Lake Garda city breaks

For adventures in a stunning setting, look no further than Lake Garda. This majestic lake paints a very pretty picture of rugged alpine vistas, idyllic waterfront towns and lush vineyards. At the north end, things are set for all sorts of sports, from biking and hiking to sailing and windsurfing. Further south, it’s more about taking things easy with a spot of village-hopping, a splash of wine tasting and lots of al fresco dining. And each lakeside spot comes with its own unique charm. Gardone Riviera oozes old-world elegance, while Limone has a laid-back Mediterranean flavour. The medieval town of Peschiera showcases sights aplenty, along with the full-on family fun of Gardaland nearby. As for evenings, what could be lovelier than a gentle waterside saunter?

Popular Lake Garda Holiday Resorts

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Sisan Family Resort

Bardolino, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 77 reviews

Splash park
Wide range of facilities
Great outdoor pool area
Access to Camping Cisano complex facilities
Children's playground

Poiano Resort Hotel

Garda, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 2877 reviews

Perfect for all ages
Great range of facilities
Free bus to the resort centre
Olympic size swimming pool
Tennis court

Hotel Regina Adelaide

Garda, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 621 reviews

Excellent central location
On-site patisserie
Traditional style
Excellent facilities
Great for relaxing

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Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£4.30

Three-course meal for two

£58.90

Average flight time

2.5hrs

Magnificent mountains

Stretching between the Alps and the Dolomites, the imposing mountain backdrop frames the lake and is the perfect playground for outdoorsy types. Hiking, mountain biking, cycling and water sports are all popular activities. There’s even a cycle track spanning the entire lake being built! Don’t miss a ride on the funicular from Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo for breathtaking views of the lake.

Charming towns

One of the best bits of Lake Garda is exploring the picturesque towns that dot the scenic shoreline. Spend your days village-hopping – you can take the bus or visit by boat. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the cobbled streets of Peschiera or head to Sirmione to discover its 13th century castle? Keep an eye out for the weekday market that tours around, popping up at a different resort every day!

Full of flavour

The rolling hills to the east produce the famous full-bodied wines, Bardolino and Valpolicella. This region flourishes with olive groves and fragrant lemon orchards. Be sure to dine al fresco in Limone and sample delicious dishes made with fresh local produce for a true taste of la dolce vita.

Garda

This handsome town is a colourful fishing village and a great base for getting around the region.

Peschiera

Shops, cafés and trattorias aplenty can be found within Peschiera’s medieval walls, so leave no historic stone unturned.

Malcesine

Malcesine’s harbourside is the perfect place to linger over a glass of something cold as you watch the world glide by.

Riva

A picturesque village with an old fortress and bustling piazzas full of local life await you on a Riva holiday. =

Gardone Riviera

Full of old-world charm with a lush lakeside promenade, botanical gardens and pretty piazza, the Gardone Riviera is another perfect puzzle piece of the region.

Limone

Old fishermen’s houses and lemon groves give this town a laid-back Mediterranean vibe.

Bardolino

Renowned for its grape growing on vast vineyards up in the hills, Bardolino is filled with pretty pastel houses adorning the docks of moored boats as well as endless wine tasting opportunities.

Bay of Salo

The Bay of Salo, nestled on Lake Garda’s western shore, showcases picturesque scenery, historic charm and quaint markets. In every direction you look, you’ll spot stunning art and architecture.

Castelnuovo del Garda

Snuggled away on Lake Garda’s south-east coast and just 15km west of Verona, Castelnuovo is in a great location for an idyllic Italian escape.

Cisano

Tranquil, charming and historic all at once, Cisano is a pastel-tinged gem on Lake Garda. It’s poised for fun in the sun, whether you’re whisking the kids away or you're an outdoorsy type after a budget-friendly break.

Desenzano

Classic old villas, cathedrals and a glitzy marina all flank the lakeside in Desenzano.

Lazise

Sitting pretty at the south-eastern end of the lake, Lazise is as lovely as they come.

Beaches

A whopping 27 miles of sun-soaked seafront makes up Skiathos. This waterside winner has bragging rights to more than 60 beaches, so there are oodles of places to flop down. White pebbles carpet popular Lalaria Beach, which is only accessible by boat, while golden sand dominates another favourite, Troulos Beach.

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Sights

Welcome to traditional Greece. Make a beeline for both Skiathos Town, the capital, and the captivating Old Port. It’s worth ticking off St. Nikolaos Bell Tower, Evangelistria Monastery and the castle, if you’re big on history and culture.

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Activities

While there’s plenty to see on dry land here, who’s eager to explore the sea? Set sail on a boat trip to Skopelos for almost luminous shades of turquoise waters and emerald headland. You can also discover an incredible underwater world with the scuba diving offering or journey to laid-back Kanapitsa and Platanias, two charming villages.

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Gardaland

Lake Garda

Venturing to Lake Garda for your family holiday? Don’t miss Gardaland, an incredible theme park nestled right next to the lake’s glittering water. With amazing rides for all ages, the brilliant...

CanevaWorld

Lake Garda

Get two great theme parks rolled into one here in Lazise. Brave the terrifying Black Hole or chill in the coral bay at AquaPark. See Hollywood special effects and amazing stunts at Movieland Park. Grab yourself...

Eating and drinking

The island is known for its homegrown juicy olives, as well as honey and preserves of deliciously-fruity flavours. But when it comes to main meals, you can’t beat the fresh fish dishes. Family-run tavernas are dotted all around, so you can tuck into classic Greek feasts.

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Bruschetteria Nose

Desenzano, Lake Garda

Considered one of the best restaurants on Lake Garda, Bruschetteria Nose specialises in bruschetta, providing a variety of seasonal toppings. Its modern and minimal décor give it a cool and laid-back...

Da Pedro

Malcesine, Lake Garda

You’ll find this warm and welcoming eatery tucked away in an ancient cobbled alley a stone’s throw from Porto Vecchio. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy some tasty, typical cuisine of the area. The service is...

Shopping

Picking up souvenirs from Skiathos is a doddle. Teeny trinkets and mini mementos are sold in many of the dinky shops and convenience stores here. You’ll also come across a few places specialising in jewellery, while others are great for purchasing bags of dried fruit and nuts.

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Cisano Market

Cisano, Lake Garda

Cisano Market is a lively lakeside gem bursting with colour, chatter and charm! Stroll through bustling stalls brimming with local produce, handmade crafts and irresistible treats. It’s the perfect spot to soak...

Garda weekly market

Garda, Lake Garda

Shop for clothes, jewellery, handbags, leather goods, porcelain ornaments and more at Garda's Friday weekly market held by the lakeside. It's a typical colourful Italian market, great for finding souvenirs to...

Nightlife

Go to a club or play things low-key – you’ll have the best of both worlds here. Buzzing bars and clubs with DJs spinning the decks promise a great night out. And come July and August, locals flock from all around for the party atmosphere. Most of the restaurants are vibrant, open late and show off fab wine lists, so you can while away your evenings there too.

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Coco Beach Club

Desenzano, Lake Garda

Join Desenzano's cool crowd on this white sand beach club on the Lake. During the day, the laid-back beach bar offers sun beds, good food and great cocktails. At night, the party starts with DJs, discos and...

Piano Bar Primo Life Club

Bardolino, Lake Garda

Primo Life Club is a busy venue in the heart of Bardolino. Dance the night away to DJ sets and light shows. Well known acts Faber, Gianni Morri, and Gambarelli Stefano as well as local DJs play at the club....