10 Best Things To Do In Lake Garda, Italy

Are you looking for the best things to do in Lake Garda in Italy? I have been to Lake Garda and it was a perfect place to relax and unwind. It is part of the Northern Lake District region of Italy. I would love to share with you some of my recommended places to visit and activities in Lake Garda.

Italy’s largest lake, Garda, borders three different regions: Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, and the Veneto. As you travel along its shores, you’ll notice a huge variety of landscapes, buildings, and cultures.

The pristine waters are perfect for cooling off, and they are surrounded by cypress trees, cobblestone villages, and towering mountain peaks. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for lakeside relaxation with a glass of local wine, biking and walking, and participating in watersports.

A boat ride is undoubtedly one of the things you must do while on vacation on Lake Garda. Here are a few of the top activities in Lake Garda.

Read more: Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Best Things to Do in Lake Garda, Italy:

1. Riva del Garda

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Pasta Cooking Lesson and Lunch on Riva del Garda
🌟Ratings: 5 / 5

Riva del Garda, in Trentino, is one of the lake’s northernmost locations. The city exudes a very unique charm because the nearby Dolomites have an impact on the landscape. Riva is a well-equipped resort with a long history that dates back to Roman times and has a wealth of evidence of its medieval past.

The square Piazza 3 Novembre is located in the city’s historic district and is home to the Apponale Tower, which dates to 1220 and is the area’s most significant landmark, as well as the Palazzo del Comune, built in the 15th century, the Palazzo Pretorio, built in 1375, and the fortress, constructed in 1124.

The Church of the Inviolata, a fine example of Baroque architecture constructed in 1603, and the picturesque lakefront are also worth visiting. Additionally, there are wonderful locations nearby, including Lake Ledro, the town of Canale di Tenno, and the waterfall at Varone.

As a result of Lake Garda’s winds, Torbole, a town nearby, is one of the main locations for kitesurfing and windsurfing throughout Europe. Riva del Garda is also the ideal location to learn to sail or to embark on a sailing excursion around the lake.

If you’d like to try something more daring, you can take a real dive; the lake is 350 meters deep, and several sites are worth exploring. The “Silent Christ,” a three-meter-tall statue of Jesus that is lying on the lake’s bottom, is unquestionably one of these.

2. Desenzano del Garda

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Private Cooking Class in Desenzano del Garda
🌟 Ratings: 5 /5

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Desenzano e-bike tour
🌟 Ratings: 5 /5

Desenzano, known as the “capital of the lake,” is yet another must-see during a trip to Lake Garda. The city’s historical district, the lakefront, and—most importantly—the Castle that offers sweeping views of the area are all attractions that should be seen. The same is true of the Archaeological Museum, which is home to numerous local prehistoric artifacts.

Between the town’s castle on a hill and the lakeshore below, Desenzano del Garda has some lovely, winding historic streets. A busy road follows the lake’s edge, but on the other side of it, on the inland side, is a quiet harbor where small boats are moored and swans frolic in front of a number of inviting cafe-bars. Along the shore, a larger marina is located and is surrounded by an intimidating harbor wall.

Surprisingly, Desenzano is a popular destination for partying northern Italians. On Saturday nights, they come here and parade through the streets in glitzy attire while eating and drinking at neighborhood bars and restaurants before leaving for their nightclubs and party locations. While this parading makes for interesting people-watching, it can be quite noisy for weary travelers.

3. Peschiera del Garda

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Gardaland: Sea Life and Gardaland Park Skip-the-Line Ticket
🌟 Ratings: 4.4 / 5

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Skip-the-Line Ticket
🌟 Ratings: 3.9 / 5

Peschiera del Garda is located 25 kilometres from Verona on the low shore of the Veronese Lake Garda. It is the city in the Veneto region that faces the west. Peschiera is located at the base of the morainic hills, where the Mincio river receives water from Lake Garda. The entire city is surrounded by canals, and walls that have altered the course of the natural rivers flood the area around the old town.

Peschiera del Garda is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Fortress of Peschiera, which still encircles the town’s historic core; and Lake Frassino’s stilted area, which is ideal for birdwatchers and is about two kilometres from the town.

