9 Best Towns on Lake Garda to Visit

1. Peschiera del Garda

Best for: Fastest day trip option from Verona

Unlike the rest of the towns on this list, I actually haven't been to Peschiera del Garda. The reason I've decided to still add it to the list is because it's simply the easiest town on Lake Garda to visit from Verona.

It's also a popular destination for families because of the close proximity to Gardaland Amusement Park.

The fact that it's easiest to get to and known as a family-friendly destination hasn't been a big driving force for me personally but for others, that might be exactly what they're looking for.

Peschiera del Garda has a long history as a vacation destination and is actually built on Roman ruins. The fortress still surrounds the town and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just know that Lake Garda is a popular day trip destination so if you choose to stay or just visit Peschiera del Garda in the summer, you can't be surprised when there are a lot of others who decided on the same thing.

Where to Stay in Peschiera del Garda

Although it'll be tempting to visit Peschiera del Garda as just a quick day trip from Verona, if you want to enjoy more quiet moments, stay the night to enjoy the town in the morning and nights with less crowds. Consider staying at:

• Budget Option: C House Rooms Lake: The rooms here are simple but well located right on the main canal.
• Mid-Tier Option: Aparthotel All'Orologio: Want more space? This studio apartment offers a balcony and a small kitchen.
• Luxury Option: Pavillon Suite: Want plenty of charm and a bathtub (a rarity in Italy)? The variety of suites are all stunning.

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2. Desenzano del Garda

Best for: City-like amenities and easy access from Brescia

We spent a few hours in Desenzano del Garda when we were traveling to Sirmione with family who came to visit. Upon arriving, you can tell that Desenzano is the biggest city on the lake, although still relatively small in terms of cities.

It does have a small and cute old town but much of the allure here is that it would actually be a good place to live year-round. I'll talk about the best time to visit Lake Garda below but many of the smaller towns function strongly based on the season, whereas Desenzano should be pretty open all year-round since enough people actually live here.

Outside of the old town, Desenzano is home to one of the best preserved Roman villas in Northern Italy. It's unclear exactly when the villa was built but most guess between 1st century BC - 4th century AD. You can still visit it today for just a few euros entrance fee.

Although it's not the most beautiful town on the lake, it is in a good location to get to both Brescia and Verona and has enough ferries that you could explore on your weekends.

Where to Stay in Desenzano del Garda

Spend the day in Desenzano, stay the night, and on the next day set off to another part of the lake to experience even more of the natural beauty of the area.

• Budget Option: Maison Audrey: Coming here for a dose of calm? Experience local life and peace and quiet by staying beachfront here.
• Mid-Tier Option: Malvezzi24 Boutique Rooms: Want to stay right in the center of Desenzano? I recommend choosing this one.
• Luxury Option: Antica Dimora Desenzano: For an extra luxurious stay, this hotel is over the top in all the right ways and will have you feeling as though you were transported to ancient royalty.

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3. Sirmione

Best for: A more impressive day trip option, especially for history buffs

Sirmione is by far the most popular destination on Lake Garda, at least from what I've heard. It feels like if you know anywhere on the lake, you know this town.

Compared to the other 2 towns in southern Lake Garda listed above, Sirmione is the only one without a train station. The narrow peninsula itself is pedestrian-only (and a family-friendly "train" to go to the beaches) and is only accessible by car, bus, or ferry. When we visited Sirmione, we took the ferry from Desenzano on the way there and on the way back, our hotel arranged a shuttle to the train station in Peschiera.

We thought the lack of a train station would make Sirmione a little quieter. We were wrong. Although it did calm down in the early mornings and late evenings after the day trippers left, even in early May, it was really crowded during the days.

Sirmione is most famous for the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, or Scaligero Castle. This is a 13th century castle right in the heart of Sirmione, built entirely in the lake, surrounded on all sides by water. I still can't quite understand how they accomplished that feat so long ago. This is one of Italy's best preserved castles, alongside the Scaligero Castle in Malcesine.

For your visit to Sirmione, I recommend you visit the castle, wander the streets of the old town, and walk (or take the small train) to the northern tip of the peninsula and go to Jamaica Beach. Here there is a beach bar to grab a bite to eat and/or a drink or you can simply enjoy the views and take a dip.

Where to Stay in Sirmione

Stay in Sirmione to further enjoy the huge medieval castle and surrounding beaches. I recommend:

• Budget Option: Luxury Suite Sirmione: You'll be hard pressed to beat this price point right in the center of the peninsula.
• Mid-Tier Option: Hotel Casa Scaligeri: This is where we stayed on our trip to Sirmione. It's centrally located, the staff is incredibly welcoming, and the rooms are comfortable.
• Luxury Option: Boutique Hotel Sirmione: Get an added dose of comfort and more outdoor space, complete with a swimming pool

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4. Garda

Best for: Those that want better beaches but without putting in too much effort

I'm going to be honest: I'm putting Garda the town on the list for a very specific reason. That reason is it offers the best views for the least amount of work coming from Verona. Just know that if you're trying to look up more information about this town specifically, I recommend searching for "Garda town" as just typing in "Garda" typically means the lake in general.

Here, you'll get a glimpse of the mountainous coastline in the north and start to get wowed by the views. Southern towns like Peschiera, Desenzano, and Sirmione showcase the mountains far off in the distance on a sunny and clear day but in Garda, you can see them directly across the lake.

To arrive to Garda, you'll still need to take a bus, drive yourself, or take the ferry. There isn't a train station here.

The town itself is pretty small and while it's nice to walk around, the old town lacks a lot of the charm that others offer. Garda is best for those that are coming to the lake simply for the lake itself. On the northern side of the town, you'll have a long stretch of pebbly beach to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Garda

Although most people (myself included) use Garda as a transit point, I do think it'd be a great place to stay the night, especially if you just have 1 night to spend at Lake Garda for this trip. Consider booking at:

• Budget Option: Hotel Cortina: This hotel is simple but offers just what you need for a good stay, right in the heart of Garda town.
• Mid-Tier Option: B&B Villa Dall'Agnola: This small BnB will certainly spoil you with their welcoming host, great breakfast, and guest swimming pool.
• Luxury Option: Regina Adelaide Hotel & SPA: This pet-friendly villa is right in the center of home and doesn't just have 1 pool, it has 2. This is great for those that want to book an off-season trip since you'll have plenty of indoor amenities as well as outdoor.

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5. Malcesine

Best for: A number of incredible viewpoints to choose from

Alright, now we're getting to the good stuff. Remember I told you that I much preferred the north end of the lake? Well, now we're here. Nestled on the eastern shore is one of the cutest little towns you'll see.

For me, Malcesine was love at first sight. I first visited this small but stunning town in November and was blown away by the natural beauty. Now that I've seen the town in full tourist swing in July, I can say that the summer season hits hard here. It was almost unrecognizable when comparing my 2 trips.

While in November, I spent most of my time hiking and walking around the surrounding area, in the summer it's worth wandering the old town and popping into shops along the way. At the very least, do yourself a favor and walk into the Palazzo dei Capitani. The garden and lake view here are a 10/10 and worth at least peaking at.

Really though, the reason I suggest you go to Malcesine is to get you to walk (or bike) south along the coastline. Although the town is pretty from inside of it, the real beauty is gazing at it from afar.

Head towards the Isola dell'Olivo and when you're almost there, look back towards Malcesine for a view that should really blow you away. Here, you can stop for a swim, sit on a bench and just relax, or visit one of the bars or restaurants along the coastline (most only are open in the summer months).

If you'd prefer to go up, Malcesine also has a cable car (funivia) that'll take you to the top of Monte Baldo. I haven't actually gone up here before (it was closed in November and on my last trip, I opted to stay by the coast instead) but I have heard good things about the view and the variety of hiking trails and mountain biking trails you can access from up there.

Where to Stay in Malcesine

Although you could stay down the coast to get the views day and night, I really do like the historic city center of Malcesine and think it could also be worth staying around there for easy access to restaurants. If you have a bike at your hotel, it'll be easy to scoot down the coast whenever you want.

• Budget Option: Hotel Dolomiti: This is where I stayed in Malcesine. The room was simple yet comfortable, the breakfast was good, the staff was helpful, and it put me right in the center of everything.
• Mid-Tier Option: Hotel Vega: Are you a sucker for a good view? You'll love staying at this small hotel. You'll get views from the room, the pool, and instant lake access.
• Luxury Option: Casa Titi: If you'd rather have your own space, this house is nestled in the hills right outside of the old town. It's pet-friendly and suitable for 4 adults.

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6. Limone sul Garda

Best for: The most picturesque town, especially in spring and summer when things are in bloom

Limone sul Garda is across the lake from Malcesine. Coming from Verona, you'd need to get to Malcesine or somewhere else on the eastern side of the lake and then take the ferry to Limone. Coming from the north, you could drive or take the ferry from Riva del Garda or Torbole. From the south, you can take a ferry from Sirmione or drive.

Like Sirmione, I thought Limone would be quieter since it was harder to reach. Again, I was wrong. My general perception of the town (from a July visit) is that it's much more touristic than the other towns on the northern tip of Lake Garda but it is undeniably picturesque. To me, the added tourist shops and people ambling about was a trade off for just how visually stunning it is.

