If you are thinking of taking a vacation in Italy, one of the places to put on your bucket list is Lake Garda.
It is the largest lake in Italy, and consequently, it is also the lake where Italians go on vacation. However, it is unthinkable to be able to discover all the things to do and see at once. The secret to discovering them all is to return several times at each time of the year!
In this article, we reveal the most beautiful parts of Lake Garda to visit, the iconic places worth visiting on Lake Garda, and that represent it worldwide. 10 ideas for things to see and do during your vacation that cannot be missed on your list.
10 Things to Do and See on Your Lake Garda Vacation.
1. Sirmione.
Sirmione, “The Pearl of Garda,” is among the most beautiful towns of the magnificent villages overlooking Lake Garda. A jewel located on the Lombard shore, Sirmione charms tourists thanks to its historical taste and the typicality and charm that characterize it. Sirmione is a town with a breathtaking landscape, alleys, and promenades embellished with flowers and plants of all kinds, medieval buildings, trendy shops, and luxurious restaurants. The visitor is immediately projected into a romantic and mysterious environment, enchanting him and making him fall in love like a mermaid singing to sailors.
2. Borghetto sul Mincio and Parco Giardino Sigurtà.
Borghetto sul Mincio is a fraction of the municipality Valeggio sul Mincio, in the province of Verona, and is included in the list of the “Most Beautiful Towns in Italy.” It rises in the valley of the river Mincio, at the foot of the Visconti bridge, and near the inhabited center was the station of the Mantua-Peschiera railway. Part of the headquarters of this line has been reused for the cycle path that connects Mantova to Peschiera del Garda along the Mincio for long stretches.
Not far away is Parco Giardino Sigurtà; a spectacular natural park located in Valeggio sul Mincio, a few km from the Veronese shore of Lake Garda, near Peschiera del Garda. It won the most beautiful park in Italy award in 2013 and the second most beautiful park in Europe in 2015. Find out more.
3. Gardaland.
“Gardaland, a child’s dream is to go to Gardaland …” This was the refrain of the song inserted in the advertisement for Gardaland, the largest amusement park in Italy. Indeed, Gardaland is the most touristy place on Lake Garda.
4. Malcesine e Funivia Malcesine – Monte Baldo.
At the foot of Monte Baldo, there is a city built around an ancient Scaligera fortress: Malcesine. An enchanting village overlooking Lake Garda, the northernmost on the Veronese side. With its small port, small squares, and lively alleys, Malcesine has an irresistible charm that captures you and never leaves you. Find out more.
A panoramic climb of 1800 meters in a few minutes. Yes, because the cabin of the Malcesine – Monte Baldo cable car has a 360-degree view and rotates on itself, so all passengers can admire the panorama of Lake Garda during the ascent to Monte Baldo.
5. Busatte – Tempesta Path.
A breathtaking panorama that stretches from the lower lake over the entire Brescia side to Torbole sul Garda. But the main feature of this route is the presence of 3 overhanging steel stairways, which pass over woods and olive groves anchored to the living rock. Walking on it is really exciting and fun. The stairs are made up of a total of 400 steps. Find out more.
6. Riva del Garda and the panoramic lift of the Bastione.
Riva del Garda is set between the water and the mountains that surround it, with a mild climate that gives life to a rich Mediterranean scrub: palms, laurels, but also citrus and olive trees from which a famous extra virgin olive oil is produced, the one further north of the world: beyond the 46th parallel! Find out more.
7. The Ponale Path on Lake Garda is classified among the most beautiful in Europe.
The Ponale path connects Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley since 1851. Since 2004 it has been transformed into a panoramic path overlooking the lake, where it is also allowed to travel with bicycles, mountain bikes, and E-mtb. Due to its naturalistic and historical uniqueness, it is one of the most beautiful and well-known European trails. Find out more. Find out more.
8. Limone sul Garda and the overhanging cycle/pedestrian path on Lake Garda
The scent of citrus fruits and enchanted alleys are the beauty of Limone sul Garda, which also hosts the Limone sul Garda (BS) cycle and pedestrian path inaugurated in 2018. The overhanging section is a wonderful example of engineering, 2.5 km long, and represents the concept of slow tourism par excellence: it will be impossible not to stop meter after meter to observe the enchanting panorama that stands out in front of you and enjoy the breeze of the Garda winds, the sound of the waves, the beauty of nature. Find out more. Find out more.
9. Strada della Forra.
The Strada della Forra is a road, about 6 km long, which, through tunnels, drop bends, and tortuous curves, allows you to enter the bowels of the mountain by crossing the gorge of the Brasa stream to reach the beautiful village of Tremosine (423 m asl) from the state road of the lakefront. Winston Churchill called it “the eighth wonder of the world”. Find out more.
10. Vittoriale degli Italiani.
The Vittoriale degli Italiani is one of the most evocative places in the world, almost a city within a city, a verdant and panoramic space created by the genius of the great writer Gabriele D’Annunzio. Find out more.
We have told you about the 10 unmissable things to see on Lake Garda, but we are already certain that during this trip you will be enchanted by the beauty of the area, and you will want to add other destinations to a list that will become endless. In this article, we recommend 10 unusual places for your next holiday on Lake Garda.
For any questions about your holiday on Lake Garda, do not hesitate to contact us by commenting on this article or by writing on our social channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , TikTok), we are always available to help you.
Hotels – Restaurants – Experiences on Lake Garda.
On Lake Garda there are many structures in which to stay, from small and well-kept B&B’s to resorts with wellness centers and beauty services, in the section dedicated to hotels find all the information you need to find the most suitable accommodation for you.
The same goes for restaurants, at this link you will find our selection of restaurants on Lake Garda. Remembering that Lake Garda offers several starred restaurants and the quality of the culinary offer is very high.
There are many activities and experiences you can do on Lake Garda, so we recommend you visit the section dedicated to experiences in our magazine by clicking here.
See you next time dear Outdoors!
