Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a stunning spot nestled between the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Its deep blue waters and picturesque towns make it a magnet for tourists; in fact, an impressive 22 million tourists visit Lake Garda every year.
And each one of the charming towns sprinkled along the lake here has its own unique appeal. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best places to stay around Lake Garda, helping you find the perfect spot for you in Lake Garda.
We stayed in Bardolino, a pretty village on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. It sits at the base of the lush Morainic Hills. Bardolino is quite a big village and it’s filled with pastel-colored buildings that house lovely clothing stores and great restaurants. And we may be biased, as we had such a great time there, but we reckon it’s one of the cutest towns in Lake Garda.
Another one of the most picturesque towns in Lake Garda is Limone Sul Garda on the northeast of the lake and Garda, next to Bardolino.
If you’re traveling to Lake Garda with kids, we highly recommend basing yourself in either Bardolino or Peschiera del Garda, as both offer plenty of family-friendly hotels and are close to attractions like Gardaland and Caneva World Resort.
1. Sirmione: Best for history lovers
Sirmione is often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Garda,” and for good reason. This enchanting town is located on a narrow peninsula that juts into the southern part of the lake.
Sirmione is well-known for its picturesque peninsula and the impressive Scaliger Castle. I’d say this town is a perfect mix of historical intrigue and thermal springs.
As I said, one of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Scaliger Castle, a visually striking fortress that dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is also famous for its thermal baths, which have been around since Roman times and are renowned for their healing properties. We liked wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets and checking out the small stores and cafes.
What to do in Sirmione:
From pretty much every town along Lake Garda, you’ll be able to see the standout Isola del Garda – the biggest island in the lake. Home to a lush park and the eye-catching Villa Borghese Cavazza, a Venetian neo-Gothic villa. You can catch a shared boat to the island from Manerba del Garda or book a private tour from Sirmione, which fits up to 6 people. This tour costs from €400 per boat, which fits up to 6 people. That works out at around €66 a head.
Where to stay in Sirmione:
The luxurious Grand Hotel Terme is a great choice here. It offers a blend of elegance and comfort with its thermal spa, lakeside location, and excellent on-site restaurant.
2. Riva del Garda: Best for the outdoor type
At the northern tip of Lake Garda is Riva del Garda. Surrounded by dramatic mountains (the Brenta Dolomites), there’s heaps to do here if you like outdoorsy things, from windsurfing and sailing to hiking and mountain biking.
The town itself boasts a charming historic center with colorful buildings and lively piazzas.
What to do in Riva del Garda:
Varone Waterfall, aka Parco Grotta Cascata Varone, is a waterfall within a cave and it stands at 70 meters high. It’s such a stunning natural attraction and a must-see during your time in Riva del Garda.
There are two viewing points of the waterfall: the first is in the Lower Cave and the second is in the Upper Cave; from here you can witness the full power of the waterfall! The walking path to the two viewpoints is easy enough, but you will get a little wet, and it can be slippy, so sturdy footwear is a must!
Where to stay in Riva del Garda:
- Lido Palace, a luxurious five-star establishment that blends historic elegance with modern comforts. It boasts breathtaking lake views, an exquisite spa, and fine dining in its acclaimed restaurants.
- Another popular choice is the Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort, set in a beautiful parkland with direct lake access, multiple pools, and an array of recreational activities.
3. Malcesine: Good for hikers
Malcesine is located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Its piece-de-resistance is Scaliger Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. This town is perfect for those who love history and wow-worthy views.
What to do in Malcesine:
Standing tall (at a whopping 6,000 feet) over Malcesine is Monte Baldo, which you can ride to the top of in a cable car (aka a Funivia). This is a unique, state-of-the-art cable car system as the cars rotate their axis during the journey to the top, thus allowing you to see a 360-degree view along the way.
The beach here is also one of the best along the lake for a swim, as the water here isn’t muddy. And the water is quite shallow.
Where to stay in Malcesine:
Hotel Castello Lake Front, boasts a prime location right by the water, offering stunning panoramic views and direct beach access.
4. Limone sul Garda: Best for a quiet getaway
Limone sul Garda, located on the western shore, is renowned for its lemon groves and citrus-scented air. This charming town is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, terraced gardens, and vibrant flowers. The historic lemon houses, or “limonaie,” are a testament to the town’s citrus-growing heritage and are open to visitors.