The town also boasts a three-kilometre stretch of beach for recreational activities. The Palazzo del Comandante (or Palazzina Storica), where Italian King Vittorio Emanuele III declared on November 8, 1917, that resistance on the Piave had resulted in the victory of the First World War, is also worth a visit. Two additional points of interest that are unquestionably worthwhile to visit are the Palazzina Storica and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Frassino.

4. Castelnuovo del Garda

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Castelnuovo del Garda with Show Cooking
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

At the southern end of Lake Garda, in Castelnuovo del Garda, tucked away in picturesque vineyards and olive groves between Verona and Peschiera, there is a well-liked attraction called Gardaland.

Over the years, Castelnuovo has undergone a few name changes. It was first known as Beneventum during the Roman era and later changed to Quadrivium, which means four roads or crossroads. Quadrivium was destroyed by Federick Barbarossa in the 12th century. After that, the town was rebuilt and given the new names Castrum Novum (English: New Castle; Italian: Castelnuovo).

Nearly all of Castelnuovo del Garda’s fame comes from its sizable amusement park, which features countless attractions like rollercoasters, dolphinariums, and themed rides. Every year, it draws tens of thousands of tourists from around the globe and offers loads of family-friendly entertainment.

Castelnuovo del Garda has a charming old town because of its rather lengthy and eventful history. The illustrious Visconti family erected a massive castle over it in the fourteenth century. In the fortress wall, a tower with the same name is also well-preserved. The stunning Santa Maria church, which has a bell tower from the 15th century, is close by.

On San Lorenzo hill, you can also see the Madonna degli Angeli chapel. The Blessed Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus can be seen in an unusual 15th-century piece of art that decorates its interior.

5. Moniga del Garda

On the western shore of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia, is a small municipality known as Moniga del Garda. This tiny Italian village is one of the most picturesque areas in the “Valtenesi” region, surrounded by a lush environment that is coloured by countless olive groves.

The village has been renamed “Città del Chiaretto” because it is well-known among wine experts and serves as the primary production location for Rosé Chiaretto. The Groppello vineyards are where the wine is made. The “Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva DOP Garda” trademark protects even the production of olive oil, which plays a significant role. First-level restaurants have a wide range of offerings.

Sal is reached directly from the village via a scenic road that runs through the Chiaretto production region for about 10 km. Bikers can choose from various trails in the hilly area surrounding Moniga, including simple routes through olive groves, vineyards, and fields with picturesque lake views.

Moniga is a well-liked vacation spot because of its idyllic gravel beaches, charming harbor, and magical surroundings. Finding the perfect lodging among the many hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation apartments, or campgrounds is in fact simple.

6. Do Some Fun Water Activities

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Full-Day Lake Garda Tour: Bus & Public Boat with Guide
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Lake Garda Private Sailing Experience
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5

Water sports are unquestionably connected to Lake Garda vacations, whether you want a relaxing or active experience. A morning swim in the lake when the water is clear and calm and the beach is not crowded is an extraordinary experience.

Windsurfing and sailing are without a doubt the most well-liked sports on Lake Garda, particularly in Torbole, Riva, Gargnano, and Malcesine where the wind is almost constantly blowing. The northern portion of Lake Garda is the perfect location for both experienced and novice surfers. On the shores, there are a lot of surf shops that host regional, national, and international competitions as well as lessons for both adults and kids.

Particularly in Trentino, whitewater athletes get their money’s worth. Canyoning enthusiasts can take this canyoning tour of varying degrees of difficulty, some of which are in complete seclusion, in the northern region of Lake Garda. Under expert supervision, the daring and adventurous dive down gorges and explore raging waters while wearing protective neoprene suits, helmets, and life jackets.

7. Scaligero Castle

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Scenic Afternoon Boat Cruise with Prosecco & Snack
🌟 Ratings: 4.8 / 5

If it’s your first time visiting Lake Garda, I recommend that you see Sirmione, which is also the lake’s most visited tourist attraction. It ought to be near the top of every list of the top Lake Garda activities!

