Malcesine Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Malcesine which includes a small town or village, mist or fog and a lake or waterhole
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.

Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
4 out of 5
Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione, BS
The price is ₹10,755 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹10,755
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sirmione. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (944 reviews)
"Great place to stay, recommend hiring a car so you can see the other villages around Lake Garda. The partial sea view room was OK, a bit noisy as opposite the car park. The staff were really helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2024

Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi
Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
3 out of 5
via Paina, 6, Malcesine, VR
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a terrace. Popular attractions Consorzio Olivicoltori di Malcesine and Castello ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (119 reviews)
"Great little family run hotel in a convenient position for exploring all theat malcesine has to offer."

Reviewed on 8 Sep 2023

Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
4 out of 5
Viale Rovereto 44, Riva del Garda, TN
The price is ₹14,504 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
₹14,504
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Riva del Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (586 reviews)
"Nothing better !! Simple if you are traveling to lake Garda your choice for this property is excellent"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024

Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
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.
Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
4 out of 5
Via Panoramica 8, Gardone Riviera, Provincia di Brescia
Stay at this 4-star residence in Gardone Riviera. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool and on-site parking. Popular attractions Museo Il Divino Infante and Vittoriale ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (40 reviews)
"perfect panoramic view of the lake. clean and butiful hotel."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2023

Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
June Stay Lake Garda
June Stay Lake Garda
Via Gardesana, 56, Brenzone sul Garda
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Popular attractions Aril River and Sanctuary of Madonna ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Es war wunderbar, sehr schön!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2023

June Stay Lake Garda
Hotel DeVille
Hotel DeVille
Via Paul, Costermano sul Garda, VR
Stay at this business-friendly inn in Costermano sul Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"It is a small hotel but it offers all the comforts of a big one but with a very cozy atmosphere."

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2023

Hotel DeVille
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

Reviews of Malcesine

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 71.7948717948718%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 28.205128205128204%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Oct 2019

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
19 Aug 2019

Cable car and views from the top are breath taking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Aug 2019

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
30 Jul 2019

Sensible footwear as cobbles and hills

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Jul 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Jul 2019

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.

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