A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lake Garda, Italy

Last Updated on 30th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Serene Lake Garda is located in the north of Italy in the foothills of the Alps. A dream worthy destination full of swoon-worthy vistas, pretty as a postcard lakeside towns, and picturesque mountain views. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Lake Garda, as well as some top travel tips to know before you go!

Please note that Lake Garda is known as Lago di Garda in Italian.

Why you need to go to Lake Garda

If you love romance, beautiful scenery, and mouthwatering food (and, to be honest, who doesn’t?), then you should look no further for reasons to visit Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, which can be found in the region of Lombardy.

A visit to the area during any time of the year feels akin to stepping into a movie set, as referenced by the fact that countless movies and TV shows have used Lake Garda as a filming location.

lake garda italy — lukaszimilena/ Shutterstock

Should you go on a day trip or multi-day visit?

Of course, thanks to its enormous size, the best way to truly enjoy Lake Garda at a relaxed pace is over the course of several days, and this is probably why many people choosing to honeymoon in Italy select Lake Garda as a go-to destination.

Since the lake is so large, it’s not possible to see much of Lake Garda in only a day. However, if you’re truly short on time, then day excursions can be organised from cities like Milan, Verona, Bergamo, and even Venice. Check here for tour details from Verona and here for tour details from Venice.

sirmione lake garda — Sirmione/ Muzhik/ Shutterstock

Hotel recommendations

As one of the most popular vacation spots in Italy, there’s no shortage of fantastic places to stay on Lake Garda, though you should note that they often tend to be on the pricier side of things as it is a sought after destination.

In order to save on costs, be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you have your dates set as hotels will likely only go up in price! I also recommend renting a car to help you get around the area.

Check car rental comparison prices here. Otherwise, here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in Lake Garda based on location and web-reviews:

Budget- Lake Garda Beach Hostel: This laid-back hostel is located right on the shores of the lake and you can either book mixed dorms, or for an extra fee, pay for a private room. There’s a breakfast buffet served on the terrace and access to a private beach. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- Hotel Benaco Nodari Giovanni & C. Sas: This three-star hotel is situated on the northern shore of Lake Garda and boasts amenities such as free parking, a breakfast buffet, and a terrace with a hot tub. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury- Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda: For an unforgettable stay during your time in Lake Garda, you’ll want to book yourself into this five-star hotel. Highlights include sweeping views, a wellness centre, two swimming pools, and an on-site restaurant. Check prices and availability here.

Getting around Lake Garda

While you can always opt for public transportation, in order to get the most out of your visit (including the flexibility to check out hidden gems and more off the beaten path locations), you’ll want to rent your own car. Check out car rental comparison prices here.

Hiking is popular in the region and so be sure to bring along comfortable shoes (even in the historic towns there are lots of cobbled lanes). Another fun option if you want to explore with a local guide is to take a 2-Hour Guided Trike or Ryker Tour, go on a bicycle tour, or go on an e-bike tour (which includes a wine tasting).

Best Lake Garda Towns

Sirmione

The area surrounding the delightful town of Sirmione has been inhabited since around 6000 BCE and became a popular resort for wealthy families from Verona during Roman times. Today, Sirmione remains a popular resort town and some highlights include the Scaligero Castle and Grotto of Cattulo, the ruins of a Roman villa.

Peschiera del Garda

This charming little town is best-known for its charming streets, historic bridges, and ornate churches. Some of the best things to do in town include the 16th-century built Fortress of Peschiera del Garda and relaxing on one of the many beaches close to Peschiera del Garda.

Salò

Postcard-worthy Salò has a population of just 10000 residents and its rather compact nature means that it’s best explored on foot. Highlights you won’t want to miss include the Salo Museum, where you can learn more about Lake Garda and its surroundings, and the picturesque Zanardelli lakefront.

Limone sul Garda

Quaint and delightful, Limone sul Garda is a small town with just over 1000 inhabitants. Up until the 1940s, the only way to reach the town way by boat or directly through the mountains.

And, in spite of what you might think, the name Limone probably does not derive from the abundance of lemons in the area, but instead from the ancient word for elm or boundary. Today, one of the main attractions in town is Museo dei Pescatori, an archaeological museum.

Malcesine

Picture perfect Malcesine is a small town on the eastern shore of the lake. Highlights include narrow lanes filled with quaint cafés and vibrant shopping opportunities. The town is also home to the remains of a 13th-century medieval castle, Castello Scaligero di Malcesine.

Riva del Garda

Thanks to its position on the shoreline, Riva del Garda has long been a favourite haunt of those who love sailing and other water sports activities. The historic town can be found on the northern tip of the lake and boasts a medieval centre (which is presided over by the 13th-century stone Apponale clock tower), a fortress (Rocca), and postcard worthy views of the lake itself.

The town is also famed for its special Riva del Garda lemons, which were brought from the Liguria Riviera to Lake Garda by monks in the 13th-century and have been cultivated in the surrounding countryside ever since.

