Gargnano​

Latest page update: 3 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
The lakeside town of Gargnano is situated in the Province of Brescia, on the shores of Lake Garda. It has a population of around 3,000 residents and is located a distance of 149 kilometres east of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.

​Nearby places of interest include Toscolano-Maderno, Gardone Riviera, Salò and Brescia.
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Gargnano Overview
Gargnano, located in the Lombardy region, is a picturesque town set along the western shore of Lake Garda, offering stunning views of both the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its traditional charm and tranquil atmosphere, Gargnano is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the lake while exploring a town rich in history and natural landscapes. The town’s narrow streets, quaint buildings, and lakeside setting provide a peaceful environment to relax and unwind.

The town is famous for its historic centre, which features several charming buildings, including the Chiesa di San Francesco and the Villa Feltrinelli, a grand 19th-century villa that is now a luxury hotel. The town is also home to the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, a natural park offering hiking and cycling trails with breathtaking views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains.

​The nearby Gardone Riviera and Limone sul Garda provide additional attractions for visitors to explore, while Gargnano’s lakeside promenade offers a relaxing spot to enjoy the views, local cafes, and restaurants serving fresh fish from the lake. Gargnano’s blend of history, natural beauty, and proximity to Lake Garda makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Top Things to Do in Gargnano
  • Historic Harbour and Lakefront: The old harbour of Gargnano is a peaceful and atmospheric corner of the town, with fishing boats, stone quays, and views across Lake Garda. Lined with cafés and pastel-coloured buildings, it reflects the town’s past as a fishing and trading hub. The promenade extends along the waterfront, ideal for walking and enjoying the lake’s calm scenery.
  • Chiesa di San Francesco: This 13th-century church and adjoining former monastery were built by Franciscan monks and include a peaceful cloister with Gothic columns. The church itself contains frescoes and artworks from different periods, offering a quiet space for reflection and a link to Gargnano’s religious heritage.
  • Limonaia La Malora: Gargnano is home to several historic limonaie, or lemon houses, where citrus fruits were cultivated in terraced greenhouses. La Malora is one of the best preserved and can be visited to learn about traditional lemon farming on Lake Garda. The site includes stone pillars, old irrigation systems, and citrus trees still in cultivation.
  • Walking and Cycling Routes: The hills and olive groves surrounding the town offer access to scenic paths with views over the lake and mountains. Trails lead to nearby villages such as Muslone and Sasso, as well as to panoramic viewpoints ideal for walkers and cyclists seeking quieter, rural routes above the lakeside.
  • Day Trip to Toscolano-Maderno: Just a short drive south, Toscolano-Maderno offers sandy beaches, Roman ruins, and a lakeside promenade. Visitors can also explore the Valle delle Cartiere, a historic paper mill valley with a museum and riverside trails. It provides a blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage close to Gargnano.
Comune di Gargnano
​​​​Province: Brescia

Region: Lombardy

Population: ​2,665​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 78 km²

​Elevation: 98 metres

Highlights: Limonaia La Malora, Monastero di San Francesco

Close by: ​Toscolano-Maderno, Gardone Riviera, Salò, Brescia​
​My recommended accommodation options for Gargnano:
  • Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda Perched on the hillside above Gargnano, this luxury eco-resort offers spacious suites with lake views, extensive wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, and gourmet dining. Guests praise the peaceful setting, exceptional service, and panoramic views over the lake. €€€€ (luxury)
  • Hotel Meandro Located just above the centre of Gargnano, this family-run hotel features lake-view rooms, a pool, wellness area, and a restaurant with panoramic windows. Visitors enjoy the comfortable atmosphere, attentive staff, and easy walk to the historic centre and lakeside promenade. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel Gardenia al Lago Set in a restored lakeside villa with a private garden and dock, this elegant hotel offers stylish rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a quiet setting away from crowds. Guests appreciate the direct lake access, classic decor, and romantic ambience. €€€ (high-end)
  • Casa Elena A collection of self-catering apartments on a hillside olive grove just outside the centre, offering terraces with lake views, kitchens, and access to a shared garden. Visitors enjoy the rustic charm, peaceful location, and short drive or walk into Gargnano. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Loggia Martì Located in the historic centre of Gargnano, this small bed and breakfast offers rooms with original features, breakfast served in a stone courtyard, and easy access to the lakeshore and restaurants. Guests value the character, location, and warm hospitality. €€ (mid-range)
My recommended restaurants in Gargnano and the local area:
  • La Tortuga: Located in the centre of Gargnano, La Tortuga is a small, charming restaurant run by female staff. The cuisine focuses on simple and precise cooking methods, highlighting the flavours of fresh seafood and lake fish. The extensive wine list features international selections. Price guide: €€€€ (Special occasion)
  • Ristorante Sostaga: Situated in the Navazzo district, Ristorante Sostaga offers a menu featuring Italian, Mediterranean, and European dishes, including Lombard and Northern-Italian specialties. The restaurant is known for its attentive service and scenic views. Price guide: €€€€ (Special occasion)
  • Trattoria San Martino - Le 3 Oche: Found near the town centre, this trattoria specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, including lake fish and local specialties. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular choice among visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante La Mingla: Located near the lakeside, Ristorante La Mingla offers creative and genuine cuisine, with a focus on local ingredients and flavours. The lovely service and good advice from the staff enhance the dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Lido 84: Situated in Gardone Riviera (approximately 10 km from Gargnano), Ristorante Lido 84 offers modern Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The restaurant provides a stunning view of Lake Garda, making it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. Price guide: €€€€ (Special occasion)

