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 holiday 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 harbour, where little boats bob on the waves and plenty of open-air cafés welcome visitors. Not far away is the old harbour 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
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! (62 reviews)
"Front desk staff on Sept 17 and 18 were amazing!! So professional, sweet and kind."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Club Hotel Olivi
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! (996 reviews)
"very nice hotel iin a beautiful town, perfect location"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hotel Sirmione Terme
Hotel Flaminia

Hotel Flaminia

4 out of 5
Piazza Flaminia 8, Sirmione, BS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (551 reviews)
"Hotel Flaminia has the perfect location right on the water in the most beautiful town in Lake Garda. Superb service and problem resolution. Extremely welcoming, immaculate service oriented property. Bravo!!"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel Flaminia
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.
New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake

New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake

Malcesine
Stay at this apartment in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (70 reviews)
Lake Garda Stay
"The view from our apartment was breathtakingly beautiful! The apartment was well equipped with everything we needed. The only drawbacks were the pool was very cold and they were many steps to get up to the apartment. Luckily the property manger and his son helped with our luggage. It quite a drive ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2021

New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake
The essence apartments n15

The essence apartments n15

Malcesine
Stay at this apartment in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway and Limone Sul Garda ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Perfect location
"Ideally located with short 8 min walk to centre of Malcesine. Host was easily accessible for any queries. English translation of how to locate the appartment was a little confusing."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2024

The essence apartments n15
H Catullo Malcesine

H Catullo Malcesine

Via Saltarino, Malcesine, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway and Limone Sul Garda ...
H Catullo Malcesine
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

Reviews of Malcesine

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We travelled from one end of the lake to the other end from Riva Del Garda down to most of the towns and villages to the bottom of the lake at Sirmione stopping at Garda, Bardolino, Torri del benaco, Malcesine, Torbole to name just a few. Enjoyed it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cable car and views from the top are breath taking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited Malcesine for a friends wedding. The whole area was beautiful, the nicest place I’ve ever visited. We will be going back. I’d highly recommend a trip there.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sensible footwear as cobbles and hills

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful views of lake and castle from our room balcony (room 30)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Does get busy when boat tours arrive. Lovely cobbled narrow streets, plenty of food options, expensive, poor parking, night street entertainment can spoil the ambience. Overall very good base to stay.