Lake Garda Travel Guide: Italy's Largest Lake

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake and its most varied. The southern shore is relatively flat, sunny, and dotted with resort towns; the northern shore narrows into an Alpine fjord flanked by steep mountains, where the microclimate supports olive groves, lemon terraces, and vineyards at latitudes more typical of northern Germany. The lake is large enough that the north and south are climatically distinct.

Key towns

Sirmione — On a narrow peninsula at the southern shore, connected to the mainland by a medieval drawbridge. The Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera) guards the entrance; the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo at the peninsula’s tip are the most important Roman remains on the lake. Thermal baths (Aquaria) on the peninsula. Extremely crowded in summer.

Riva del Garda — At the northern tip, enclosed by mountains. The most alpine-feeling town on the lake. Good for watersports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing) due to reliable thermal winds. The 13th-century Torre Apponale overlooks the lakefront piazza.

Malcesine — Eastern shore, dominated by the Scaliger Castle. A cable car ascends Monte Baldo (1,748m) for views over the lake and the Alps.

Gardone Riviera — Western shore. The Vittoriale degli Italiani — the extraordinary, bizarre, and megalomaniacal home of poet-soldier Gabriele d’Annunzio — is the most unusual sight on the lake.

Activities

Windsurfing and sailing in the north (particularly around Riva and Torbole); mountain biking on Monte Baldo; cycling the 140km lakeside path; wine tasting in the Bardolino and Lugana appellations.

Getting there

From Verona (30–60 min by bus or car); from Milan (1.5 hours). Ferries connect all major towns on the lake.