Malcesine

Travel Guide

Malcesine
Malcesine
Malcesine
Malcesine
Photo by Tysonator  W

Wander amid the cobbled lanes and historic buildings of this pretty town. Climb up to the castle, dine in fine restaurants and relax on the shores of Lake Garda. 

Malcesine occupies one of Lake Garda’s most picturesque spots, with Monte Baldo looming behind and the lake stretching out in front. The popular vacation resort attracts those looking to relax during slow-paced sunny days. Sip coffee, enjoy rich gelato and bask in the sun along the lakeshore. Reserve some time to visit the impressive and unmistakable Scaliger Castle overlooking the town.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Garda, Malcesine is surrounded by pretty villages, towns and beaches. It has long attracted writers and artists who draw inspiration from the stunning vistas and fascinating history of the town. Amble through the medieval cobbled lanes and notice the historic architecture. Discover small stores selling leather handbags and shoes, locally made limoncello and artisan souvenirs. Dine in one of the many restaurants. For dessert, have the town’s famous gelato (ice cream).

Walk to the main harbor, where little boats bob on the waves and plenty of open-air cafés welcome visitors. Not far away is the old harbor Port Vecchio with even more places to eat. The 15th-century Palazzo dei Capitani is located here. It was once the headquarters of the region’s Venetian rulers.

The most important building in town is the Scaliger Castle. Make sure you see this grand fortification, as well as the Museo Castello Scaligero, a very thorough museum housed within. Its existence is testament to the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

Take the cable car up Monte Baldo for some of the best views of Lake Garda. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor pursuits, participate in cycling, walking or paragliding.

The airports of Verona, Brescia and Bergamo are all within a short transfer from Malcesine. Take the train to Peschiera and then a bus to the town or rent a car and have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Club Hotel Olivi
Club Hotel Olivi
3 out of 5
160 Via Gardesana, Malcesine, VR
The price is P8,007 per night from Jun 27 to Jun 28
P8,007
P9,007 total
Jun 27 - Jun 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"So pleased we booked this hotel. You don’t have to be a tennis player to enjoy it! Hotel Club Olivi is set just outside of Malcesine so is not so frantically busy as the other central hotels and has gardens to walk around and enjoy. Having seen a lot of the other towns around Malcesine on the north ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2024

Club Hotel Olivi
Hotel Majestic Palace
Hotel Majestic Palace
4 out of 5
Via Navene Vecchia 96, Malcesine, VR
The price is P10,013 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
P10,013
P11,279 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (83 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay! Lots of activities to do with beautiful views. The customer service was fantastic and very accommodating. The shuttle service down into the village centre was excellent to have as well. Highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Hotel Majestic Palace
Hotel Dolomiti
Hotel Dolomiti
3.5 out of 5
Via Gardesana Centro 135, Malcesine, VR
The price is P8,715 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
P8,715
P9,785 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (218 reviews)
"A small but great hotel with exceptional staff. Thanks to Rita who’s manner and professionalism really shines to make this hotel so well rated."

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Hotel Dolomiti
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.
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! (78 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 Jun 2, 2025

June Stay Lake Garda
Residence Parco del Garda
Residence Parco del Garda
Via Marconi, 34, Garda, VR
Stay at this residence in Garda. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Al Corno Beach and Golf Club Ca degli Ulivi are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (54 reviews)
Convenient hotel
"Very good"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2016

Residence Parco del Garda
Camping le Palme - Campground
Camping le Palme - Campground
4 out of 5
Via del Tronchetto 2, Lazise, VR
Stay at this 4-star beach campground in Lazise. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gardaland and Gardaland SEA LIFE ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
Better hotels out there for same price
"It seemed quite affordable at first but after you add in all the charges for towels, linens, toilet paper, room cleaning, etc. you are better off paying more for a different hotel. This camping ground is unlike any other camping ground that we have stayed at, this one makes you pay for everything. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2016

Camping le Palme - Campground
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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