The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, stretches between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino‑Alto Adige in the north. Short trips work well here if the route is planned carefully, so explore the best things to do on Lake Garda and discover castles, mountains and clear waters.
Where is Lake Garda, and how to get there
One of the top lakes to visit in Italy, Lake Garda sits between Milan and Venice, with Verona as the closest major city. The southern shore in Lombardy and Veneto is flatter and better connected by trains and motorways, while the northern Trentino side narrows into a fjord‑like valley and a more Alpine feel.
The most practical arrival point is Verona Airport (VRN) at roughly 30–40 minutes by car to the south‑eastern shore.
Which side of Lake Garda to stay on
- South shore (Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera): easiest without a car, good nightlife, plenty of beaches and day‑trip options.
- East shore (Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine): wine villages, promenade walks, access to Monte Baldo and popular family attractions.
- North shore (Riva del Garda, Torbole, Arco): dramatic scenery, windsurfing and hiking, a bit quieter in the evenings.
Lake Garda Itinerary: what to see in one day
With only one day at Lake Garda, concentrating on the southern or eastern shore works best.
- Start in Sirmione, on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the lake from the southern shore.
- At the tip of the peninsula, the Grotte di Catullo offers Roman villa ruins surrounded by olive trees and water on three sides.
- From Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda sits a short drive or ferry ride away on the south‑western shore.
- A short walk uphill leads to the remains of the local castle and wider lake views. Roman history appears again at the Villa Romana di Desenzano, an archaeological site with mosaic floors.
- In the afternoon, head up the eastern shore towards Malcesine. Narrow cobbled lanes twist up to the Scaliger Castle.
- From the centre, the cable car runs up to Monte Baldo. On clear days, this is one of the best viewpoints in the region.
- If you stay in Malcesine, the small harbour area works well for an evening passeggiata, with ice‑cream stops and waterside bars. For those based further south, an evening stroll along the lakeside promenades in Bardolino, Garda or Desenzano gives a softer end to the day.
Lake Garda in two days: suggested route
Two days at Lake Garda allow time to see both the southern and northern sections without rushing.
Day 1 – Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda
Follow the one‑day plan above, but slow the pace slightly:
- Morning exploring Sirmione, with castle, Roman ruins and a longer lakeside walk.
- Late lunch and afternoon in Desenzano del Garda, with more time at the Roman villa or on one of the local beaches such as Spiaggia d’Oro.
- Evening in Desenzano or a nearby town, enjoying the piazzas, bars and restaurants.
Day 2 – Gardone Riviera, Vittoriale and Riva del Garda
On day two, move up the western side of the lake.
- The Gardesana Occidentale road runs along the shore from Desenzano towards Salò and beyond, with tunnels and cliff‑hugging sections.
- Stop in Gardone Riviera to visit the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the eccentric hillside estate of writer Gabriele D’Annunzio.
- Short stops at villages like Limone sul Garda give a taste of citrus groves and steep lanes, plus the famous cliff‑side cycle and pedestrian path above the water.
- At the northern tip, Riva del Garda has a broad waterfront, historic centre and a slightly Alpine atmosphere.
- The town’s medieval Torre Apponale offers rooftop‑level views over the harbour, while the old fortress building on the lake now houses a museum.
Best things to do on Lake Garda
Beyond the classic sightseeing loop, Lake Garda supports a wide range of outdoor activities and slower experiences.
- Boat trips and lake cruises: Seeing the towns from the water gives a better sense of scale. Public ferries connect many of the main settlements, and private operators run short sightseeing cruises.
- Cycling and walking paths: you'll find a mix of flat lakefront paths and tougher mountain routes. One of the most distinctive stretches is the cycle and pedestrian path near Limone sul Garda.
- Swimming spots and beaches: Lake Garda has many small beaches and bathing areas, usually shingle or grass rather than wide sandy stretches. To name just a few, you have Jamaica Beach, Spiaggia d’Oro and Manerba del Garda's beaches.
Visiting Lake Garda with children
Lake Garda works well for families because distances between towns are short and there is a mix of theme parks, gentle walks and water activities.
- Gardaland is one of Italy’s largest amusement parks. The park divides into themed areas with roller coasters, shows and gentler rides for younger children.
- Varone Waterfall Park provides a short, dramatic excursion. Paths and tunnels lead into a narrow gorge where the waterfall has carved smooth rock walls over time.
- The medieval village of Canale di Tenno has stone houses, narrow alleys and small craft workshops.
Lake Garda by motorbike
For motorcyclists, Lake Garda offers a satisfying loop of around 250 kilometres, normally split over at least two days.
A common starting point is Desenzano del Garda. From here, riders often follow the western shore north along the Gardesana Occidentale towards Salò, Gardone Riviera, Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda
One of the most memorable stretches is the Strada della Forra above the western shore near Tremosine. This historic road runs through a narrow gorge, with hairpins, short tunnels and sudden views down to the lake.
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