I took the ferry here and just spent a few hours wandering around the town.

I specifically recommend you walk up to Chiesa di San Rocco. The short walk is really beautiful and the small historic church is an added bonus and offers nice views. While in Limone, I also paid the €2 entrance fee to visit the Limonaia del Castèl, or Lemon Museum. Although I'm not super interested in the history of lemons, I did enjoy the views and unique set up of the lemon groves. I also thought that the museum would provide a respite from the heat...it did not.

Limone sul Garda also has some beaches right outside the city center. These are closer to the 2nd ferry stop in town, near the parking lot.

Where to Stay in Limone sul Garda

There's a handful of great accommodation options here but know if you're visiting in peak season, places here tend to sell out fast.

• Budget Option: Hotel Castell: This hotel has a lot of different room types so you should be able to find a room for the size and budget you have in mind.
• Mid-Tier Option: Hotel Lido: If you're visiting to spend as much time swimming along the shores of Lake Garda as possible, this beachfront hotel is ideal for you.
• Luxury Option: Sibenbras Natural Aparthotel: This hotel is ideal for families or groups of friends since their apartments all sleep 4-6. This hotel is right on Lake Garda and centrally located in Limone's old town.

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7. Torbole

Best for: Watersports enthusiasts or those that want to try something new

Torbole is where you want to go if you're into watersports, specifically wind-based watersports. Think sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foil.

Although I saw a lot of people out on the water in Riva, I saw far, far more in Torbole. Along the coast you'll find countless rental places and schools for the sport you're interested in. This would be a great place for those that already know any of these sports to practice but it also looked like a great place to learn.

Personally, I think Torbole looks best from the water. From the ferry, you get a great view of the town and get to watch the watersports up close and personal. The town itself is really small and did feel more touristic than nearby Riva or Arco.

It's a quick bike ride from both of those towns to Torbole so unless you're planning your entire trip specifically for watersports, I recommend you visit if you stay nearby but choose to base yourself somewhere else.

Like the rest of the northern tip of Lake Garda, there isn't a train station in Torbole. You can either arrive by ferry, by car, or by bus from Trento or a town nearby.

Where to Stay in Torbole

Torbole is pretty small but there are still ample places to stay as it feels like the entire town is built for tourism.

• Budget Option: Hotel Aurora & Appartamenti: Located just a few blocks from the coast of Lake Garda, this hotel has a variety of rooms to choose from to fit your budget.
• Mid-Tier Option: GoTì Hotel: This hotel also offers a variety of room types but with slightly nicer amenities and better mountain views.
• Luxury Option: Aktivhotel Santalucia: Set a little outside of Torbole, this is the perfect place to stay for those that want luxury and tranquility. Don't worry, you'll still just be a short walk or bike ride to the coast.

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8. Riva del Garda

Best for: An all around trip, with a mix of restaurants, shops, and outdoor adventures

I'm pretty confident when I say that Riva del Garda gets my vote as "best all around." This small city offers a little bit of everything, making it an ideal destination for most. You can get dressed up and enjoy the historic old town, lounge all day on the scenic beaches, or push yourself the number of hiking and biking trails around.

While it's not the biggest city on the lake, it feels like it has the most area to explore. Other bigger cities, like Desenzano, have a more residential feel and lack the big old town that you really want to see on a vacation but in Riva, the old town is big enough to get lost for at least a little bit.

It's a common summer getaway for those in Austrian and South Germany but since it's harder to get to from the rest of Italy, I didn't see a big mix of nationalities like you get in the southern side of the lake. Sure, it had plenty of people but I didn't feel overly crowded. I had space on the bike paths and at the beach and I didn't need to make dinner reservations over the weekend.

You'll find a plethora of shops here but compared to other towns like Limone sul Garda, the shops weren't as touristic and seemed better for high-end souvenirs or chic clothing. Although I didn't go to any, I did notice a number of museums in the city for those that prefer a little historical context with their vacations.

If you're eager to get a panoramic view, go ahead and take the 3-minute ride up to the Bastione di Riva. If you have a Mio Trentino card, the ride is free.

Outside of the center of the old town, Riva del Garda has a big, grassy coastline that's perfect for a swim. It hosts a number of watersports and easy access to biking and hiking trails like the Ponale Road.

Here's my suggestion on how to spend 3-days in Riva del Garda.

Where to Stay in Riva del Garda

Often I recommend staying in the heart of the city centers so you can use up all your time truly enjoying a place instead of in transport. I don't think that's quite the case here in Riva.

