Lake Garda Travelers Recommend

Italy’s largest and most visited lake, Lake Garda mixes traditional waterfront towns with pebble beaches, palatial villas, and countless boat trips, all set against lush, mountainous backdrops. Here are our ideas for how to get the most out of one day on Lake Garda. 

Morning: Getting to Know the Lake

Make the most of your time on a tour around Lake Garda’s perimeter, savoring the scenery and stopping at picturesque towns such as Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda—all without having to fuss about transportation or parking. Alternatively, make a foray onto the lake’s waters to experience its spectacular mountain views. Ride a boat to Garda Island (Isola del Garda)—the lake’s biggest island—to see its grand, Gothic-style palace, or bob by the villa that was home to late opera singer Maria Callas. If you’ve based yourself in nearby Verona or Milan, meanwhile, consider a day trip that covers the lake’s most popular towns and scenic spots, all with hassle-free round-trip transport and a guide to provide information and pointers.

Afternoon: Delve Deeper

If you didn’t take a full-day trip earlier, devote this afternoon to cruising on the lake. Take a sightseeing boat along the west coast past mansions and palm-laden gardens, and visit the pretty town of Salò to stroll and enjoy a gelato along its promenade. Adventurous types can opt to explore Garda’s hillside villages on a high-powered 3-wheel trike or go canyoning in the mountain rivers above the lake. For something more leisurely, book a cruise around the lake’s Sirmione peninsula, drifting past sights such as Scaligero Castle and secluded beaches.

Evening: Sunset Cruising and Supper

Lake Garda takes on an ethereal beauty at sunset, so make the most of your one evening here on a private cruise. Watch darkness fall on the water and enjoy a glass of prosecco as your skipper-guide points out the sights. Otherwise, end your day in time-honored Italian style with a passeggiata—an evening stroll—along the lakefront before heading to one of the many gourmet restaurants in towns such as Sirmione, Riva, or Limone for dinner.

From relaxing cruises to mountain adventures, three days is ample time to enjoy all Lake Garda has to offer. Trip through the lake’s picture-book waterside towns, cruise around islands and Roman ruins, and head farther afield to go wine-tasting and visit cities such as Venice and Verona. Here are our tips for three days in Lake Garda.

Day 1: Explore Lake Garda

Lake Garda’s towns are fairly widely dispersed around its shores, so consider a convenient, full-day coach tour that covers top sights such as Sirmione and Riva del Garda. Alternatively, break up the day with shorter outings. Ride a motorboat around the Sirmione peninsula, wafting by beaches, the Roman Grotto of Catullus—the relics of the poet’s country villa—and under the bridges of 13th-century Scaligero Castle. Otherwise, cruise north to the more mountainous section of the lake and meander around Garda Island (Isola del Garda), home to the Gothic-style Villa Borghese Cavazza. For a longer sojourn on the water, sail along the quieter west coast, visiting scenic spots such as Salò and Limone sul Garda.

Day 2: City Sightseeing

Take advantage of Lake Garda’s geographical position today on a day trip. History and architecture lovers might head to the squares and canals of Venice or to Verona, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site Roman amphitheater and the house of Juliet, Shakespeare’s fictional star-crossed lover. Also beckoning nearby is Milan, with its world-famous cathedral and designer shopping. Still within day-trip range (but barely) is Florence, cradle of Europe’s Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s David.

Day 3: Mountains, Wines, and Adventures

As you’ve covered many of the region’s top sights, devote today to one or two activities of interest. For more history, head for Mantua, a masterpiece of Renaissance town planning and UNESCO World Heritage Site, or, if you’re a nature lover, into Italy’s Dolomite Mountains to visit towns such as Moena and drink in high-altitude views over the peaks of Catinaccio and Marmolada. Alternatively, stay closer to home to enjoy more of Lake Garda’s attractions. Brave a canyoning tour, drive a 3-wheel trike around Garda’s hill villages, or opt for a wine-tasting tour of the Adige Valley, which produces acclaimed Bardolino and pinot grigio. End the day on a private lake cruise that includes appetizers and a glass of prosecco, so you can toast the sunset and soak in Lake Garda’s scenery one last time.