There’s much more to Italy than just pizza, pasta and prosecco – the stunning Italian lakes have Insta-worthy scenery, rural hikes and relaxing boat trips. Bigger is definitely better when it comes to the country’s biggest lake, Lake Garda. It’s surrounded by cute and colourful towns, plus vineyards and beaut beaches to explore. If the lakefront scenery wasn’t enough, there’s a stunning mountain backdrop to the north and lush rolling hills to the south. Then, when you fancy exploring further, you’re within day-tripping distance of stylish Venice, Verona and Milan. Ready to learn more about this iconic Italian lake? Read on….
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Where is Lake Garda?
Lake Garda is right in the middle of northern Italy, between Venice and Milan – you’ll catch a flight to either of these cities, then it’s roughly between a one and a three-hour drive to the lake, depending on where you’re staying. You can also get a train from Milan Central station to Lake Garda’s main stations – Peschiera del Garda station and Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione station.
Where to go in Lake Garda
At 52km long, there are plenty of culture-filled spots to stop off at on your tour of Lake Garda. The town of Garda itself sits on the east of the lake and is full of pavement cafés for an al fresco coffee. In the evening, the central promenade is often filled with street performers and live musicians playing to the crowds. And you can’t miss La Rocca di Garda, a 300m-high rock with a 6km walk to the top, where you can take in those stunning lake views.
At the north end of the lake, below the Monte Baldo Mountain range, is the old town of Malcesine. With pastel-coloured shops, Medieval churches and outdoor dining on every corner, it’s an Instagram post waiting to happen. The Scaliger Castle, built at the top of the Malcesine clifftop, is thought to be the most romantic and picturesque around Lake Garda. For unreal views from this end of the lake, take the Monte Baldo cable car to the top – there are no bad pics from up here.
Surrounded by the Italian Alps, Riva is a lively town harbour that makes for another great northern pick. Its prime spot on the lake makes it ideal for watersports, including sailing, windsurfing and paddle-boarding. You can walk to the Cascata del Varone waterfalls through caves and over bridges to take in the natural sights of the town, or climb the 165 steps of the Torre Apponale clock town to admire the falls from above.
Things to do in Lake Garda
One of the best parts about visiting Italy’s biggest lake is all the water-based activities, ofc. Ferry-hop between nearby towns if you fancy exploring the shoreline, or you can take a longer trip from the north to the south to explore further afield. Rent a boat of your own and head out on the open water, or if you prefer more solid ground, there are plenty of beaches that’re great for sunbathing and swimming.
Further inland, swap the lakes for canals and take a daytrip to Venice. You can enjoy a gondola ride on the Grand Canal and get lost strolling along the endless cobbled streets. Then, Verona and Milan are just as easy to reach – you can check out the culture and history of these cities in just one to two hours by bus and train. For more mountain scenes, head out to the Dolomites, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get your camera ready – you’ll need it for the incredible views that get better the higher you go. And, for some family-friendly entertainment, you can also head to Gardaland, the biggest theme park in Italy.
What to eat in Lake Garda
The lakeside location means the fish here is really fresh. Rainbow trout, carp, sardines and even the rare salmo carpio – a salmon-like fish only found in Lake Garda – are all on the menu, most likely served with pasta. In particular, ‘Bioli con le sarde’ is a traditional dish made with freshwater sardines and bucatini pasta.
Not much of a fish fan? The soils of Lake Garda mean olive oil is another speciality, and fresh lemons are picked from Limone’s groves. If you’re a wine lover, then you’re in the right place… red, white and rosé wine are all made locally in Bardolino’s vineyards.
If you like the sound of Lake Garda, check out our other Lakes and Mountains holidays.
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Author: Rachel Coppenhall (she/her)
Last updated: 15/9/25
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