Lake Garda

Lake Garda holidays

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

Sisan Family Resort
Family Favourites
from
£474pp
Based on
  • Birmingham, Wed 09 Oct 2024
  • 7 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Sisan Family Resort

Bardolino, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 55 reviews

  • Great for families
  • Wide range of facilities
  • Splash park
  • Comfortable Two Bedroom Family suites
  • Access to Camping Cisano complex facilities
Poiano Resort Hotel
from
£720pp
Based on
  • Birmingham, Wed 02 Oct 2024
  • 7 Nights, Half Board
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Poiano Resort Hotel

Garda, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 2728 reviews

  • Perfect for all ages
  • Great range of facilities
  • Free bus to the resort centre
  • Olympic size swimming pool
  • Tennis court
Hotel Regina Adelaide
from
£732pp
Based on
  • Birmingham, Wed 16 Oct 2024
  • 7 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Hotel Regina Adelaide

Garda, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 565 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

£4.40

Meal for two

£56.50

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 Holidays

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 Holidays

Malcesine

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

Riva Holidays

Riva

A picturesque village with a 14th-century castle and bustling piazzas full of local life await you here in remarkable Riva.

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 Holidays

Limone

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

Bardolino Holidays

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.

Castelnuovo

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.

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.

Nago

This quaint little town sits on a steep hill above the lake and has the look and feel of an alpine village thanks to its rows of evergreens, chalet-style houses and wrap-around mountains.

Pozzolengo

Pozzolengo is one of the largest towns on Lake Garda and is rich with stunning vineyards and vast fields.

Beaches

Many of the beaches around Lake Garda are pebbled, but you’ll find a few sought-after sandy spots. Sirmione is the place to be for crystal-clear waters with plenty of space for lounging, while wherever you go, mountain-fringed bays and coves will offer the perfect postcard scenes.

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Sights

For a bit of Italian culture, there are beautiful old villas, quaint ruin buildings, old castle walls, botanical gardens, and some knockout Renaissance features. It’s a charming playground for history-seekers. There are even various museums housing vintage collections around certain winding streets, so keep your eyes peeled.

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Lake Garda

Activities

If you’re heading off with your family, you can’t beat an outing to the fun-packed Gardaland theme park. For a more serene Italy holiday, take a boat trip, play a spot of golf or enjoy a day trip to the romantic city of Verona. Don’t miss out on meandering around the lemon groves of Limone too.

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Gardaland

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

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 most popular choice is fish, fresh from the lake. Try grilled sardines drizzled in heavenly olive oil with a side of polenta, all washed down with a local wine. Make a reservation somewhere magical in summer, or find yourself a chilled-out restaurant and feast like a local.

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Authentic Italian classics

Authentic Italian classics

Garda, Lake Garda

You're spoilt for choice for Italian restaurants in Garda, and standards here are high. Head to friendly Osteria Caffe Amaro for an excellent menu of regional cuisine, plus delicious desserts. Or, taste a...
Bruschetteria Nose

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...

Shopping

From cute souvenir shops in Riva to stylish boutiques in Sirmione, there’s a variety of retail therapy on your Lake Garda holiday. Browse the weekly markets to pick up local produce, clothes and leather goods at bargain prices. Shopping centres and outlets are pretty big in the surrounding area as well.

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Garda weekly market

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...
Le Vele

Le Vele

Desenzano, Lake Garda

Le Vele shopping mall, located just outside Desenzano, offers a relaxed retail experience in a lush environment. The vine-covered centre mixes high street brands with local boutiques, and also has a café,...

Nightlife

The nights are typically relaxed and easy-going here. Spend balmy evenings watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. Head to Bardolino for a cosmopolitan crowd and take a gentle saunter around the chic bars, or keep it simple and go in search of casual pubs and watering holes.

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Bars along the lakeside

Bars along the lakeside

Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda

You won't be able to dance until dawn in Gardone Riviera, as the emphasis here is very much on peacefulness and relaxation. But that shouldn't stop you enjoying the evenings and there are plenty of lakeside...
Chill out with a glass of local wine

Chill out with a glass of local wine

San Felice del Benaco, Lake Garda

There are a handful of bars and quite a few restaurants to while away the night time hours in San Felice. Much like the town, the nightlife is very relaxed and you can expect a chilled atmosphere and some good...
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