms themselves are simple but well thought-out: think super-comfortable beds, power-showers and views of the lake through floor to ceiling windows, plus an outdoor space in which to relax and sip Italian wine as the sun goes down (if the open-air restaurant or terrace don’t take your fancy).

This place is all about relaxation. Start your day in the morning with a meditation session and massage; segue in the evening to a wine-tasting the hotel organises with a local vineyard. Even better, there’s a fully-furnished spa, complete with gym, several saunas and an infinity pool that is especially jaw-dropping (and Insta-worthy) at sunset. Given that it’s adults-only and offers a minimum stay of three nights, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and soak in the blissful silence (rooms start from around £416 per night for 2 people including breakfast).

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a stay, don’t worry: Lake Garda abounds with hotels, many of which include spas. For those looking to marry budget with luxury, then try the Hotel Continental Thermae and Spa (where rooms start from around £160), which is located near the gorgeous medieval town of Sirmione – yes, it’s a chain, but it’s well-located and offers pools galore to soak away the summer heat – or indeed Grand Hotel Fasano , a former hunting lodge which perches right on the west shores of the lake and boasts some excellent food (rooms start from £250 a night).

Alternately, if you’re looking for something with a touch more Italian charm, then Hotel du Lac, situated on the west of the lake (near the charming village of Gargnano) has it in spades: think small, family-run and bursting with 1920s and 30s-era décor, and prices from £110 a night.

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Getting Around Lake Garda – 10 Best Ways to Travel Around Italy’s Largest Lake (With Maps and Practical Tips)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Lake Garda , Lombardy , Trentino , Veneto

How to get around Lake Garda?

This is the million-dollar question that crosses the minds of many people planning to spend their holidays at italy’s largest lake..

Lake Garda has a circumference of almost 160 km and dozens of picturesque towns and exciting sights on its shores. Yet, there are only two train stations here and only one lakeside road that runs around the whole lake. It’s only natural then that at first glance reaching and travelling around Lake Garda may seem like a daunting task.

Especially, if you do not have a car at your disposal. Or if you have a car but you are unsure where and how you will be able to park considering how popular the lake is. After all, Lago di Garda is one of Italy’s most unmissable destinations. Twenty-seven million people flock to it each year to enjoy its beauty and its unique mix of history , nature, good food , fun activities , cute beaches , and local festivals. 

So, if you are planning to head there yourself – either for a day trip or a longer holiday – fear not!

Lake Garda is easy to get to and to get around. In this blog post today, I will share with you the ten best ways to do it. I have covered the pros and cons of the different types of transport here so that you know what to expect and have a clear idea of how to organise your travel around the lake.

I have also included many first-hand tried and tested tips. From cars, ferries, and trains to bikes, taxis, and your own two feet, everything’s covered in detail.

It’s all designed to make your visit to Lake Garda smooth and easy. I hope that you will find the information shared herewith useful during the planning stages of your Italian holiday.

Have a look!

Where is lake garda – italy’s largest lake.

First things first! Let’s pinpoint on the map where exactly Lake Garda is in Italy and Europe.

Lago di Garda – as it is known in Italian – is in  Northern Italy . It serves as the natural border between three Italian regions:

• Lombardy  to the west and southwest;
• Veneto  to the east and southeast; and
• Trentino-Alto Adige  to the north.

As such, the lake is a great destination if you want to see as much of Italy and its regional differences as possible within a short amount of time.

Lake Garda is quick and easy to reach from eight  international airports and a number of large Italian cities. Click to read specific instructions on how to travel to the lake from Verona ,  Milan ,  Venice , and  Bologna .

My ultimate travel guide about Lago di Garda will give you an exhaustive overview of the lake and provide you with tips on accommodation, food, beaches, sports, local destinations, the best times to visit, and so many other useful details.

For information about the best things to do at Lake Garda and the best towns to visit on its shores, have a look at these blog posts:

• Lake Garda Map – Where is Lake Garda and What to Do Around Italy’s Largest Lake
• 20 Best Towns to Visit around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
• 19 Best Theme Parks at Lake Garda, Italy (With Maps and Practical Tips)

Otherwise, here is a handy map showing the exact location of the lake in Italy and Europe. You can zoom in and out, open it in a new browser tab, as well as use it to calculate travel directions.

Getting Around Lake Garda – 10 Best Ways to Travel Around Italy’s Largest Lake

1. Travel Around Lake Garda by Car

Having a car at your disposal is the most convenient way to explore everything that Lake Garda has to offer. 

Being able to quickly zip up and down the lake gives you the immense freedom to visit a myriad of  picturesque towns ,  medieval villages , curious sights ,  pebbly beaches , captivating museums,  large theme parks , and so many other wonderful places on the shores of Italy’s largest lake. Not to mention all the hidden gems and secret corners you will be able to reach and explore.

If you have a chance to either drive to Lake Garda in your own car or rent a car for the duration of your stay here, then give it a serious thought.

Before making a decision, however, consider also the following cons of travelling by car around Lake Garda:

• Parking around Lake Garda can be an issue. You may need to park on the outskirts of a town and then walk from there or even take a bus to reach the town’s historic centre. During the high season, it may be difficult to find a parking space near the most popular spots. Ask in advance if the accommodation you are planning to book provides a parking space and how close or far this is to the actual hotel, B&B or apartment where you will be staying.
• The driving style in Italy is, let’s say, more single-minded or, in other words, more on the offensive than on the defensive. 
• Two major motorways pass close to Lake Garda. They are the Autostrada A4 (also known as Serenissima ), which links Turin and Trieste via Milan and Venice , and the Autostrada A22 from Modena to Austria via Verona and the Brenner Pass. However, there is only one lakeside road that circles the entire lake. 
• The lakeside road has two branches. The Strada Gardesana Orientale brims the eastern shore of the lake. The Strada Gardesana Occidentale – the western one. Both are two-lane for most of their length. Vehicles of all types and sizes travel along them, making them very busy, especially during the high season.
• Traffic jams during the high season, as well as at the start and the end of the weekends can add hours to your journey. Using a GPS is paramount to get up-to-date information about traffic conditions and escape traffic jams via alternative routes as soon as they present themselves.
• Roads going up the steep hills and mountains surrounding Lake Garda can be rather narrow and open vertiginous views. 
• Some of the tunnels at the northernmost tip of the lake (especially the ones between the towns of Malcesine and Riva del Garda ) are not illuminated and driving through them on a bright day or during the colder months can be a test of how quickly your eyes adapt to changes in the light.
• The historic centres of the lakefront towns are traditionally a zone with limited traffic (in Italian, ZTL  –  zona di traffico limitato ). Do not drive through them nor enter them even for a few minutes with your vehicle as this incurs heavy fines. The only way around this is if your accommodation is in the historic centre and you have been given a parking pass to allow you access to the ZTL.

Having said all that, driving around Lake Garda remains the most convenient way of exploring as much of the lake as possible. So, do weigh the cons and pros carefully in order to make the right decision for yourself and your travelling companions.

2. Town-Hop Around Lake Garda by Ferry

Crisscrossing Lake Garda on board a ferry is a pleasure like no other. 

The full beauty of the many lakefront towns is only truly revealed from the water. Sitting on the deck, feeling the fresh air on your face, and taking in the sprawling panoramas is like being transported to this perfect world where peace and calm reign and where history and nature have created a uniquely beautiful blend.

Medieval castles , pastel houses, sprawling beaches , little coves, and towering mountains glide past you framed by the teal waters of the lake and the blue skies above.

Plus, taking a ferry is an easy way to reach lakefront towns that are on the opposite shore thus avoiding circumnavigating the lake by road and any potential traffic jams along the way. By all means, take the ferry at least once during your time at Lake Garda. Some easy and very pleasant routes are:

• Desenzano del Garda to Sirmione (and then you can stay on to Lazise , Bardolino or Garda Town);
• Peschiera del Garda to Lazise , Bardolino, and Garda Town; and
• Limone sul Garda to Malcesine .

You can also purchase a single-day, a multi-day and/or a family pass for the whole lake, Lower Garda, Upper Garda or another specific zone of the lake. This will give you unlimited ferry trips from morning til dusk thus making it possible to see as many lakefront towns as you can.

At the same time, you need to be aware of the following inconveniences of taking the ferry at Lake Garda:

• Well, ferries follow a schedule. So, if, let’s say, you miss the last ferry for the day, then you will need to find an alternative way back to your accommodation .
• Also, during the low season, the ferries run less frequently between the different lakefront towns, meaning that you will need to wait longer to get to where you want or need to go.
• In principle, the ferries are great for towns that are either right across the lake from one another or are relatively close to one another and on the same shore. For example, the journey by ferry from Limone sul Garda to Malcesine lasts only about 20 minutes. However, if you try to reach Riva del Garda at the northernmost tip of Lake Garda starting from Desenzano del Garda on the southwestern shore of the lake, the journey will last many hours. Especially, during the low season.
• Lastly, only two ferry lines on Lake Garda take cars, too. One connects Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore to Toscolano-Maderno on the western shore of Lake Garda. This car ferry operates all throughout the year. In summer, you can also catch a car ferry from Malcesine to Limone sul Garda. Just be aware that the passenger ferry and the car ferry stop at two different places in Malcesine. So, make sure that you head to the right one if you want your car to travel with you, too.

Still, seeing Lake Garda from the board of one of the ferries that crisscross it is a must for your bucket list for Italy’s largest lake.

For  ferry times, prices, and tickets , always refer to the official website of  Gestione Navigazione Laghi Italia . 

3. Travel Around Lake Garda by Bus

Taking the bus is a great way to travel around Lake Garda. Numerous bus lines connect the many lakefront towns and can also take you all the way to several nearby large Italian cities like  Verona , Brescia , and  Rovereto .

Click  here  to consult their current timetables. Alternatively, you can find extensive information about the local seasonal and year-round bus lines in the tourist information offices in the lakefront towns and Verona. In summer, there is also a direct bus which connects Verona Airport to several of the lakefront towns.

The cons of taking a bus here are:

• Obviously, any plans you may have will need to be adjusted to the bus schedule.
• Lots of people use the buses around Lake Garda during the high season. You may need to queue to get on the bus. Be decisive, however, as people from different nationalities react differently when the bus doors open. Some may be pushy! Be polite but stand your ground.
• Finally, there is the time factor in so that traffic jams can slow the advance of the bus. Plus, with stopping at many different places along the way, the bus can take much longer than a car to reach one lakefront town from another.

Still, taking the bus to reach Lake Garda or to travel around the lake is a very convenient and affordable option. Especially, if you combine it with the ferries that crisscross the lake and/or the trains that connect  Venice , Padua , Vicenza , Verona , Mantua , Brescia , and Milan to two of the most important towns on the lake’s southern shores – Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda.

4. Travel to Lake Garda by Train

Two of the towns on the shores of Lake Garda have a train station. One is the town of Peschiera del Garda and the other is the town of Desenzano del Garda . Both are only about 15 km away from one another and are located on the southern/southwestern end of Italy’s largest lake.

The train stations in Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda enjoy excellent connections by high-speed and regional trains to a number of large cities in Northern Italy , for example, Venice , Padua , Vicenza , Verona , Brescia , Milan , and Turin. Using Italy’s extensive railway network, you can easily travel to Lake Garda from anywhere in the country – from  Bologna  and Rome to Naples , Perugia , and Bari.

It takes as little as 14 mins to reach Peschiera del Garda from Verona on the high-speed train and from 13 to 31 mins to cover the same distance on the regional train. Respectively, it takes as little as 19 mins to reach Desenzano del Garda from Verona on the high-speed train and from 23 to 28 mins to cover the same distance on the regional train. This makes Lake Garda the easiest day trip to take from Verona.

In addition, if you fly into  Verona Airport , theoretically, you can be at Lake Garda in about an hour. You’ll just need to take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Verona Porta Nuova railway station and then the train to either Peschiera or Desenzano. In summer, there is also a direct bus which connects the airport to several of the lakefront towns.

Arriving at Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda by train, you can then quickly and easily travel by bus and/or ferry to many of the towns on the southern, western, and eastern shores of Lake Garda. Click  here  to consult the respective bus lines and  here  for the respective ferry lines.

Reaching the northernmost tip of the lake from these two train stations is a bit more problematic and it will take quite some time.

So, instead, you can take the train from the Verona Porta Nuova train station to the city of  Rovereto . Once there, you can get a bus to Riva del Garda and the other northern lakefront towns. Click  here  and consult the timetable of bus line 332 to find out how easy it is to reach Lake Garda from Rovereto – a charming city in the autonomous Italian province of  Trentino .

