Lake Garda holidays are wild and wonderful. The sweeping lake sits between Milan and Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps, where colourful portside towns are backed by rolling vineyards and towering peaks. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather rarely dips below 25°C. You can soak up the sunshine on the lakeside beaches, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. That's when you're not exploring the majestic castles and bustling café culture. And with scenery straight out of a storybook, it’s no wonder that holidays to Lake Garda are so sought after among nature lovers.
The northern shores draw in adventurers, with hikers and cyclists taking to the mountainous trails of Monte Baldo. The breezier climate is also perfect for kite surfing and sailing, while kayakers and paddleboarders can take advantage of the lighter winds in the afternoon. The south on the other hand, is the land of lemons and olive groves. Here, the sun-soaked villages and sprawling wineries invite you to take things down a notch.
Crisp air, dazzling scenery and enchanting towns - holidays to Lake Garda are anything but ordinary.
Things to do
A holiday to Lake Garda is like taking a walk back in time, with so many Venetian villas and ragged ruins lying untouched in this region. If you’ve got the kids with you, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to the best-known amusement park in Italy: Gardaland Resort.
The coastal paths east of the lake make for easy and superbly scenic walks. Those who want more of a challenge on their Lake Garda holidays might fancy mountain climbing on the northern shores. Or, take a leisurely amble through the centre of Garda and watch the world go by from the lakefront cafes.
Excellent beaches
Lake Garda holidays are just as suited for lounging. Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine along the golden bays where soft sand shelves into the glistening, turquoise waters. One of the most spectacular beaches is Baia Delle Sirene (Mermaids’ Bay). Its shores are backed by fragrant orange and lemon trees. Enjoy views over the lush olive groves that roll up the hillside. The combined winds from the surrounding mountains lend the area to windsurfing and sailing, as well as kayaking and fishing. Enjoy a day on the water, then relax in one of the coastline bars, cafes or restaurants when the sun goes down.
History and culture
There is so much more history to uncover amongst the mountainous landscapes and luscious valleys. Poke your nose around the Gothic and Renaissance-inspired villas, churches and medieval castles that adorn the skyline. Visit the historic town of Sirmione to see the ancient ruins of the Grotte di Catullo grotto, or take a dip in the hot springs to soak up the natural therapeutic minerals.
Nightlife
Lake Garda has a whole host of entertainment to suit all tastes both day and night. The after dark scene in particular has quite a reputation. As well as having a huge amount of vibrant bars and clubs, which stay open till the early hours, the region comes alive with concerts, beach parties and theatrical events throughout the summer months. Book your stay during the summer firework season to watch the iconic displays on a boat trip.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice