One of Italy’s prettiest lakes
There may be more than 1,000 lakes in Italy, but the country’s largest, Lake Garda, is undoubtedly one of its most dramatic. Located between the Alps and the Dolomites, Lake Garda holidays offer rugged mountain scenery and plenty of fun-filled activities to keep all kinds of travellers entertained. Stretching for 51 kilometres, Lake Garda’s expansive waters are fringed by historic lakeside towns, pristine beaches, castles and hiking trails.
Exploring Lake Garda’s shore-hugging towns, such as Peschiera, Sirmione, Limone and Garda itself, is an ideal way to get to know the region, as is whiling away a sunny afternoon in a café-lined square near the water’s edge. If relaxation is high on your holiday hit list, Lake Garda’s sandy shores rival those of any beach – look out for those at Malcesine and Lazise in particular.
Adventurous types can get wet with water sports on the lake – everything from kayaking, canoeing and sailing, to stand-up paddle boarding or kitesurfing. Equally, there are a whole host of activities available on land, including hiking and mountain biking.
Whether you’re a couple looking to switch off, sunbathe and simply take in the sensational scenery or a family after an active break full of adrenaline, holidays to Lake Garda never disappoint.
All resorts in Lake Garda
Three tips for a top trip
Hop on a ferry
Navigate the waters of Lake Garda easily and speedily on the excellent system of passenger and car ferries that run regularly to and from different parts.
Dine on fresh fish
It doesn’t get much better than enjoying freshly caught fish. Look out for the catch of the day, which is often served with locally grown rice.
Explore Verona
For some time in the city, head to fair Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – it’s just 30 kilometres from the lake’s southeastern shore.
Best attractions to see in Lake Garda
Malcesine Monte Baldo
For unrivalled views of Lake Garda and beyond, take the funicular from medieval harbour town Malcesine to the top of the Monte Baldo mountain range.
Madonna della Corona
Garda town is home to the striking Santuario Madonna della Corona Church, which is built into the side of the vertical cliff face on Mount Baldo.
Scaligero Castle
Like something straight out of a fairytale, this lakeside castle in Sirmione has its own moat and drawbridge and is one of Italy’s best-preserved castles.
Your Lake Garda questions, answered
Lake Garda is in the northeast of Italy, between the cities of Brescia, Verona, Milan and Venice. It spans three regions – Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and Veneto.
Situated on Lake Garda’s south bank and home to a 13th-century castle, thermal baths and Roman ruins, Sirmione is one of its most popular towns.
Lake Garda measures just over 50 kilometres north to south, and just under 20 kilometres east to west. And with a circumference of 160 kilometres, it’s Italy’s largest lake.