A charming old town called Sirmione can be found at the tip of a short peninsula that extends about 4 kilometers into Lake Garda. You should plan on staying the entire day here if you want to fully explore this town.

The Scaligero Castle, which serves as Sirmione’s emblem, welcomes guests at the entrance to the old town with its towers and the geometry of its walls and battlements in the shape of swallowtails. The courtyard is the first thing you see when you enter the castle, followed by the walkways and the harbor where boats were protected. Finish your visit by ascending the tall tower of the castle to take in the breathtaking views of the lake.

8. Castle of Malcesine

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: E-Bike Tour from Malcesine to the Ancient Hermitage
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

The medieval atmosphere that has been preserved in Malcesine’s historic center blends well with the city’s shops, bars, restaurants, and other commercial ventures. With its small, colorful streets, top-notch stores, and cafes and restaurants, this town is a delight to stroll through.

The medieval castle in Malcesine is the reason for its fame. A castle from the 13th century called Castello Scaligero di Malcesine (Castle of Malcesine) is perched on the shore of Lake Garda. One of the best things to do in Lake Garda is to tour the castle; while there, learn about the area’s history at the museum and climb the tower for a stunning view of Malcesine.

The Franks destroyed the castle in 590 AD, and it was later rebuilt. King Pepin visited Saints Benigno and Caro in Malcesine in 806, and the structure hosted him. Following the Hungarian invasions, it was a target of the Verona episcopal feud. From 1277 to 1387, it was ruled by Alberto della Scala and his ancestors.

The castle was owned by the Republic of Venice once more from 1516 to 1797, then by the French, then by the Austrians, who made significant interior strengthening improvements and stayed here from 1798 to 1866. It was owned by a Venetian as of that year. The castle was designated a national monument on August 22, 1902.

9. Isola del Garda

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Half-Day Lake Garda Cruise
🌟 Ratings: 4.1 / 5

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Private Sunset Cruise to Isola del Garda
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

The largest island on Lake Garda, Isola del Garda, also referred to as Isola Borghese, is situated about 200 meters from the coast. Despite being privately owned and accessible only by boat, guided tours are offered in the park and the Ferrari villa, a stunning early 20th-century villa that is the only example of Venetian neo-Gothic architecture on the lake.

Isola del Garda is worth a visit for its charming history in addition to the villa and its gardens. In fact, this location was inhabited during the Roman era, and it was Saint Francis of Assisi’s intervention, who had a small hermitage constructed here, that allowed it to become a significant ecclesiastical center. Along with St. Francis of Assisi, Dante Alighieri, and St. Anthony of Padua have all stayed on the island over the years.

10. Enjoy the Beaches

🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Garda East Coast Cruise to Sirmione
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5

Beautiful Lake Garda is a popular vacation spot in northern Italy. The lake is a fantastic location for water sports, has lovely villages lining its shore, great food and wine to enjoy, and is easily accessible from Verona. The snow-tipped Alps as its backdrop.

The fact that Lake Garda is an outstanding beach destination may be more significant. Despite the lack of an ocean, the lake itself has some great beaches where you can swim and enjoy the summer sun in Italy.

Jamaica beach 

One of Sirmione’s best and busiest Lake Garda beaches, Jamaica Beach (or Giamaica Beach), gets its name from the water’s shades, reminiscent of… Jamaica! Without going too far with the comparison, Jamaica Beach is undeniably attractive and among the best in the region.

Desenzanino beach 

In Desenzano del Garda, Desenzanino Beach is a very well-liked beach. It has a free area and a beach club where you can rent loungers and umbrellas. The beach is made up of light-colored pebbles. Additionally, you can find all of the restrooms and showers as well as a lovely cafe restaurant with views of the lake here.

Cola beach

Cola Beach is well-liked by families because it allows for the rental of pedal boats. Due to the abundant vegetation, it is also possible to locate shaded areas uncommon on the beaches surrounding Lake Garda.

I hope that inspired you to visit Lake Garda in Italy. I highly recommend including it in your Italy itinerary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

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