Title
About Lake Garda
Image
Text
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?
Reveal Button
Hide Button
Title
Popular Lake Garda holiday resorts
Links
Image
Style
mobile-full-width
Layout
Columns 75%/25%
Title
Hotels in Lake Garda
Hotel ID
81143
Hotel ID
81757
Hotel ID
89617
Hotel ID
77440
Hotel ID
72940
Hotel ID
83349
Destination Page
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/italy/lake-garda
Heading

Information

Icon

Language

Italian

Icon

Currency

Euro (€)

Icon

Time difference

+1hr

Icon

Local beer

£4.30

Icon

Meal for two

£58.90

Icon

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.

Style
background-grey, centered
Title
Lake Garda Resorts
Button Text
Show all
Button Link
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/italy/lake-garda#tabs%7Cmain:resorts
Destination Page
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/italy/lake-garda
Resorts
Heading

Discover holiday inspiration on the Jet2Blog

Subheading
Want to find out more about Lake Garda? Head over to our jam-packed Jet2Blog for all your holiday inspiration...
Blog

Lake Garda rediscovered

Think you know Lake Garda? Think again! Meet one of our Senior Context Executives, Louisa, who spent a summer living and working here. She’s a bit of an expert when it comes to the top things to see, do and eat, so let’s dive in...

Blog

Family guide to Lake Garda

Whether you’re travelling with a baby, toddler, tween (or all three) there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Lake Garda. We’re talking biking along the waterfront, riding rip-roaring rollercoasters at Gardaland and dot-to-dotting around pretty-as-a-postcard towns. Add tasty food (gelato, we’re looking at you) and you’ve got the right recipe for a family holiday to remember. Let’s get to know Italy’s largest lake a little better…

Blog

Where to stay in Lake Garda

It doesn’t get much more like living la dolce vita than on Lake Garda’s sparkling shores. Italy’s largest lake is a tale of two halves. In northern resorts likeRiva and Torbole, it’s all about action-packed days biking, hiking and kayaking. To the south, vineyard-enveloped towns are primed for serene stays. Each storybook spot comes with its own unique charm, so, which gets your vote?

Button
Visit the blog

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.
3

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.
3

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.
3

Eating and drinking (beaches)

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.
3

Shopping (beaches)

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.
3

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.
3
Title
FAQs
Sub Text
Accordion

What is the best time of year to visit Lake Garda?

The ideal time to visit Lake Garda is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the lake is calm, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive or have just departed. July and August offer the hottest temperatures and are perfect for swimming, but the popular towns can become very busy.

Accordion

Is Lake Garda suitable for a family holiday?

Yes, Lake Garda is renowned as one of Italy’s premier family destinations. The southern shores are particularly flat and child-friendly. The area boasts world-famous theme parks, including Gardaland, CanevaWorld, and Parco Giusti. Additionally, many hotels offer family-oriented amenities, and the promenades in towns like Peschiera del Garda and Lazise are perfect for evening strollers.

Accordion

Which side of Lake Garda is best for beaches?

The southern shore (east and west) is generally best for sandy beaches and shallow waters ideal for swimming. Towns like Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda offer well-equipped lidos and public beaches. The northern shores (e.g., Riva del Garda) are more mountainous and rocky, with pebble beaches and dramatic cliff backdrops, though they offer cleaner water and excellent windsurfing conditions.

Accordion

What is the local cuisine like in Lake Garda?

The cuisine varies depending on which side of the lake you are on. The western shore (Lombardy) is famous for olive oil and freshwater fish like trout. The eastern shore (Veneto) is known for its wines (such as Lugana and Bardolino) and dishes like risotto and bigoli pasta. A local speciality not to be missed is Risotto con l'Encoded (Risotto with perch). The area is also renowned for its olive oil and wine tasting tours.