The only inconvenience of travelling by train to Lake Garda is that there aren’t more train stations directly serving the lake. Yet, with the two in Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda and the ones in Verona and Rovereto, the lake can be quickly and easily reached from all over Italy by train either for a day trip or a longer stay.

This is especially handy if you are arriving by plane and you need to travel to Lake Garda by public transport. Click to find out the  eight best airports for Lake Garda  so as to plan your journey accordingly. 

To check train times and book train tickets in advance, I find the following three websites very useful: Omio , ItaloTreno , and TrenItalia .

Otherwise, see this handy map below showing the exact locations of the train stations you can use for Lago di Garda . You can zoom in and out to get a better idea of their geographical positions on the shores of Italy’s largest lake. For example, you will notice that the train station of Desenzano del Garda is quite far from the town’s historic centre, so you can use the map to calculate walking directions and times.

Here are the locations pinned to the map:

Closest Large Northern Italian Railway Stations: 1. Verona Porta Nuova 2. Stazione di Brescia 3. Milano Centrale 4. Venezia Santa Lucia – with  red  pin

Railway Stations on Lake Garda:   1.  Peschiera del Garda  2.  Desenzano del Garda – with  green  pin

Railway Station Near the Northern End of Lake Garda  – 1. Stazione di Rovereto with  violet-blue  pin

5. Explore Lake Garda by Bike, e-Bike, and e-Scooter

Bicycles and cycling are held in high regard in Italy. You will see people of all ages riding their bikes all over the Italian towns and villages. They use them to keep fit and to get in an efficient and environmentally friendly way to where they need to be.

If you like to cycle, you will have plenty of opportunities to do it during your stay at Lake Garda. If bringing your own bike is not really possible, then ask in advance if your accommodation provides bikes to its guests either for free or for a fee. Many hotels around Italy’s largest lake offer this facility.

Otherwise, several companies at Lake Garda rent out bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters to tourists.

Two particularly beautiful places to cycle at Lake Garda are:

• Sentiero di Ponale – a gorgeous cycling path which at points seems to hang over Lake Garda.
• the promenade connecting the municipality of Brenzone sul Garda and the town of Malcesine . 

Just bear in mind the following cons of riding a bike at Italy’s largest lake:

• Some towns on the shores of Lake Garda have rather steep streets that are not suitable for bikes. Malcesine is a point in case. However, towns like Lazise , Garda Town, Bardolino, and Riva del Garda (to mention but a few) are delightfully (and mostly) flat. Still, bear in mind that the streets in the historic centres here are often narrow, curving, covered with cobbles and, in addition, can get very busy during the high season.
• Exercise utmost caution if you need to cycle on the lakeside road which circumnavigates the lake. Expect heavy traffic (especially during the high season), vehicles of all sizes and shapes, as well as driving styles reflecting the best and the worst practices of driving schools around Europe and beyond. 
• Some of the tunnels at the northernmost tip of Lake Garda are very dark. Make sure that drivers can see you at all times by using reflectors and lights.

6. Explore Lake Garda on Foot

Often, your own two feet are all you need to explore Lake Garda from the most advantageous viewpoints.

There is a large number of hiking paths all around Italy’s largest lake. Not to mention the gorgeous promenades that connect many of the lakefront towns and open beautiful views towards the lake and the mighty mountains and hilly groups that hold it in a tight embrace.

Just make sure that you wear your most comfortable shoes! If you decide to explore the trails around the lake, these need to be proper hiking boots with a good grip.

In the following blog posts, I have described in detail some of my favourite hikes around Lake Garda. They take you to wonderful places and unveil to you the local way of life, the hidden charms of the lake, as well as some of the most stunning panoramic views to enjoy in Italy:

• Lake Garda’s Tibetan Bridge – A High-Adrenaline Hiking Experience in the Veneto, Italy
• Rocca di Garda – Hiking to the Best Panoramic Spot of Lake Garda, Italy
• Campo di Brenzone – A Great Day Trip to a Medieval Village in the Hills above Lake Garda, Italy
• Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona – Visiting Italy’s Church Suspended Between Heaven and Earth

If nature hiking is not really your thing but you are not averse to a bit of walking, then get going on the promenades that stretch between several of the lakefront towns and make it possible to simply stroll from one to the next. The most famous ones are:

• the promenade that connects the towns of Lazise , Bardolino, and Garda;
• the promenade that runs from the municipality of Brenzone sul Garda all the way to the town of Malcesine ; and
• the promenade in the town of Salo’.