What to do in Limone sul Garda:
A fun and exhilarating thing to do here is to go canyoning. If you don’t know what that is, it essentially involves rock climbing, jumping from small cliffs, and sliding down rock faces through a scenic canyon. It sounds heart-stopping, but it’s completely safe, and you’ll have an instructor with you at all times as well as all the safety gear.
This tour in Tignale, Lake Garda, which is close to Limone sul Garda, offers you the chance to explore the canyon in a welcoming and laid-back setting. It costs from €66 per person.
Where to stay in Limone sul Garda:
Hotel Castell offers a cozy setting with breathtaking views and warm hospitality.
5. Desenzano del Garda: Best for nightlife
Desenzano del Garda, at the southern end of the lake, is the largest town on Lake Garda and offers a vibrant blend of culture, shopping, and nightlife. Its lively piazzas, bustling markets, and historic sites, such as the Roman Villa and the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, are popular sights to see here.
Desenzano’s vibrant nightlife, with its several bars and clubs, makes it a popular destination with younger travelers.
What to do in Desenzano del Garda:
The town’s historical center is perfect for a wander, with its charming piazzas, quaint shops, and bustling cafes. Don’t miss the Roman Villa, an archaeological site with impressive mosaics that provide a glimpse into the ancient past. And you must visit Desenzano Castle, which offers panoramic views of the area.
Where to stay in Desenzano del Garda:
A good choice here is a cozy bed and breakfast called Relais Il Giardino Segreto, which offers a personal touch and a peaceful garden setting.
6. Bardolino: Best for couples
Bardolino, on the eastern shore, is where we decided to stay, and it’s a great place to stay for couples, but it’s also a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. As this charming town is surrounded by vineyards producing the famous Bardolino wine (a fruity red). Wine tastings and tours of local wineries offer an opportunity to savor the region’s flavors.
In addition to its wine culture, Bardolino boasts beautiful lakeside promenades, a lively harbor, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
What to do in Bardolino:
- Walk the Bardolino Lake Garda Promenade Walkway that connects Bardolino with the town of Garda. They are two of the prettiest towns on the lake. It’s flat and easy and is around 2 km long. Along the way, you’ll pass several small beaches and Cafes, so you can stop where and when you please.
- Wander around the town: Bardolino – this town has a very relaxed vibe, and we loved walking around its mix of narrow, cobblestone streets, checking out the quaint shops, and vibrant cafés.
Where to stay in Bardolino:
- Hotel Ca’Mura – This is where we stayed, and we loved how spread out the hotel is – there are gorgeous gardens to explore, a huge pool, and a small kids’ pool. As well as that, there’s a kids’ club, tennis court, volleyball court, and an on-site restaurant. Our apartment was authentically Italian and nice and cool during the day. The only downside is it’s located outside of town and at the top of a steep hill, so the walk up from town was tough.
- Sisan Family Resort – a 4-star resort with a mini waterpark/ water playground and two swimming pools. The rooms here are three-bedroom apartments that are spacious and feature a small living room and kitchen as well as a patio area. There’s also a kids’ club and nightly entertainment for the kids in high season. Rates are around €375 per night.
- La Rocca Camping Village – A 4-star camping village, a short distance from Bardolino, La Rocca offers apartments, mobile homes, and pitches (for a tent or RV). There’s a large swimming pool, mini splash park, on-site shop, Cafe, and restaurant. They offer a junior/teen club, nightly shows, and a spa. It’s also right on the beach.
7. Peschiera del Garda: Best for families
Right on the southeastern shore, this town has the perfect mix of natural beauty and history. The town’s center is surrounded by impressive 16th-century Venetian walls, which have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it is crisscrossed by canals – it really is a lovely place to stroll around.
What to do in Peschiera del Garda:
- Gardaland is home to a theme park with 40 rides, the brand new Legoland Water Park, a SeaLife Aquarium, and a Peppa Pig Land for the younger kids! Gardaland is honestly huge and there’s a ride for everyone. Thrill-seekers (like me and my husband) loved the Blue Tornado rollercoaster but we also had heaps of fun on the Raptor and Oblivion rides.
- Caneva World Resort is two fun parks in one place – the Caneva Aquapark and the Movieland theme park. The Caneva Aquapark is a Caribbean-themed waterpark that’s spread over 100,000 square meters! Here, you’ll find several water slides (there’s one for every level of bravery), a few relaxation zones and, a couple of different pools.
Where to stay in Peschiera del Garda
- Gasparina Village – A quiet holiday village consisting of 120 apartments, a kids club, and a super lagoon pool with slides. The apartments come with a kitchenette and are spacious and comfortable. The resort is car-free too! Handily, it’s located just 1.5 km to Gardaland.
