Lake Garda Holidays

Jewel-like towns

The shoreline of Lake Garda, in northern Italy, is a meandering, 90-mile stretch – you'll find 15 waterside towns dotted along the water. Each little one's worth hopping to, and thanks to well-connected buses and ferries you can make your own way around the lake pretty easily.

Southern sights

For the best spots on the lake's southern end, swing by the Sirmione peninsula – it comes with a grand castle and a 2,000-year-old grotto. Or, wisteria-wrapped Bardolino's got world-famous wine. Then there's sleepy Lazise, known for 14th-century Roman villas and a thermal pool – in-the-know travellers visit this one for its lip-smacking pizzerias.

North winds

The northern end of the lake's got plenty to offer, too. Set on a hillside, Malcesine's cobbly streets lead up to Scaligero Castle. For windsurfing, make your way to Riva del Garda – its strong northern gusts mean it's a hotspot for this watersport. Limone's your best bet for a romantic afternoon – it's all colourful houses, dramatic cliffs and fragrant lemon groves.