Lake Garda

Travel Guide

Desenzano del Garda which includes general coastal views and rocky coastline
Desenzano del Garda showing flowers
Desenzano del Garda showing a marina, sailing and general coastal views
Desenzano del Garda showing a bay or harbour, street scenes and boating
Desenzano del Garda featuring street scenes
Explore Lake Garda’shistoric towns, hike through its picturesque parks or simply relax at itslakeside beaches and hot springs in this beautiful region surrounding Italy’slargest lake.

Lake Garda is one of Italy’sbest loved holiday destinations, known for its incredible natural beauty andrich culture. The lake’s northern shores attract water sport fanatics lookingto windsurf or those looking to traverse its rugged terrain. The south drawsvisitors looking for a relaxing break with its laid-back resorts, beautifulbeaches, traditional vineyards and picturesque villages.

Thanks to the lake’s size and the local windpatterns, temperatures are milder and sunnier compared to the rest of theregion. The landscape is peppered with citrus orchards, vineyards and olivegroves, all of which give the lake a unmistakable Mediterraneanfeeling.

Visit the lake’s northernmost town, Rivadel Garda, and enjoy some of the best windsurfing conditions in allof Europe. Take a stroll along the lake, people-watch and meet locals andfellow tourists alike, and watch expert windsurfers do their thing.

Soak in the natural hot springs in Sirmione. Thesenatural attractions have made this town a popular holiday destination forcenturies, being something of a holiday sport since Roman times. Make sure yousavour a creamy gelato while wandering along cobblestone streets where – afterall, eating good food is a massive part of a trip to Italy.

Don’t miss Grotte di Catullo, one of NorthernItaly’s best-preserved Roman buildings. Spread across terraced hillsides andsurrounded by cypress and olive trees, its crumbling stone arches and walls aretruly something to behold. Stop and enjoy the breathtaking views across thelake or take a look inside the museum, and study it great collection of Romanartefacts.

Need more culture? Then delve into the eccentricworld of 19th-century writer, Gabriele d'Annunzio at Il Vittoriale degliItaliani. Even though he’s deemed one of Italy’s greatest writers, d’Annunzioleft his legacy has been tainted by his support for Mussolini and, to a lesserextent, wild lifestyle. Still, his flamboyant residence, which is decoratedwith leopard skins and black velvet drapes, is something to behold.

Explore the evergreen forests and orchid meadows ofParco Archeologico Rocca di Manerba by bike or foot. T his reserve is home tosome of the lake’s best beaches, a popular spot for swimming, and is a UNESCOprotected site.

Located midway between Milan and Venice, LakeGarda can easily be reached by train. Visit outside of thepopular summer season, when there are many festivals and events, if you want toavoid the crowds. But if you’re not too fussed about fellow travellers, be sureto check out the Il Festival del Garda, with its music competitions, beautypageants, and the boat races.

Where to stay in Lake Garda

Desenzano del Garda showing rocky coastline and general coastal views

Desenzano del Garda City Centre

5/5(17 area reviews)

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

5/5(1 area review)

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 featuring a sunset and a lake or waterhole

Old Town Bardolino

5/5(1 area review)

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 Porto Azzurro
Hotel Porto Azzurro
3 out of 5
Via Salvo D Acquisto 2/4, Sirmione, BS
The price is €137 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
€137
25 Jun - 26 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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! (831 reviews)
"A nice, welcoming and well managed hotel. The room was comfortable and a good size. Breakfast had plenty of choice especially if you want just a continental breakfast. The swimming pool and sun lounging areas are very nice."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Hotel Porto Azzurro
Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Sirmione Terme
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
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! (988 reviews)
"Location location location. This one ticks the boxes. Just inside the bridge onto the island it is right next to the shops, bars and restaurants and next to the ferry pier. Everything is a very short walk. We had a room with a small balcony overlooking the water and ferry pier. Well appointed and ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
4 out of 5
Via Desenzanino 7, Desenzano del Garda, BS
The price is €131 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
€131
24 Jun - 25 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
Perfect
"Beautiful hotel, great location, friendly staff, great breakfast to start the day. Were accommodating with cases before and after check in and check out"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Hotel Palazzo Del Garda & Spa
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! (505 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Campeggio del Garda
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 2 Jun 2025

June Stay Lake Garda
Residenza Miralago
Residenza Miralago
2 out of 5
Tommaso dal Molin, 27, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Book a stay at this beach residence in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Scaliger Castle and Port ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
"Great lake view, convenient location, polite staff."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Residenza Miralago
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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