Lake Garda

Travel Guide

Desenzano del Garda which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views
Desenzano del Garda featuring flowers
Desenzano del Garda featuring a marina, boating and sailing
Desenzano del Garda showing general coastal views, boating and street scenes
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 vacation 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 vacation destination since Roman times. Savor 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 which includes general coastal views and rocky coastline

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 showing a lake or waterhole and a sunset

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 Sirmione Terme
Hotel Sirmione Terme
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
The price is P8,642 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P8,642
P9,854 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"Great service and friendly staffs."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
4 out of 5
Via IV Novembre, 3, Limone sul Garda, BS
The price is P8,947 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P8,947
P10,090 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Limone sul Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a marina. Popular attractions Limone Sul Garda Harbour and Malcesine-Monte ...
8/10 Very Good! (293 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay all around, food was good the little shuttle bus was very convenient, the only small issue was the WiFi. We wished the inside pool would have been a little warmer.. this hotel provides a great value for the cost."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024

Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Hotel Flaminia
Hotel Flaminia
4 out of 5
Piazza Flaminia 8, Sirmione, BS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,797 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
P7,797
P8,924 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (432 reviews)
"Property location was amazing, clean rooms and nice breakfast selection. I would recommend this hotel for a place to stay"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

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 campground in Peschiera del Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gardaland and Canevaworld ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (492 reviews)
"Great holiday. Stayed with family"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024

Campeggio del Garda
Le Terrazze Sul Lago Residence & Hotel
Le Terrazze Sul Lago Residence & Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Ri Fiochel, 77, Padenghe sul Garda, BS
Stay at this 4-star golf residence in Padenghe sul Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Scaliger Castle and Padenghe ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (413 reviews)
A pleasant stay near Garda Lake
"We enjoyed the stay. The room was comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Le Terrazze Sul Lago Residence & Hotel
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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Est Garda - Vela Etica and Paolo Bonomelli ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (416 reviews)
"This property is awesome. The views are different from each unit, but the one we had was beautiful. The unit was roomy, comfortable. The employees at the office are very pleasant and helpful. The parking spots are tiny, and we had hard time parking our large SUV, but other than that this place is ..."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

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.

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