- Gardaland Hotel – This hotel is located within the Gardaland theme park. It’s a 4-star hotel with 247 rooms (including 36 themed rooms), two bars, a restaurant, and a free shuttle bus that takes you to Gardaland. The hotel offers various packages like free second-day park entry.
- Eurocamp Bella Italia – This huge site offers loads of facilities (pools, supermarket, playground, sports facilities, restaurants, etc), and it has a very ‘buzzy’ vibe. Despite its size, it’s really easy to navigate, with clearly marked ‘roads’ leading to different areas.
8. Gardone Riviera: A hidden gem
Gardone Riviera, on the western shore, is known for its elegance and lush gardens. The town is home to the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani, a hillside estate with beautiful gardens and an open-air theater. The Heller Garden, with its exotic plants and sculptures, is another highlight.
What to do in Gardone Riviera:
As I said above be sure to stroll through the stunning gardens of Heller Garden, where you can admire exotic plants and art installations. And don’t miss the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former residence of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, which boasts fascinating architecture and lush gardens with breathtaking views of the lake.
Where to stay in Gardone Riviera:
Here, the Hotel Villa del Sogno provides a romantic atmosphere with its timeless architecture and beautiful gardens.
9. Garda Town: Another one for couples
Garda Town is located between Bardolino and Torri del Benaco. This small town is renowned for its picturesque setting, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. The 12th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta is also worth checking out while here.
What to do in Garda:
This sunset kayaking tour may also be something fun to do as a family; it’s suitable for kids aged 9 and above. And it’s two hours long and involves you kayaking from Garda to Punta San Vigilio while the sky turns all different shades of pink.
Where to stay in Garda:
The charming Hotel Regina Adelaide is a great choice here. It provides a delightful mix of elegance and comfort with its classic Italian decor and lush gardens.
Getting to Lake Garda:
If you’re flying, the nearest airports are Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From any of these airports, you can rent a car or take a train to one of the towns surrounding the lake, such as Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, or Riva del Garda.
We flew from Cork Airport (in Ireland) to Bergamo and from Bergamo City Station caught a train to Peschiera del Garda. We then opted to get a taxi from the station directly to our hotel in Bardolino.
Search for flights here:
If you prefer traveling by train, you can catch a direct train from major Italian cities like Milan or Venice to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda.
Renting a Car in Lake Garda
Renting a car in Lake Garda can be an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes and charming towns that surround the largest lake in Italy. To get started, it’s advisable to book your car rental in advance online to secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during the peak tourist season.
We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after. On here, you can book with major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, which have offices in nearby cities such as Verona and Brescia, and you can also find local rental services in towns around the lake on this website.
Search available car rentals in the area here:
When renting a car in Lake Garda, make sure you have a valid driver’s license, and check if you need an International Driving Permit depending on your country of origin. Familiarize yourself with Italian driving laws, such as speed limits and parking rules, to ensure a smooth experience.
Why I used an eSIM in Italy:
We used an eSIM in Italy as I wanted to have mobile data available as soon as I landed. As a travel blogger, I need to have internet (almost) all of the time to respond to email, write & edit blog posts, and update my social media.
What I did this time was I purchased a plan online prior to my flight and installed the eSIM profile on my phone. I kept my home SIM in place to maintain access to my WhatsApp/iMessage accounts and anything else linked to my phone number.
While a local SIM could have been an option, I preferred to avoid the hassle of waiting in line at the airport, showing my I.D., comparing local SIM plans after a long journey, and physically swapping SIM cards in my phone.
Here is why we chose Holafly this time around:
- Unlimited data
- It offers a regional eSIM for Europe (FYI, they also offer eSIMs for places like Japan, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, etc.)
- No hidden costs
- 24/7 real-person support team
- And they also offer monthly and yearly subscriptions – the unlimited plan offers a local number
✅ P.S. You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!
Thanks for reading!
Lake Garda’s diverse towns and villages offer something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Sirmione, the outdoorsy spirit of Riva del Garda, or the peace and quiet of Limone sul Garda, each town here promises a unique and unforgettable experience. When planning your trip to Lake Garda, be sure to take into account your interests and preferences to choose the perfect spot for your Lake Garda getaway.
You can read some of my other Italy blog posts here –
Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como (Perfect One Day Itinerary)
What to Do if You Only Have 24 Hours in Rome
One Day in Verona, Italy (How I Spent 24 hours in Verona)
5 of the Best Day Trips from Naples
Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by snaphappytravel