Lake Garda holidays

Stunning rustic scenery and enchanting towns embody the timeless appeal of this majestic lake. Whether you’re looking to unwind as you get to know the café culture, or get active on the water, Lake Garda is the ideal choice for an idyllic Italian escape. Don’t forget your camera!

Popular Lake Garda Resorts

Poiano Resort Hotel

Garda, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 1877 reviews

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

Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera

Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda

Our rating

Based on 1313 reviews

Perfect for adults
Grand, iconic hotel
Stunning lake views
Private bathing platform
Central location

Poiano Resort Apartments

Garda, Lake Garda

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Our rating

Based on 304 reviews

Great range of sports and activities
Larger apartments available
Olympic size swimming pool
Complimentary bus to the resort centre
Quiet setting

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Language

Italian

Currency

euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

from around €4 a bottle

3 course meal

from around €30

Flight times

3.5hrs

Magnificent mountains

Stretching between the Alps and the Dolomites, the imposing mountain backdrop frames the lake and provides the perfect playground for outdoorsy types. Hiking, mountain biking and watersports are all popular activities. 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 pleasures of the lakeside is exploring the picturesque towns that dot the shoreline. Spend your days village-hopping with easy transport links. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the cobbled streets of Peschiera or head to Sirmione to discover its 13th century castle?

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.

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 a 14th century castle and bustling piazzas full of local life await you here in remarkable Riva.

Garda

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

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.

Desenzano

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

San Felice del Benaco

This peaceful town lies on the idyllic western waterfront of Lake Garda, close to the Gothic churches and crumbling castles of Isola Del Garda.

Sirmione

Small but stylish, Sirmione is perfectly perched by the lake. Its quaint castle is shielded by an arching moat, while there are Roman ruins to explore and heavenly views curving all around.

Peschiera

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

Toscolano Maderno

This terracotta-topped town overlooks the west side of the mighty lake.

Calvagese della Riviera Brescia

This sleepy commune, nestled within northern Italy, offers the ideal base to get around the unrivalled paradise of Lake Garda, just minutes away.

Beaches

Many of the beaches around the lake 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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Activities

If you’re heading off with your family, you can’t beat an outing to the fun-packed Gardaland theme park. For something more serene, 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, too.

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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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Gourmet eateries

Bardolino, Lake Garda

Walking through the narrow streets of Bardolino, you will be spoilt for choice for places to eat. Restaurants use local fresh fish and produce. Popular among tourists and locals is fine dining restaurant La...

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...

Shopping

From cute souvenir shops in Riva to stylish boutiques in Sirmione, there’s a variety of retail therapy on offer. 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 area as well.

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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...

Italian craft shops

Limone, Lake Garda

You'll find many of the shops in Limone around the harbour and clustered behind the promenade. There are some quirky things on sale here, from kitchenware to model cars to dried fruit. Also look out for quality...

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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A variety of local pubs

Riva, Lake Garda

There are a variety of local pubs and small bars around Riva. Friendly Pub all'Oca has a great vibe and lots of character so it's a popular choice for cocktails, beer and tapas. The party gets going late at...

Atmospheric local bars

Sirmione, Lake Garda

In Sirmione evening fun begins with an aperitif in one of the many cosy bars in the centre, and continues with dinner in one of the traditional restaurants. Barracuda Bar is a popular drinking destination...