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 Roman Villa of Desenzano del Garda.

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 Panificio Brizzolari or Porta Brescia 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 Leonardo da Vinci
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
4 out of 5
Via IV Novembre, 3, Limone sul Garda, BS
The price is P11,894 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P11,894
P13,343 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (297 reviews)
"Excellent staff and food. Great self self service drinks. 15-20min nice walk into beautiful Limone, but there is also a courtesy bus every 30mins. Great views."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Sirmione Terme
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
The price is P8,301 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
P8,301
P9,493 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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! (986 reviews)
Almost perfect!
"Lovely hotel and a prime location. Staff were friendly and the lowest price room was great! All in all, we had a nice stay but there just need to be a few tweaks to guest comfort to warrant the 4* in my opinion. The spa is a bit misleading, you don’t really need to book a time slot as the booking ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Porto Azzurro
Hotel Porto Azzurro
3 out of 5
Via Salvo D Acquisto 2/4, Sirmione, BS
The price is P4,449 per night from 4 May to 5 May
P4,449
P5,126 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (785 reviews)
5 star service
"This is maybe a 3 star hotel, but their staff is 5 star!"

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

Hotel Porto Azzurro
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! (493 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! (415 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
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Lovely apartment in a really beautiful setting. I wish I were staying more than one night! It’s definitely worth getting a balcony overlooking the lake."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2024

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