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Lake Garda Holiday Guide
Lake Garda is one of Italy’s best loved holiday destinations, known for its incredible natural beauty and rich culture. The lake’s northern shores attract water sport fanatics looking to windsurf or those looking to traverse its rugged terrain. The south draws visitors looking for a relaxing break with its laid-back resorts, beautiful beaches, traditional vineyards and picturesque villages.
Thanks to the lake’s size and the local wind patterns, temperatures are milder and sunnier compared to the rest of the region. The landscape is peppered with citrus orchards, vineyards and olive groves, all of which give the lake a unmistakable Mediterranean feeling.
Visit the lake’s northernmost town, Riva del Garda, and enjoy some of the best windsurfing conditions in all of Europe. Take a stroll along the lake, people-watch and meet locals and fellow tourists alike, and watch expert windsurfers do their thing.
Soak in the natural hot springs in Sirmione. These natural attractions have made this town a popular holiday destination for centuries, being something of a holiday sport since Roman times. Make sure you savour a creamy gelato while wandering along cobblestone streets where – after all, eating good food is a massive part of a trip to Italy.
Don’t miss Grotte di Catullo, one of Northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman buildings. Spread across terraced hillsides and surrounded by cypress and olive trees, its crumbling stone arches and walls are truly something to behold. Stop and enjoy the breathtaking views across the lake or take a look inside the museum, and study it great collection of Roman artefacts.
Need more culture? Then delve into the eccentric world of 19th-century writer, Gabriele d'Annunzio at Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. Even though he’s deemed one of Italy’s greatest writers, d’Annunzio left his legacy has been tainted by his support for Mussolini and, to a lesser extent, wild lifestyle. Still, his flamboyant residence, which is decorated with leopard skins and black velvet drapes, is something to behold.
Explore the evergreen forests and orchid meadows of Parco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba by bike or foot. T his reserve is home to some of the lake’s best beaches, a popular spot for swimming, and is a UNESCO protected site.
Located midway between Milan and Venice, Lake Garda can easily be reached by train. Visit outside of the popular summer season, when there are many festivals and events, if you want to avoid the crowds. But if you’re not too fussed about fellow travellers, be sure to check out the Il Festival del Garda, with its music competitions, beauty pageants, and the boat races.
Top Hotel Deals
Gardaland Hotel
Via Palù 1, Castelnuovo del GardaThis family-friendly Castelnuovo del Garda hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Sea Life Aquarium and Gardaland. Movieland and Canevaworld - Aqua Paradise are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
Viale Rovereto 44, Riva del GardaOffering direct access to the beach, this Riva del Garda hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Porto San Nicolo and La Rocca. Tower of Apponale is 1 mi (1.6 km) away.
Gardaland Adventure Hotel
Via Palù, 1/A, Castelnuovo del GardaSituated in Castelnuovo del Garda, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Sea Life Aquarium and within 3 miles (5 km) of Gardaland and Movieland. Canevaworld - Aqua Paradise is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.
Campeggio del Garda
Lungo Lago Garibaldi, 15, Peschiera del GardaNestled on the beach, this Peschiera del Garda campsite is within 3 mi (5 km) of Clinica Pederzoli, Gardaland and Movieland. Canevaworld - Aqua Paradise is 3.1 mi (4.9 km) away. Peschiera Station is 16 minutes by foot.
Hotel Parchi del Garda
via Brusa, LaziseThis family-friendly Lazise hotel is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Gardaland and Movieland. Canevaworld - Aqua Paradise and Parco Natura Viva are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
Piazza Castello 19, SirmioneSituated in the historical district, this spa hotel is steps away from Church of Santa Maria della Neve and Scaliger Castle. Grotto of Catullus is 0.6 mi (1 km) away.
Parc Hotel Germano Suites
Via Gardesana dell'Acqua, 10, BardolinoSituated in Bardolino, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Church of San Severo, Church of San Nicolo and San Severo and Monumento ai Marinai. Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery and Cantina F.lli Zeni Wine Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Palace Hotel
viale Agello 114/a, Desenzano del GardaThis family-friendly Desenzano del Garda hotel is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Provenza Cantine and Scaliger Castle. Le Ninfee del Garda Water Park and Port of Maratona are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Top Deals on Flights
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Book your Lake Garda Vacation
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