You find the small, medieval town of Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, surrounded by rolling hills. At the centre of its network of cobbled streets and pastel-painted buildings, you’ll find the imposing Scaligero Castle, which offers some of the best views of Lake Garda from its tower. If you’re taking your holidays to Malcesine with the intention of exploring the neighbouring towns dotted along the shore, you can catch a ferry from the town’s harbour and go sightseeing.
For thrill-seekers, Lake Garda’s waters offer a variety of water sports, while if you prefer more leisurely Malcesine holidays you can simply lace up your walking boots and take a stroll around the coastal path. Alternatively, spend your days relaxing in the warm Italian sun in a piazza café. Whatever you want from your holidays to Malcesine, you can make your downtime your own.
Things to do
Malcesine holidays can be as busy or as laid-back as you want them to be. Monte Baldo offers great fun for anyone passionate about the Great Outdoors, including cyclists, climbers and photographers. The central structure of Castello Scaligero offers superb views and a dip into the towns medieval history. The charming harbour is as pretty as a picture, and it’s easy to while away the hours in a café, watching the boats bob about on Lake Garda. Shoppers can flex their bargain-hunting muscles in the town’s squares, or hop on a water taxi across the lake and visit the surrounding villages for some boutique shopping.
Majestic scenery
From mountains such as Monte Baldo to colourful fishing towns on the edge of Lake Garda, every way you turn you’ll be faced with incredible photo opportunities. There are many ways for you to enjoy the superb views: get on the lake on a boat excursion, head up a mountain by cable car, hire a car or bike or simply take a stroll. The historic Scaligero castle is Malcesine’s most visited attraction, which is no surprise as it is perched on a cliff over the lake and has been kept in great condition. As you explore your beautiful surroundings look closer and you should be able to spot a variety of wildlife including birds and insects.
Fantastic outdoor activities
There is no end of walking routes from Malcesine taking you up hills and mountains or beside the lake. You don’t need to go far before you reach other towns, where you can then rest in a lakeside café. The bay of Val di Sogno is known for its clear water and is a lovely spot for swimming. In the height of summer the lake is buzzing with activities. Watersports on offer include sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing but they aren’t suitable for everyone, whereas elalpaca trekking on Monte Baldo is popular with all ages.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice