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

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

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

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 ฿3,850 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
฿3,850
฿4,461 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (321 reviews)
"What a lovely owner...makes you want to come back"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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! (988 reviews)
"Great service"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Gardaland Magic Hotel

Gardaland Magic Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Fornace 2/a, Castelnuovo del Garda, VR
The price is ฿6,132 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿6,132
฿6,870 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly inn in Castelnuovo del Garda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Gardaland and Gardaland ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (124 reviews)
Lovely room
"Everything went smoothly at check-in. Our room was lovely. The kids loved solving the clues to find the prize. For such a big room, the price was great. The pool was just outside our room and we enjoyed it and had some snacks at the pool bar. The food wasn't great there. The hotel is strange with ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Gardaland Magic Hotel
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.
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! (438 reviews)
Lovely stay at Lake Garda
"Lovely stay at Torri Del Benaco. It was our first time visiting Lake Garda. The town is big enough to have several different dining options, plus there is a great restaurant with amazing staff right on the property. We loved sitting on our balcony enjoying the views and lounging by the pool with ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Residence Ca' del Lago
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! (549 reviews)
"I had a wonderful experience staying at this rental apartment. It was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. The location was perfect—close to shops, restaurants, and public transportation, but still quiet and relaxing. The host was very friendly and helpful, and check-in was easy. The ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 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! (91 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
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