One of the most popular destinations in Northern Italy, attracting tourists from all over Italy and the world, is undoubtedly Lake Garda. As a destination suitable for all seasons of the year, many tourists wonder what to see at Lake Garda to fully enjoy the potential this place offers throughout the year.

However, calling it just a lake is extremely reductive, as its shores touch three regions (Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino) and it is surrounded not only by charming villages but also by mountains and hills. A true gem of Italian tourism, Lake Garda can satisfy even the most demanding travelers with its unique characteristics.

Nature, sports, entertainment, culture, and gastronomy are just some of the elements that make up this landscape. Additionally, the care for the territory and the attention that owners of tourist accommodations (from hotels to B&Bs to numerous campsites) give to their guests make it a pleasant and welcoming place for all ages (young people, families with children, and seniors).

Because of the versatility of this place, we want to provide some recommendations to help you plan a visit or a full vacation based on your interests, preferences, and geography.

Lombardy (Brescia)

Sirmione

The first destination we recommend is undoubtedly Sirmione. A truly picturesque town located on a peninsula in the southern part of the lake. It is a very "complete" destination where the needs of many visitors can coexist. The first thing that catches the eye is certainly the Scaligero Castle, which towers over the entrance to the town. The Castle dates back to around 1250 and is fully visitable. Many legends are associated with the castle built by Mastino I della Scala, including the story of Ebengardo and Arice, whose spirits are said to still haunt the walls on stormy nights.

Another important feature of this town is the Aquaria thermal baths; located in the heart of the historic center, they overlook the lake and are characterized by sulfurous water with healing effects for respiratory system disorders.

The Grotte di Catullo is another significant attraction in Sirmione. This archaeological site consists of well-preserved ruins of a patrician villa, although the connection to the poet Catullus is uncertain. The two-hectare site is open to the public and, in addition to the remains of the original structure (which provides evidence of thermal baths in Roman times), it includes a museum and a charming, still-productive olive grove.

Isola del Garda

The Borghese Island, accessible by boat, is part of the municipality of San Felice del Benaco. Villa Ferrari, built in the early 1900s in Venetian neo-Gothic style, is now open to visitors (tickets available here) and is the main attraction of this place. The island's history dates back to Roman times, with existing remnants, and it was a pirate refuge for a long time. The property has passed through many hands; it was once a religious site established by Saint Francis of Assisi and was also inhabited by Saint Anthony of Padua and Dante Alighieri before coming into the possession of the Cavazza family.

Gardone Riviera

One of the most visited places on the Brescia side of the lake is Gardone Riviera. A place of great cultural interest, being the center of the Republic of Salò and home to the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani monument. A true house-museum that feels like a small "city," complete with buildings and gardens preserving the poetic, literary, and patriotic memories of Gabriele D'Annunzio. The amphitheater, auditorium, Mausoleum (where the poet's remains are kept), the house-museum, and the Puglia Ship are the main attractions. If you decide to visit Gardone Riviera, don't miss the village itself and the magnificent lakeside promenade. Another point of interest is the Heller Gardens, also known as the André Heller Botanical Garden, a magical and enchanting place worth a visit.

Desenzano

The most populated town on Lake Garda is one of the area's main tourist attractions thanks to its excellent organization. In addition to its artistic and cultural heritage, represented mainly by the Cathedral, the Castle, and the archaeological museum, this area stands out for its beach tourism and nightlife. Desenzano and its neighboring towns boast numerous beaches, both equipped and free. The lakeside is a hub for events and markets, attracting visitors from nearby cities.

Another aspect not to be overlooked is certainly "Desenzano by night"; the area is filled with numerous venues to satisfy all tastes. From historic center restaurants to beachfront aperitif spots and late-night clubs, the nightlife is well-organized and a major draw for many young people and tourists.

Limone del Garda

This charming town on the western shore offers rather "unusual" attractions for Northern Italy. Its name derives from the numerous lemon groves in the area. Citrus cultivation is uncommon in Northern Italy, but the mild climate here is ideal. The Limonaie are the town's iconic structures, terraces arranged to create greenhouses for citrus trees (the most famous is the 18th-century Limonaia del Castel). Not just olive trees, but diverse botanical species make this area appealing to nature enthusiasts.

A recent attraction is the Garda Cycle Path, a scenic trail for walking or cycling with breathtaking views of the lake, set on a cliffside.

Tremosine

Moving inland on the lake's western side, you'll reach a more "mountainous" area. Tremosine blends lake and mountain environments, making it popular with hiking enthusiasts. The main attraction is its panoramic terrace, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the opposite shore, where Malcesine and Monte Baldo stand out. Be sure to try the local cheese if you stay in Tremosine.

Veneto (Verona)

Bardolino

About 30 km from Verona, Bardolino is a beautiful village where buildings and the lakeside are perfectly blended, making it attractive to tourists who love strolling. Historically a fishing village, the streets run perpendicular to the beach to facilitate transporting goods from boats to the characteristic fishermen's homes.

Bardolino is world-famous for its wine, attracting wine enthusiasts and experts due to its strategic location near Verona's vineyards. Don't miss the Wine Museum.

Malcesine

One of the most famous villages on the Verona side is Malcesine. Its main attraction is the Scaligero Castle, which offers stunning views and is often chosen as a wedding photo location.

The scenery here was admired even by Goethe, who experienced an unpleasant incident that led to his brief imprisonment in the Scaligero Castle.

Malcesine is also the starting point for the cable car to Monte Baldo (up to 1,760 meters above sea level), a destination for trekking, paragliding, and nature lovers.

Trentino (Trento)

Riva del Garda

In Trentino, Riva del Garda is one of the most representative villages, located at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. Its cooler, mountainous climate makes it less popular for beach tourism but ideal for cultural and sports activities.

Canale di Tenno

Near Riva, Canale is a charming medieval village with stone houses and streets, revived in the 1960s and now loved by many artists.

Nago-Torbole

This union of two towns offers diverse microclimates and breathtaking views. Ideal for windsurfing and hiking, it features the famous "Marmitte dei Giganti," ancient glacial potholes formed 130,000 years ago.