Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and one of its most beloved holiday destinations. Stretching between Verona, Brescia and Trento, it combines Mediterranean warmth in the south with dramatic Alpine scenery in the north. Picture-perfect towns, lemon groves, castles, water sports and theme parks mean there is something for every age. Here is our Lake Garda travel guide.
Getting to Lake Garda: which airport to choose
Several airports serve the lake. The best choice depends on your flight options and which shore you are heading for:
- Verona Villafranca (VRN): the closest airport, about 30 minutes from the southern towns of Peschiera del Garda and Sirmione.
- Milan Bergamo (BGY): popular with low-cost airlines, about an hour’s drive from the southern shore.
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): Milan’s main international airport, around one and a half to two hours away.
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE): roughly two hours’ drive, and easy to combine with a few days in Venice.
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the lake, though trains reach Peschiera and Desenzano, and ferries link the towns on the water.
The best towns around Lake Garda
In the south: Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda
Sirmione sits on a narrow peninsula, with a fairytale moated castle, Roman ruins and thermal spas – perfect for a romantic stroll. Peschiera del Garda is a great base, with Venetian fortifications, boat trips and good restaurants, and it is right next to Gardaland.
On the western shore: Salò and Limone sul Garda
Elegant Salò has a lovely lakeside promenade, while Limone is famous for its historic lemon houses and pastel buildings clinging to the cliffs.
In the north and east: Riva del Garda and Malcesine
Riva del Garda, at the northern tip, is a centre for windsurfing, sailing, hiking and cycling, framed by mountains. Malcesine has a picturesque castle, and from here a rotating cable car climbs Monte Baldo for spectacular views.
Things to do at Lake Garda
- Water sports: windsurfing and kitesurfing in the windy north, plus sailing, paddleboarding and pedal boats.
- Boat trips: ferries criss-cross the lake, an easy way to hop between towns.
- Hiking and cycling: trails with wide views over the lake and mountains.
- Theme parks: Gardaland, one of Italy’s biggest parks, is ideal for families – see also our Legoland parks guide.
- Wine and food: taste Bardolino and Lugana wines and local olive oil.
- Verona: just half an hour from the southern shore, with its Roman Arena and romantic old town.
Tips for planning your visit
- When to go: May, June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
- Book early: accommodation fills up quickly in summer.
- Choose your shore: the south is best for families and beaches, the north for sports and mountain scenery.
Lake Garda really does have a bit of everything. Our list of must-see Lake Garda attractions will help you prioritise, and our Venice guide is perfect if you want to add a city stop.
