The largest lake in Italy—tucked to the side of the Dolomites and sandwiched between three provinces: Verona, Brescia, and Trento—Lake Garda is a long-time favorite of elegant travelers looking for wine-tasting at vineyards, healing sulfur springs, and laidback lakeside activities. Lake Garda has something to suit most, including historic landmarks, spa towns such as Bardolino and Sirmione, and even a family-friendly theme park. Meanwhile, on the water, windsurfing, sailing, and kiteboarding are among the most popular things to do.
Lake Garda’s hot springs attract visitors all year round, but best time of year to visit, if you want to take a dip in the lake, is late in the summer, when the water has lost its alpine chill. The area is at its most beautiful in spring, when the hills are covered in blossoms, and fall, when they turn golden. The town of Salò hosts two Garda Flowers botanical events, in April and September, and many of the area’s food and wine festivals take place in the fall.
The main train station is in Peschiera del Garda, and it can be reached on the Milan–Venice railway line. From there, you can take one of the two bus routes around the lake—one stops at virtually all the villages on the eastern shore, and another covers the western shore. Navigarda ferries, which crisscross the lake, run all year long (though more frequently from spring through fall). Taxis and taxi boats are also plentiful, and you can rent a bike or e-bike in the larger towns.
To satisfy a chocolate craving, head straight to the historic Vassalli pastry shop in the heart of Salò’s old town. This family-run pasticceria has been known for its artisan chocolates (as well as its pastries and cakes) since 1930. Pull up a chair at one of the dainty pink tables set up along the town’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, or choose a selection of hand-crafted chocolates from the display to take home.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 6 | Tours 79 | Reviews 1,683 |
Lake Garda is famous for a few things: It’s Italy’s biggest lake, it’s close to the Dolomite Mountains, and it’s become a mecca for windsurfers. Like many Lombardy lakes, Lake Garda is an international tourist hub; it seems to particularly appeal to German and Dutch visitors.
...MoreThe lake is huge, so how you spend your day will depend on where you’re based. If you’re in Sirmione or Malcesine (both popular spots), you could visit Scaligero Castle or ride the cableway from Malcesine to Monte Baldo. Then, head to a lake beach for lunch and some lounging around.
...MoreYes, you can swim in Lake Garda during the summer months, and there are private and public beaches. Stick close to the shore and treat your time in the lake like Italians do: They rarely go to “swim;” instead they fare un bagno (take a bath or a dip).
...MoreBoats offer the best way to see and explore Lake Garda. You can travel between the lake towns by hydrofoil and ferry at any time of year, though departures are less frequent outside of the peak summer season. Bus routes can be complicated, and ride-hailing apps (and even taxis) aren’t common.
...MoreThe towns of Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine are tourist favorites full of charm. However, these spots are also crowded. Other less popular but lovely spots include Salò town and the rustic villages of Brenzone sul Garda, which are scattered on the slopes of Monte Baldo.
...MoreMany people come for boating and water sports—windsurfing and paddleboarding are big here. Other popular Lake Garda activities include hiking and cycling. Cyclists will be pleased to hear about the Garda by Bike project, which is working to link existing paths into an uninterrupted loop around the lake.
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