Today, the best way to experience the lemons for yourself is to sample some of the local citrus-infused cuisine or by heading to a market to buy some of these succulent fruits for yourself.

Gardone Riviera

This small tourist resort is closely associated with cobbled lanes, narrow alleyways, and intense floral displays during the summer months. This Lake Garda settlement has a population of around 2700 and is a quiet spot to escape the hustle and bustle of busy modern day life.

Bardolino

Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Garda, around 30 km from Verona, this picturesque waterside village is famed for its oil and wine production and its churches, some of which date all the way back to the 12th-century. The town is rather unique in that it is herring-bone in shape; streets are perpendicular to the water, making it easier to moor boats.

Desenzano del Garda

The sleepy little town of Desenzano del Garda can be found on the southern shore of Lake Garda and is particularly famed for its well-preserved Roman villa boasting mosaic floors, which can be admired by heading to The Antiquarium at Via Crocefisso 22.

Torbole

Windsurfing is one of the most popular activities to partake in close to Torbole, which is also known as Nago–Torbole (as the two towns have been administratively merged). The town has a population of just under 3000 residents and some of the main attractions in town include hiking and water sports activities.

Moniga del Garda

This small yet charming town has been a popular place to live for many millennia, and thanks to archaeological excavations of a nearby pile-dwelling village, it’s been ascertained that there were already people living in the vicinity by the Early Bronze Age (1900 – 200 BCE). A local resident by the name of Pompeo Molmenti created a popular local rosé known as Chiaretto which is a deep cherry colour.

Lazise

Pretty as a postcard, Lazise lies on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda and is prized for its charming landscapes and historic appeal. One of the most culturally important slices of architecture in this town of just under 7000 residents are the well-preserved Scaliger Walls which date back to the 14th-century and once surrounded the entire town.

Villa Canale

Also known as Canale di Tenno, this medieval village lies in the foothills of Alpine peaks, giving it a unique ambiance of being between the water and the rocky mountains.

The rustic charm can easily be felt here by giving yourself an hour or so to wander around the cobbled lanes and allow Villa Canale to reveal itself to you. Those who wish to be fulls transported back in time would do well to head to the “Rustico Medioevo” festival, which takes place every August.

Torri del Benaco

Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Garda, just under 40 km away from Verona, the delightful Torri del Benaco is presided over by Scaligero Castle, an impressive fortress constructed during the Middle Ages on the grounds of a former Roman fort.

Things to do in Lake Garda

Visit the towns

Of course, one of the best things to do in and around Lake Garda is to stroll around the little lakeside towns and soak up their ambiance. If you only have time to visit a few towns, be sure to prioritise ones such as Sirmione, Garda town, and Malcesine. If you wish to experience a hidden gem of a town, then add Villa Canale to your itinerary.

Strada della Forra

The beautiful road of Strada della Forra (known in English as Road of the Gorge) is famed for its windy nature, was called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ by Winston Churchill, and has been featured in a number of films over the years, including as a backdrop in the filming of the Quantum of Solace James Bond film.

Punta San Viglio

This gem of a location is an aesthetic spot made famous on social media thanks to its sheer beauty. The promontory is the site of a 15th-16th-century villa which is surrounded by Cypress trees swaying in the breeze and the azure waters of the lake. The site is best visited at sunset when candy colours dance through the sky and across the water.

Scout out filming locations

If you’re a movie buff, then one of the best things to do when visiting Lake Garda is to keep an eye out for filming locations. Thanks to the beauty of the water and its surroundings, a number of blockbuster movies have been filmed here. This includes Quantum of Solace and Call Me By Your Name.

Scaligero Castle

If you love moody castles, then you won’t want to miss out on this Middle Ages masterpiece, which can be found in the historic centre of Sirmione. Water actually goes into the outer courtyard and boats would have moored here in times gone by. The Castle is managed as part of the Garda Museums complex and, for a small fee, you can pay to access its interior.

Lago di Tenno

The stunning hidden gem (known as Lake Tenno in English) is a small body of water close to the northern shore of Lake Garda. You can go swimming there or simply relax on its shores. In the summer, you can even reach the central island (which is surrounded by water during the cooler months of the year).

Take a boat trip

Of course, one of the best ways to truly appreciate all that Lake Garda has to offer is by taking a boat ride out on the water. As well as luxury all day escapes, there are more budget options available. Here are some of our top picks (featuring a variety of budgets and activities):

Visit the market

One of the best ways to indulge during a trip to Italy is by getting a glimpse of local life, and perhaps nowhere is this easier to do than by taking a trip to the market. There’s a market almost every day of the week depending on which town/ village you go to:

Monday: Moniga del Garda – Market in Piazza San Martino, Sirmione – Market in loc. Colombare, Pozzolengo – Market in via Gramsci, Peschiera del Garda – Market in via Campo Sportivo, Torri del Benaco – central market, San Zeno di Montagna – central market
Tuesday: Brenzone – Market in loc. Castelletto, Bardolino – Market in loc. Cisano, Torbole sul Garda – Market at Parco Pavese every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month March to September
Wednesday: Lazise – central market, Arco – central market every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, Riva del Garda – central market every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Thursday: Bardolino – central market, Bussolengo – Market in Piazzetta san Gaetano, Trento – Market in via Giovanni Battista Borsieri, Ledro – Market in loc. Pieve from June to September
Friday: Riva del Garda – Farmers’ market in via Roma, Garda – central market
Saturday: Malcesine – central market, Lazise – Market in loc. Pacengo, Valeggio sul Mincio – Market in the town center

Rocca di Manerba

The small rocky outcrop of Rocca di Manerba is located on the southwestern shores of Lake Garda and is named for its medieval fortification period. Used as a fortress since at least Roman times, if not before, today you can hike to the top of the hill to enjoy gorgeous views over the lake.

Vittoriale degli Italiani

The Italianate hillside estate of Vittoriale degli Italiani is a true delight for garden lovers and is where where the Italian poet and novelist Gabriele D’Annunzio lived between 1922 until his death in 1938. Today you can visit the museum and its surrounding park for a small fee.

Church of San Pietro in Mavino

Quaint and ancient, the historic church dedicated to Saint Peter in Mavino dates back to the 8th-century CE, during the Longobard era. It’s one of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in the area, is free to visit (though optional donations are always welcome), and is home to a calm, serene atmosphere.

Isola del Garda

The little island of Isola del Garda is one of the most romantic spots in Lake Garda and is the largest island on the lake. The isle has a rich and varied past, and previous uses include as a Roman burial ground, pirate lair, a site for a Franciscan monastery, and more recently, a residential villa.

Home to 19th-century fortifications and the Venetian neo-Gothic Villa Borghese Cavazza, the island is a popular site for weddings and other large events. If you wish to see the island from closer up than a boat (if a boat tour is only what you’re after then book this one for exquisite views from afar), then they offer guided tours (which include transport from the mainland). Find out more about official tours here.

Isola San Biagio

Yet another small island which you can check out during your time in Lake Garda is Isola San Biagio. The island is open to visitors from around 1st of May until the 15th of September each year and you’ll have to pay a small admission charge to set foot on the island. You can reach the island by ferry from “Porto Torchio” or by boat

Varone waterfall

Located within the Parco Grotta Cascate Varone, the Varone waterfall is known as Cascate Varone in Italian and is a pair of waterfalls which cascade into a cave around 3 kilometetres north-west of Lake Garda. Open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM (with last admission at 4:30 PM), you can buy tickets on the park’s official website.

Go canyoning

One of the more unique ways to enjoy your time in Lake Garda is to go canyoning on a tour like this one. Taking place over the course of several hours, over the course of your lesson you’ll leap into water, slide down a natural slide, and embark on a tour for beginners with low pressure that suits your comfort level.

Go on a via ferrata

A via ferrata is a protected climbing route which is found throughout the Alps and in Alpine areas such as northern Italy. These routes are certainly for the more adventurous out there and comprise of climbing on steel fixtures such as cables and railings. You can find more out about how to partake in the activity here.

Go wine tasting

Northern Italy is famed for its wines and so, when visiting the Lake Garda region, you’ll have a great excuse to sample the local wines and even go on a vineyard tour. Here are some of our top picks for wine tours in the area:

Hike to Punta Larici

Of course, thanks to its abundance of nature, there’s no shortage of beautiful hikes surrounding Lake Garda. However, one of the absolute best hikes in the area is to hike to Punta Larici. If you head out from Pregasina, then the hike takes around half an hour and will take you to around 900 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy some pretty gorgeous views.

Monte Baldo cable car

If hiking isn’t really your thing, then another great way to get a bird’s eye perspective of Lake Garda is by taking the Monte Baldo cable car. Open throughout the year, making this activity one that you can do either in the summer or winter time, the rotating cable cars (unique in the world) will transport you to an altitude of 1800 metres above sea level. You can buy your tickets on the official website.

Indulge in Italian food and drink

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Italy is to indulge in Italian food. From pizza to pasta, gelato, and fresh salads, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering dishes to sample.

If you want to learn more about Italian food together with a local, consider booking a cooking class like this one or even going on a beekeeping farm tour like this one. Some special dishes which come directly from Lake Garda include:

Bigoli (a type of pasta) with sardines from Garda
Risotto with Amarone wine
Polenta Carbonèra (made with three types of cheese from Monte Baldo)

The art of Eating pasta in Italy: an Italian adventure in local cuisine and a history of pasta

Gardaland Theme Park

If you’re travelling to Italy with kids, then the Gardaland Theme Park is located on the shores of Lake Garda and is the largest theme park in Italy. Home to all kinds of thrilling attractions like rollercoasters and fantasy themed areas, the park sees over a million visitors annually. Purchase your Gardaland ticket here in advance.

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