Gargnano  Gallery

Close  to  Gargnano

  • Toscolano-Maderno (approx. 5 km south of Gargnano): Located on the western shore of Lake Garda, Toscolano-Maderno is known for its tranquil lakeside setting and historical landmarks, including the Museo della Carta, dedicated to the area’s long history of paper production. Visitors can stroll through the charming town centre, relax at the lakefront beaches, or explore the nearby Parco Alto Garda Bresciano for hiking and nature walks.
  • Limone sul Garda (approx. 15 km north of Gargnano): A picturesque town set against the backdrop of the Brenta Dolomites, Limone sul Garda is famous for its lemon groves and stunning lake views. The town offers scenic walks along the Lungolago promenade, visits to the local Museo del Limone, and boat trips across the lake to admire the surrounding mountains.
  • Salò (approx. 20 km southeast of Gargnano): A historic town on the southwestern shores of Lake Garda, Salò features a charming town centre with cobbled streets, lakeside cafes, and the impressive Duomo di Santa Maria Annunziata. Visitors can explore the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria, stroll along the promenade, or take a boat tour around the lake for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Sirmione (approx. 40 km southeast of Gargnano): Famous for its Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione is one of the most visited towns on Lake Garda. Visitors can explore the castle’s medieval walls, relax at the town’s thermal baths, and wander through the cobbled streets filled with shops and cafes. The peninsula offers spectacular lake views, ideal for a leisurely day out.
  • Riva del Garda (approx. 50 km north of Gargnano): Situated at the northern tip of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Forte Garda and Piazza 3 Novembre are popular attractions, while the surrounding mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports.
Lake Garda Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Limone sul Garda
2. Sirmione
3. Peschiera del Garda
4. Riva del Garda
5. Malcesine
6. Lazise
7. Salò
8. Desenzano del Garda
9. Bardolino
​10. Gargnano

​​👉 Explore the Top 10 Towns on Lake Garda

Gargnano  Travel

By Rail: Gargnano does not have its own railway station. The nearest major station is Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione, approximately 40 kilometres to the south. Trenitalia operates frequent services from Milan and Venice to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione, with journey times of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Milan and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Venice. From Desenzano del Garda, travellers can continue to Gargnano by bus or ferry.​
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By Road: Gargnano is approximately 130 kilometres east of Milan and about 75 kilometres west of Verona. Driving from Milan takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A4 motorway, exiting at Brescia Est, and then following the SP45 and SS45bis roads along the western shore of Lake Garda. From Verona, the journey is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A4 motorway, exiting at Desenzano del Garda, and then following the SS45bis road north along the lake. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
​
Nearest International Airports:
  • Verona Villafranca Airport (Aeroporto di Verona-Villafranca): Located about 80 kilometres southeast of Gargnano, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A4 motorway, exiting at Desenzano del Garda, and then following the SS45bis road. From the airport, travellers can take a shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova railway station, then a train to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione, followed by a bus or ferry to Gargnano.​
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio International Airport): Situated around 100 kilometres west of Gargnano, the drive takes approximately 2 hours via the A4 motorway, exiting at Brescia Est, and then following the SP45 and SS45bis roads. Public transport options from Bergamo Airport to Gargnano are limited; travellers can take a bus to Bergamo railway station, then a train to Brescia or Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione, followed by a bus or ferry to Gargnano.​
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Lake Garda Ferries: Gargnano is served by ferry services on Lake Garda, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Gargnano offers regular services to destinations such as Garda, Desenzano del Garda, and Riva del Garda. Both passenger ferries and faster hydrofoil services operate on the lake. Ferry schedules and routes vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.

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