If you have three days of vacation and decide to spend them at Lake Garda, there are some must-see stops! With good planning, three days are enough to experience some of the wonders this fantastic area has to offer.
The first stop should undoubtedly be a visit to the beautiful villages along the lake shore. Architecturally charming and rich in interesting monuments, these villages deserve a full day dedicated to photography and leisurely walks. For example, Peschiera del Garda is a delightful lakeside village on the southern shore of Lake Garda, full of fascinating sights. Its historic center is dotted with quaint shops and restaurants, as well as stunning historic buildings, churches, large military structures, and charming squares.
One example is the Fortress or Rocca di Peschiera, surrounded by high pentagon-shaped walls, a structure dating back to the 1500s, featuring majestic bastions and artistic entrance gates. Another must-see in Peschiera is the Pedestrian Bridge, which allows you to cross the canal surrounding the Fortress. To fully appreciate the Rocca, you can walk the Camminamento di Ronda, an ancient path connecting the Tognon and Feltrin bastions: from this elevated point, you can capture breathtaking views.
From Peschiera, you can head to Lazise, located on the eastern side of the lake. This ancient village, founded by the Romans, boasts a splendid lakeside promenade characterized by postcard-worthy alleys and a charming little harbor.
For lunch, head to Bardolino, a village with distinctive herringbone-patterned houses that make the place unique and surprising. The paved spaces in front of the houses, flower-filled narrow streets, and numerous shops, ice cream parlors, and venues reflect the area's strong appeal to tourism. In Bardolino, you can stop at one of the town’s restaurants to enjoy delicious lake fish dishes and more. After lunch, take a walk to visit the village's churches and basilicas, which are definitely worth your attention.
Another unmissable stop is the village of Garda, home to the area’s oldest parish church. This village is particularly charming because it originated from a civilization that lived on stilts, making its architectural structure picturesque and noteworthy.
To conclude the first day, have dinner in Torri after visiting the famous Scaliger Castle of Torri del Benaco and the impressive Alpini Monument.
After exploring the coast and spending the night in one of the many hotels in the area, it’s definitely worth renting a motorboat to admire the lake's beauty from a unique and different perspective. No license is required to rent a motorboat, so anyone can enjoy a personal tour on Lake Garda, appreciating the stunning landscapes and colors of the shoreline.
To end your vacation in the best way, you have two options: spend the last day having fun at the wonderful Gardaland amusement park, enjoying not only the countless attractions but also the unique architectural structures that characterize the surroundings. Alternatively, visit the enchanting village of Sirmione, its breathtaking historic center, the Scaliger Castle, the Grotte di Catullo, or take advantage of the thermal baths to relax a bit before heading back home.
Before leaving, you can't miss a visit to Salò, always remembered for its historical importance. It offers beautiful squares, a delightful lakeside promenade, and an incredible number of churches to visit, along with the Clock Gate and the Aviator Monument—essential stops for those exploring this small village. A final must-see is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a complex of buildings, streets, gardens, streams, and even an open-air amphitheater located on the Brescia side of the lake, hiding a series of treasures that would be a shame to miss.