Lake Garda Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Desenzano del Garda showing rocky coastline and general coastal views
Desenzano del Garda which includes flowers
Desenzano del Garda which includes a marina, general coastal views and sailing
Desenzano del Garda showing boating, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
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 holiday 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 holiday destination since Roman times. Savour 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 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 Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene.

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 Porta Brescia or Panificio Brizzolari 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 Caribe - Garda Lake Collection

Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection

3 out of 5
Via Dante Alighieri 27, Castelletto di Brenzone, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
The price is ₹10,581 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹10,581
₹12,236 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (298 reviews)
"Older hotel needs some renovations but it was nice and clean. Location was very nice Some of the staff was not friendly and should not be in a customer service position."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection
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 Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"amazing location"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (355 reviews)
"Quite freindly close to town modern well kept"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 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
Campeggio del Garda

Campeggio del Garda

4 out of 5
Lungo Lago Garibaldi, 15, Peschiera del Garda, VR
Stay at this 4-star beach campsite in Peschiera del Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gardaland and Gardaland ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (520 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Campeggio del Garda
Residenza Miralago

Residenza Miralago

2 out of 5
Tommaso dal Molin, 27, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Stay at this beach residence in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Scaliger Castle and Port of Maratona ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (50 reviews)
"Apartment was generally acceptable but noise from other apartments was an issue."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Lake Garda