Desenzano Holidays

Northern Italy's Desenzano by Lake Garda is chock-a-block with culture. Shingle beaches are your go-to for a moment of calm, while the town's a delightful labyrinth of winding streets. Cosmopolitan with a dash of scenic wonder, this hotspot's bursting with Lombardic delights.

Label-laden boutiques aren't the only places you can treat yourself here. Dive right into tradition by sampling some authentic Italian products at the sprawling local market. The town's equally rich in history – Desenzano Castle's an unmissable opportunity to get up close and personal with some intricate fourth-century mosaics.

Excellent transport links mean you can easily hop over to Verona, Milan or Venice from Desenzano. If you've still got more Garda in you, hit up the ferry service to sail over to Bardolino. Grab a glass of wine and get comfy for an open-air classical concert in the summer months.

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Desenzano:

• Lake bathing
• Outdoor pool
• Museum
• Roman villa
• Cathedral
• Market