Lake Garda Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Desenzano del Garda showing rocky coastline and general coastal views
Desenzano del Garda which includes flowers
Desenzano del Garda which includes a marina, general coastal views and sailing
Desenzano del Garda showing boating, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
Desenzano del Garda which includes street scenes

Explore historic towns, hike through picturesque parks or unwind at beaches and hot springs in this beautiful region surrounding Italy’s largest lake.

Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations, known for its stunning natural scenery and rich culture. The lake’s northern area attracts outdoor enthusiasts eager to windsurf or explore its rugged terrain. The south draws visitors with its laid-back resorts, pleasant beaches, scenic vineyards and pretty villages. 

As a result of the lake’s size and local wind patterns, temperatures here are milder and sunnier compared to the rest of the region. You’ll notice the landscape is dotted with citrus orchards, vineyards and olive groves, all of which give the lake a distinctive Mediterranean feeling. 

Visit the lake’s northernmost town, Riva del Garda, to enjoy some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe. Go for a stroll along the lake to people-watch and check out experienced windsurfers in action.

In Sirmione, soak in the natural hot springs, which have made this town a popular holiday destination since Roman times. Savour a creamy gelato while wandering along cobblestone streets, enjoying its old-world atmosphere. 

Be sure to visit Grotte di Catullo, one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman residences. The crumbling stone arches and walls are spread across terraced hillsides and surrounded by cypress and olive trees. Enjoy beautiful views across the lake or take a look inside the accompanying museum of Roman artifacts. 

Step into the eccentric world of 19th-century writer Gabriele d'Annunzio at Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. Despite being acclaimed as one of Italy’s greatest writers, d’Annunzio left a controversial legacy for his Fascist political views and wild lifestyle. Check out his flamboyant residence, which is decorated with leopard skins and black velvet drapes.

Cycle or walk through the picturesque evergreen forests and orchid meadows of Parco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba. A UNESCO protected site, this reserve is home to some of the lake’s best beaches for soaking up the sun or swimming. 

Lake Garda is located midway between Milan and Venice, and can be reached by train. To avoid crowds, visit outside of the popular summer season when there are many festivals and events. These include the Il Festival del Garda, with music competitions and beauty pageants, and the boat races between teams from around the lake.

Where to stay in Lake Garda

Desenzano del Garda showing rocky coastline and general coastal views

Desenzano del Garda City Centre

5/5(17 area reviews)

Desenzano del Garda City Centre is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Desenzano Castle and Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene.

Desenzano del Garda City Centre
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Peschiera del Garda City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Peschiera del Garda City Centre include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Porta Brescia or Panificio Brizzolari while you're exploring the area.

Peschiera del Garda City Centre
Bardolino featuring a sunset and a lake or waterhole

Old Town Bardolino

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Old Town Bardolino include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Church of San Nicolo and San Severo or Monumento ai Marinai while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Bardolino
Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection

Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection

3 out of 5
Via Dante Alighieri 27, Castelletto di Brenzone, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
The price is ฿3,556 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿3,556
฿4,139 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (332 reviews)
"Staff were superb"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection
Hotel Sirmione Terme

Hotel Sirmione Terme

4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
Great thermal pool
"Lovely stay Lived the thermal pool"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Flaminia

Hotel Flaminia

4 out of 5
Piazza Flaminia 8, Sirmione, BS
The price is ฿5,989 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
฿5,989
฿6,801 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (519 reviews)
"Was a great location had a balcony to watch the sun setting over lake Garda. Center location in Sirmione."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hotel Flaminia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Campeggio del Garda

Campeggio del Garda

4 out of 5
Lungo Lago Garibaldi, 15, Peschiera del Garda, VR
Stay at this 4-star beach campsite in Peschiera del Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gardaland and Gardaland ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (558 reviews)
"Tidy holiday camp. Cabin we had was excellent, there are lots of options so choose wisely. Pool was clean and well maintained/supervised. Shop on site was good. Decent location. If you see any images with a beach that’s total rubbish. There is no beach down there at all. Couple of stony/pebble areas ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Campeggio del Garda
June Stay Lake Garda

June Stay Lake Garda

Via Gardesana, 56, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
"The reception was so kind, we loved the lake terrace view and the pool. They no longer charge for pool chairs, as I had read previously in reviews - thankfully!! I was surprised to find that I would have to pay extra to have clean towels or service. I opted not to."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

June Stay Lake Garda
Residence Ca' del Lago

Residence Ca' del Lago

Via Gabriele D'Annunzio 193, Torri del Benaco, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Torri del Benaco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Museo del Castello Scaligero and Est Garda ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (441 reviews)
Great Stay
"It is a very cozy hotel, with kind & nice staff. Fresh food, clean rooms. Awesome views and very good location ( close to shops, cafes , bus stop ). Parking is a bit tricky since it’s very tight & small. The pool is also small but very clean . We loved this place and highly recommend it."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Residence Ca' del Lago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Lake Garda