Lake Garda, Italy

Essential Lake Garda Information

• Language: Italian (German and English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Timezone: Central European Time (CET) UTC+1 (UTC+2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October for warm weather and outdoor activities
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants

Top Towns Around Lake Garda

Sirmione

Historic Romance Sightseeing

Known for its thermal baths and the stunning Scaliger Castle, Sirmione sits on a narrow peninsula at the southern end of Lake Garda. Its picturesque old town and Roman ruins make it a must-visit destination. Reach Sirmione by bus from Desenzano del Garda train station (15 minutes) or by ferry from other lakeside towns.

Riva del Garda

Trendy Shopping Sightseeing

Located at the northern tip of the lake, Riva del Garda offers a perfect mix of history, outdoor activities, and stunning mountain views. It’s popular for windsurfing and sailing due to the consistent winds. Access Riva del Garda by bus from Rovereto train station (40 minutes) or by ferry from other lake towns.

Malcesine

Historic Romance Sightseeing

Dominated by the medieval Scaliger Castle, Malcesine charms visitors with its cobbled streets and stunning views of Monte Baldo. Take the rotating cable car to the top of Monte Baldo for panoramic vistas. Reach Malcesine by bus from Peschiera del Garda train station (1.5 hours) or by ferry from other lakeside towns.

Limone sul Garda

Quiet Romance Local

Famous for its lemon groves and picturesque harbor, Limone sul Garda is a charming town on the lake’s western shore. Its scenic promenades and historic center make it perfect for romantic strolls. Access Limone by bus from Desenzano del Garda train station (1.5 hours) or by ferry from other lake towns.

Bardolino

Local Shopping Trendy

Known for its wine production, Bardolino offers a blend of lakeside beauty and viticultural tradition. The town’s promenade, lined with cafes and shops, is perfect for evening strolls. Reach Bardolino by bus from Peschiera del Garda train station (30 minutes) or by ferry from other lakeside towns.

Desenzano del Garda

Central Nightlife Shopping

The largest town on Lake Garda, Desenzano offers a lively atmosphere with its bustling piazzas, marina, and Roman villa. It’s well-connected by train to major Italian cities and serves as a great base for exploring the lake. Desenzano has a train station with direct connections to Milan, Venice, and Verona.

Must-See Sights Around Lake Garda

• Scaliger Castle (Sirmione): A 13th-century fortress surrounded by water, offering panoramic views of the lake.
• Grotte di Catullo (Sirmione): Roman ruins of a grand villa, believed to have belonged to the poet Catullus.
• Monte Baldo Cable Car (Malcesine): A rotating cable car offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Vittoriale degli Italiani (Gardone Riviera): The eccentric hillside estate of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, featuring unusual architecture and a warship in the garden.
• Gardaland: Italy’s largest theme park, located near Peschiera del Garda, perfect for family entertainment.

Hidden Gems of Lake Garda

• Cascate del Varone: A stunning waterfall near Riva del Garda, hidden inside a natural grotto.
• Isola del Garda: A private island with guided tours of its beautiful villa and gardens.
• Punta San Vigilio: A small, picturesque peninsula near Garda town, known for its tranquil beauty.
• Borgo Medievale di Canale di Tenno: A beautifully preserved medieval village near the northern end of the lake.
• Rocca di Manerba del Garda: An archaeological park offering panoramic views and interesting ruins.

Food Highlights: Must-Try Dishes

• Bigoli all’Aole: Thick spaghetti-like pasta served with a sauce made from lake sardines.
• Carne Salada: Thinly sliced cured beef, a specialty of Riva del Garda.
• Risotto al Tastasal: Risotto flavored with pork, cinnamon, and local wine.
• Persico: Perch from the lake, often served fried or in risotto.
• Torta di Rose: A sweet bread shaped like a rose, typical of Bardolino and Lazise.

7 Essential Tips for Visiting Lake Garda

1. Use the Ferry Network: The extensive ferry service is the most scenic way to explore different towns around the lake.
2. Visit in Shoulder Season: May-June or September-October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
3. Explore by Bike: Many towns offer bike rentals, and there are beautiful cycling paths around the lake.
4. Try Local Wines: The areas around Bardolino and Valpolicella produce excellent wines worth tasting.
5. Book Popular Attractions in Advance: Especially in summer, pre-book tickets for places like Gardaland and the Monte Baldo cable car.
6. Take a Cooking Class: Learn to make local specialties like bigoli pasta or risotto.
7. Siesta Hours: Many shops close in the early afternoon, especially in smaller towns. Plan your day accordingly.

How to Get to Lake Garda

By Air: The closest airports to Lake Garda are:

• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): The nearest airport, about 15 km from the southern shore of Lake Garda. It serves both domestic and international flights.
• Brescia Airport (VBS): A smaller airport about 30 km from the western shore of the lake, mainly serving budget airlines.
• Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY): About 80 km from the western shore of Lake Garda, this airport is popular with low-cost carriers.

From these airports, you can reach Lake Garda by shuttle bus, train, or rental car.

By Rail: Lake Garda is well-connected to Italy’s rail network:

• Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda have train stations on the Milan-Venice line.
• From these stations, you can take buses or ferries to other towns around the lake.
• Rovereto, north of the lake, has a train station connecting to Verona and Trento.

By Car: Lake Garda is easily accessible by car:

• The A4 highway runs along the southern shore of the lake.
• The A22 highway runs near the eastern shore, connecting Verona to Trento.
• Driving times: about 1.5 hours from Milan, 1 hour from Venice, and 30 minutes from Verona.