During the low season, make your way by car to Punta di San Vigilio and then explore on foot this probably most beautiful corner of Lake Garda. While during the high season, well-heeled visitors come here by flashy yachts and cars to enjoy the culinary delights of the onsite trattoria, in late autumn and winter, the place is a peaceful oasis and one of Italy’s most cinematographic settings. 

7. Cross Lake Garda on a Motorboat or Sailing Yacht

Hiring a motorboat (or a sailing yacht for that matter) to crisscross Lake Garda is one of the coolest ways to travel here.

There are dozens of companies all around the lake that charter boats to visitors. You can have a boat at your disposal for a few hours or a whole week if you like. Prices are not prohibitive and getting around Lake Garda by boat is a lot of fun, too.

If you don’t have any experience with motorboats or yachts, you can hire a skipper, too to take you places.

Bear in mind that the northern extremity of Lake Garda from Malcesine up towards Riva del Garda and Torbole is off-limits for motorboats as lots of people practice windsurfing and kitesurfing here. You should be given full instructions by the boat chartering company as to how further north you can venture and where is the cut-off line.

On a sunny day, there is nothing more pleasant than travelling by boat up and down or across Lake Garda. Prices depend on how long you will charter the boat and if you need to return it with a full tank or not. So far, we have paid between 120 and 150 euros for three hours. So, consider adding this experience to your own personal bucket list at Italy’s largest lake. 

A serious word of warning here, though! The lake water can get very cold very quickly. Especially, the further away from the shore you are. The boat chartering company should provide you with life jackets and advise you specifically where it’s considered safe to anchor and how close to the shore you can get.

During the high season, there is a high level of boat traffic in Lake Garda. Many luxury boats here travel at full speed. You need to observe proper distances from other boats, yachts, ferries, and the shore at all times.

If you don’t have prior experience driving boats and a skipper is not available to hire, then it’s best to book either a group or a private boat tour on Lake Garda. The most popular option is the short tour around the peninsula of Sirmio to see the beautiful town of Sirmione with its medieval castle, Roman ruins, the famous Jamaica Beach , and underwater thermal springs. The tour lasts just under half an hour and you can book it here .

Otherwise, this half-day Lago di Garda cruise is a great way to see some of the most beautiful local landmarks from the water and to enjoy some swimming in the lake and lunch on board. You can book many other boat cruises and trips either upon your arrival at one of the lakefront towns here or in advance on  GetYourGuide and  Viator .

8. Take a Taxi Around Lake Garda

Taxis in Italy are white by law and while they may cost a pretty penny, they offer a convenient way to reach Lake Garda and explore the many exciting sights on its shores. Especially, if you don’t want to bother with a rental car or with public transport. And, especially, if you don’t have much time to spend at the lake but you want to see as much as possible.

You can book a taxi even before your arrival as many taxi companies that serve Lake Garda have websites in several languages. You just need to search for ‘taxi Lake Garda’ or ‘taxi  the name of the lakefront town you want to visit ‘ and your favourite search engine will return dozens of results.

Otherwise, you can get a taxi from Verona Airport, Verona Porta Nuova train station, and the train and bus stations in the lakefront towns. You can also ask your hotel to call you one or to recommend a local taxi company for you to use.

Ask the taxi driver in advance approximately how much it will cost you to reach your destination. Be prepared that on Sundays and public holidays, a surcharge may apply.

The main inconvenience of travelling by taxi is the cost of the service. At the same time, getting a taxi here may be a necessity. Especially, if you need to reach a corner of Lake Garda that is off the beaten track. Or if you need to return to your accommodation late at night when public transport is not running.

Taxi companies may also offer customised tours of Lake Garda. This gives you a chance to circumnavigate the whole of the lake in a day and to stop exactly where you want on its shores.

9. Catch a Tourist Train at Lake Garda

During the high season, small electric trains circulate at different spots around Lake Garda. In Italian, they are known as trenino turistico – tourist train. Some make it easy to reach certain landmarks and/or camping sites. Others provide a fun ride around one of the lakefront towns.