While I do recommend you stay near the coast, you don't have to be right in old town to have a great trip. The city is small enough that you can easily get around by bike. Plus, there is a coastal bike path that makes this mode of transportation really safe.

If you haven't yet booked your Riva del Garda accommodation, here's what I recommend:

• Budget Stay: Aparthotel Englovacanze: This hotel has a wide variety of room types and sizes. The location is really convenient for those who want to take advantage of the ferry, hop on the Ponale Road easily, and enjoy town (more so than the beaches).
• Mid-Tier Stay: Hotel Villa Rina: This is where I stayed in Riva del Garda and loved it. The staff was welcoming, the breakfast was fresh, they offered free bicycles that made exploring easy, and the single room was just what I needed for a solo getaway.
• Luxury Stay: Lido Palace: If you're looking for something truly special, you can't do better than this hotel. You'll be right in the center of everything that brought you to Lake Garda, with easy access to enjoy the city but also the nature that surrounds you (if you can leave the hotel!).

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9. Arco

Arco isn't actually right on the lake but is close enough that I decided to include it on this list anyways. Arco is a small town just north of both Riva del Garda and Torbole. It's accessible by a beautiful, flat bike path that takes about 20-30 minutes from either of those lakefront towns.

When you get to Arco, I recommend you ditch the bike in the town center and wander on foot. The old town is really cute and well worth a walk around. They have a number of clothing shops and bars and restaurants. This one didn't feel touristic but like a town that'd be great to live in, even though there were plenty of people who also made the bike trip over.

Other than simply hanging out, you can walk or bike up to the Arco Castle. I recommend you follow signs in town instead of Google Maps to get to the top here. If you go on foot, the actual path will weave you through the residential area of town and up through olive trees until you hit the castle. For free you can enjoy the view or pay to visit the castle itself.

It's a short walk but does get steep towards the top. The views are worth it though!

If you do the bike ride (or walk) in the summer, I recommend you bring your swimsuit so you can jump in the lake directly after your trip to cool off from the sun!

Where to Stay in Arco

• Budget Option: River Inn Arco: This hotel sits right below the Arco Castle and has everything you could need for a comfortable and clean stay.
• Mid-Tier Option: GardArco: If you'd prefer more space, you can choose between 2 different apartment sizes here, either for 4 or 5 people.
• Luxury Option: Casaorti Deco Design: This trendy apartment has thought of all the details. Ideal for 2 adults, you'll be hard pressed to find a cooler place to stay in Arco.

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Best Time to Visit Lake Garda

Lake Garda gets 4 true seasons. This is especially accurate in the area around Riva del Garda since you're at the foothills of the mountains.

From my experience, smaller towns practically close down in the off season. When I visited Malcesine in November, very few things were open. I still loved the trip but was happy to go on long walks, hikes, and relax with my book. If I was looking for a lot of entertainment, I would have been disappointed.

Known that some ferries only run in the summer and stop in the off season as well.

Summer

Summer is the best time to visit Lake Garda if you want to swim or enjoy watersports. It's also the best time to take advantage of the ferry and visit other towns. From my experience, the summer weather was really unpredictable. One day it was super hot, with highs around 35C/95F but other days it rained and stormed and didn't get warmer than 26C/80F.

The farther south you go, the hotter and more predictable the weather will be. In the north, you're surrounded by the mountains, which always means quick changes in the forecast.

Spring/Fall

Spring and fall are great times to visit if you want less tourists but still the chance to enjoy outdoor activities and have some restaurants open. I would pack your bags on the chance that you get 4 seasons in 1 day.

When we visited Sirmione in the spring, it was still lively and open but the weather was cold, windy, and rainy. Still fun but certainly not beach weather. I'm sure even if you visited on the exact same days next year, the weather might be different for you so come prepared!

Winter

Winter is the best time to Lake Garda if you really want to completely relax. A lot will be closed and snow (in the north) might close a lot of the trails but on a sunny day, you'll still get the same great views but with very few people to share them with.

Enough people live on Lake Garda that nowhere will be a total ghost town but it'll still be a different world than what you'd see in summer.

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Which Town on Lake Garda Will You Visit?

I'd sum it up like this: if you just have time for a day trip, visit somewhere that's easy and convenient, likely on the southern side of the lake. If you have a few days to spend though, it'll be worth the added effort to get to the north end of the lake and enjoy the dramatic views and charming towns.

All around Lake Garda you're in for fantastic nature, impressive historical sites, and lovely towns that will demand your attention. For those that are looking for non-stop adventurous getaways and equally ones looking to relax with nothing on the agenda, Lake Garda is always a good decision.

Truly Lake Garda is a fantastic destination but given that the lake is so big, a trip to the south will be nothing like a trip to the north.