Why we love Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake comes down to one word: contrast. In the south, beaches, peninsulas and villages that breathe la dolce vita. In the north, cliffs, a high-altitude wind and peaks plunging into the water. Between lemon groves, medieval castles, thermal baths, theme parks and vineyards, Lake Garda has enough to fill a day or a whole week. Here's our guide to what to do at Lake Garda, depending on your mood, the weather and the season.
The must-sees of Lake Garda
Sirmione and its peninsula
The lake's postcard: a narrow spit of land, the Scaliger castle with its feet in the water, the Grotte di Catullo at the tip and thermal springs. Come early in the morning, before the groups.
The Lokki tip: leave the car at the entrance to the peninsula and continue on foot, the centre is pedestrian.
Malcesine and Monte Baldo
One of the finest villages on the lake, crowned by its Scaliger castle. From here, the rotating cable car climbs to nearly 1,760 m on Monte Baldo: a 360° view over the lake and, at the top, hiking trails and paragliding.
Riva del Garda and the wild north
At the northern tip of the lake, Riva feels like a mountain resort by the water: beach, cliffs and the Varone waterfall nearby. It's the capital of wind sports, with Torbole right next door.
Limone sul Garda
Clinging to the cliff, famous for its terraced lemon groves (the Limonaia del Castèl) and for its spectacular suspended cycle path over the water.
Bardolino, Lazise and Garda
On the eastern shore, the dolce vita trio: colourful facades, terraces, lakeside ramparts and Bardolino wine on the menu.
Peschiera del Garda
In the south, a fortified town surrounded by water, whose Venetian fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also the best starting point by bike.
What to do at Lake Garda depending on your mood
| Mood | Where | Best for | The Lokki tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaches and lazing | South: Sirmione, Bardolino, Lazise | Families | Arrive early, the best beaches fill up fast |
| Wind sports (sailing, windsurf, kite) | North: Torbole, Riva | Sporty types | The wind (the Ora) picks up in the afternoon, ideal to start in the morning |
| Cycling and MTB | The whole lake, Limone walkway | Cyclists | Rent on the spot and follow the shore, see our guide below |
| Thermal baths and wellness | Sirmione (Aquaria) | Relaxation | Book online, weekend slots go fast |
| Wine and food | Bardolino, Valpolicella, Lugana | Foodies | Combine a bike ride with a cellar tasting |
| Theme parks | Gardaland, Movieland (Castelnuovo, Lazise) | Kids | Buy tickets online to skip the queue |
Lake Garda by bike
Hard to talk about the lake without talking about bikes. From the flat, family-friendly south to the famous suspended walkway at Limone, it's one of the finest ways to discover it. We explain it all, routes, sections and rentals, in our dedicated guide: Lake Garda by bike.
To rent directly in your village: Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione, Bardolino, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda or Riva del Garda.
What to do at Lake Garda with the family
Lake Garda is one of the easiest destinations in Italy with children:
- Gardaland, Italy's largest theme park, at Castelnuovo del Garda.
- Movieland and CanevaWorld, theme park and water park, on the Lazise side.
- Parco Natura Viva, a wildlife park with a drive-through safari, near Bussolengo.
- The shallow beaches of the south, ideal for the little ones.
- The ferries, an attraction in themselves: children love crossing the lake by boat.
The Lokki tip: rent bikes for the whole family and follow the Mincio path from Peschiera, flat and car-free.
What to do at Lake Garda when it rains
- The Sirmione thermal baths (Aquaria), warm and facing the lake.
- The Vittoriale degli Italiani at Gardone Riviera, the house-museum of Gabriele D'Annunzio.
- A cellar tasting in Valpolicella or on the Lugana side.
- The museums and castles (Malcesine, Sirmione), under cover.
What to do at Lake Garda for free
- Swim and wander the alleys of Sirmione, Malcesine or Limone.
- Walk the ramparts of Peschiera and Lazise.
- Admire the lake from Punta San Vigilio or the Riva promenade.
- Hike up to the viewpoints of Monte Baldo.
Where to swim at Lake Garda
The water is clear and there's no shortage of beaches. Our favourites: Jamaica Beach at the tip of Sirmione (flat stone slabs at water level), the beaches of Bardolino and Garda on the eastern shore, the bay of Punta San Vigilio, and the pebble beaches of Limone and Riva in the north.
Eating and drinking by the lake
Lake Garda has a cuisine of its own: lake fish (whitefish, pike), Garda DOP olive oil, one of the most northerly in the world, and great wines, Bardolino and Valpolicella in red, Lugana in white. And of course, a gelato by the water at sunset.
The finest day trips around Lake Garda
| Destination | Distance | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Verona | 30-40 min | The Roman arena and Juliet's balcony |
| Valpolicella | 20-30 min | Amarone vineyards and tastings |
| Mantua | 45 min | The city of the Gonzaga, its squares and palace |
| Trentino and the Brenta Dolomites | 1 h | Mountains, alpine lakes and via ferrata |
| Venice | 1 h 30 | A day in the Serenissima |
The Lokki tip: Verona is so close you can dine there and come back the same evening. Discover what to do in Verona.
When is the best time to visit?
Lake Garda is best enjoyed from April to June and from September to October: mild weather, beautiful light and reasonable crowds. At the height of summer the atmosphere is festive, but heat and crowds are guaranteed, especially at Sirmione and on the Limone walkway. Good news: parks like Gardaland open from late March to early January, with a Christmas season.
FAQ: what to do at Lake Garda
What to do at Lake Garda in one day?
Sirmione in the morning, lunch in Bardolino or Lazise, a swim in the afternoon and a bike ride along the shore.
What to do at Lake Garda when it rains?
The Sirmione thermal baths, the Vittoriale at Gardone Riviera, a cellar tasting or a castle visit.
What to do at Lake Garda with kids?
Gardaland, Parco Natura Viva, the shallow southern beaches and a ferry crossing.
How many days to visit Lake Garda?
Allow 3 to 4 days to tour the shores, a week to take your time and reach out to Verona and Valpolicella.
Which shore of Lake Garda should you choose?
The south and east for beaches, dolce vita and families; the north for wind sports, cycling and mountain scenery.
A word from Federica
What I love about Lake Garda is that you never really have to choose: you can swim in the morning, climb Monte Baldo in the afternoon and have dinner facing the Verona arena in the evening. My advice: base yourself in a single village, grab a bike, and let the ferry take you to the other shore whenever the mood strikes. That's when the lake truly reveals itself. ☀️
Ready to go?
The best of Lake Garda is discovered by the water, by bike. Compare the shops and book in your village: Peschiera, Sirmione, Bardolino, Malcesine or Limone sul Garda.