Here are a few places where you can jump on board a tourist train for fun or to easily reach a particular destination:

From Sirmione to Grotte di Catullo – small tourist trains ferry history buffs and beach-goers from Parco Don Lino Zorzi in the lakefront town of Sirmione to the archaeological park of the ancient Roman villa Grotte di Catullo. A short walk away from the historic ruins, you will find the best beach on Lake Garda – Spiaggia Giamaica . The train ride saves you from having to walk uphill in the hot weather. It takes you past lush gardens and lavish villas one of which once belonged to the famous opera singer Maria Callas.

San Felice del Benaco to the nearby camping sites – the southwestern and western shores of Lake Garda are dotted with numerous camping sites. A tourist train provides a quick and easy way to reach many of them starting from the lakefront town of San Felice del Benaco.

Town Trains – some of the lakefront towns have a small tourist train giving you a chance – against a small payment – to go on a fun ride along beautiful streets and past local sights and landmarks. It’s a great thing to do when visiting Lake Garda with kids . Some of the towns with a tourist train are Peschiera del Garda , Riva del Garda , Arco, Bardolino, and Garda Town. Bear in mind that this may be a seasonal service.

10. Book an Organised Tour Around Lake Garda

Finally, you can easily book a guided tour to take you around Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda . This option works well if you want to see the most and yet you don’t have much time to spend here. It is also the most convenient option if you prefer to be shown all the best corners of the lake by an experienced tour guide instead of trying to do it all by yourself.

This full-day Lake Garda tour comes highly recommended. It takes you to several of the prettiest towns around the lake. It also combines travel by bus and boat for the best views and the maximum range of experiences.

If you are staying in Verona , then you can book this easy day trip to Lago di Garda . It takes in the prettiest town on the lake’s shores and it includes an exciting boat ride as part of this unforgettable day.

If you are staying in Milan, you can enjoy this day trip taking in Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione on Lake Garda.

Have a browse through GetYourGuide and  Viator to see what other lake tours are available. You can also ask the accommodation you have booked in this corner of Italy to recommend a guided tour of the lake.

In Conclusion

For its beauty, history, good food , and fun activities , Lake Garda is an unmissable destination in Northern Italy. Millions of people come here every year to experience the best that Italy’s largest lake has to offer.

If you are planning to visit the lake and you are searching for information about how to get to it and travel around it once you land in Italy, this blog post provides just the information that you need. There are many transport options here. You can catch a train, get a bus, or hop on a ferry. You can even rent a boat, hire a bike, or simply walk and hike around. Even if this is your first visit to Italy, getting to Lake Garda is easy, especially with the help of this blog post.

In it, I provide you with exhaustive details about how to travel to and around Lake Garda using ten different types of transportation. Many practical and first-hand tried and tested tips are provided to make your travel planning as smooth as possible.

I hope that you will find all this information useful and that it will help you streamline your time at Italy’s largest lake.

Enjoy lake garda and the amazing activities and beautiful landmarks on its shores, travel tools, get ready for your trip to lake garda in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on  GetYourGuide ,  Viator , and  Tiqets .

More Helpful Lake Garda Info for You

Lake Garda Travel Guide Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Desenzano del Garda ,  Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Lake Garda Hiking:  Tibetan Bridge ,  Rocca di Garda ,  Park of the Waterfalls Visiting Lake Garda:  Map of Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Lake Garda Beaches:   16 Top Tips ,  Unmissable Beaches , Jamaica Beach (Sirmione) Lake Garda Sights:   Best Theme Parks ,  Best Castles ,  Shortest River in Italy,   Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy:  Italy Gift Guide ,  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Como: Travel Guide , Best Towns , Things to Do , How to Get to Lake Como , Lake Como in Winter , Nearest Airports , Milan to Lake Como , Nesso Venice:   Travel Guide , Best Things to Do , Essential Tips ,  Major Landmarks ,  Hidden Gems ,  How to Navigate Venice ,  Venice in a Day for Art Lovers ,  Train Stations ,  Nearest Airports ,  Best Tours ,  Beaches of Venice ,  Quotes about Venice ,  Boats in Venice ,  Haunted Venice ,  Day Trips from Venice ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Venice to Padua ,  Venice to Verona , Arco del Paradiso Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary , Verona to Venice , Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums , The Beauty of Vicenza Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit , Main Cities , Prettiest Small Towns , Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Campania: Naples Travel Guide Umbria: Reasons to Visit Perugia

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