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
Villa Rosa Hotel
Villa Rosa Hotel
4 out of 5
Lungolago Cesare Battisti 89, Desenzano del Garda, BS
The price is P6,169 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,169
P7,160 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (422 reviews)
Excellent, well-kept hotel in great location
"Very nice hotel in convenient location in Desenzano. Very comfortable, modern rooms. Nice bar/restaurant looking out across the lake. Walking distance to plenty of restaurants, including good restaurant right in front, overlooking the water, which supports those with additional learning needs. Had ..."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

Villa Rosa Hotel
Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Sirmione Terme
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
The price is P5,489 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P5,489
P6,387 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
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)
"Everything is good"

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort
Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort
4 out of 5
via Peschiera, 3, Bardolino, VR
The price is P9,960 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
P9,960
P11,205 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 28 - Mar 29
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bardolino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (467 reviews)
"The Manager Nathalie displayed incredible customer service, even though it was busy , she made sure to listen to her guests and ensure an outstanding stay. Loved my spa experience overall and would definitely recommend to stay at this incredible spa hotel. Thanks Nathalie and staff"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort
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 Movieland ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (492 reviews)
"Great holiday. Stayed with family"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024

Campeggio del Garda
Belvedere Village
Belvedere Village
4 out of 5
Via Giovanni Paolo II, Frazione Cavalcaselle, Castelnuovo del Garda, VR
Stay at this 4-star golf residence in Castelnuovo del Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Gardaland and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (342 reviews)
"We were quite satisfied with our stay here. The apartments are a good size and our premium apartment had everything we needed. Most importantly the AC worked well and was able to keep the whole place cool. The 3 pools are all a good size and various depths to meet all needs. The development is in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2024

Belvedere Village
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 Museo del Castello Scaligero and Est Garda ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (415 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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