Top 10 Places to Visit on Lake Garda
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten selection brings together the best of Lake Garda’s many towns and villages, combining the lake’s northern mountain views with its southern resort feel. From the historic charm of Sirmione to the alpine beauty of Riva del Garda, each destination offers something different for visitors.
Whether it’s the lakeside walks of Salò, the ferry links of Desenzano, or the narrow lanes of Malcesine, these ten places showcase the variety and appeal of Italy’s largest lake. You’ll also find relaxed beaches, lively markets and easy transport connections between each stop. |
Riva del Garda
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Limone sul Garda
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Famous for its lemon groves and steep cliffs, Limone sul Garda is a compact village with a dramatic lakeside setting. Colourful houses line narrow streets, and cafés overlook the water.
You can visit the lemon houses, walk along the scenic lakefront, or cycle the elevated Limone-Garda cycle path. The town has a peaceful charm with excellent views across the lake. Ferries connect Limone to Malcesine and other northern lake towns. |
Limone Sul Garda
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Sirmione
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Set on a long, narrow peninsula, Sirmione is known for its medieval Scaliger Castle and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo. The town is one of the lake’s most visited spots.
Thermal baths, pebble beaches, and a bustling historic centre add to its appeal. Visitors can enjoy boat trips around the peninsula and walk the lakeside paths. It’s easily reached by road and train from Verona and Milan. |
Sirmione, Lake Garda
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Peschiera del Garda
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Peschiera del Garda is a walled town at the lake’s southern tip, where the River Mincio flows out. Its star-shaped fortifications and canals give it a unique character.
It’s a major transport hub, with a train station and ferry port, and is close to amusement parks like Gardaland. The town also marks the start of the Mincio cycle path to Mantua. Peschiera has lively piazzas and several beaches along its shoreline. |
Peschiera del Garda
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Riva del Garda
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Surrounded by mountains, Riva del Garda sits at the lake’s northern end. The town has a blend of alpine and Mediterranean architecture, with a picturesque harbour and medieval tower.
Popular with hikers, climbers and windsurfers, Riva also has elegant parks and lakeside walks. Boat tours, cycling paths and art exhibitions add to its year-round appeal. Riva is a gateway to the mountains and nearby Lake Tenno. |
Riva del Garda
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Malcesine
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Malcesine is one of the most photogenic towns on the lake, centred around the Scaliger Castle perched above the shore. Cobbled streets lead down to a small harbour and pebbled beaches.
The cable car from the town centre climbs Monte Baldo, offering panoramic views and hiking trails. Art galleries, shops and cafés fill the historic centre. Ferries link Malcesine with Limone and the central lake towns. |
Malcesine, Lake Garda
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Lazise
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Lazise is a charming walled town on the eastern shore, known for its medieval gates, castle, and waterfront promenade. The old port area is especially picturesque.
There are small beaches nearby, as well as thermal spas and amusement parks just inland. It’s a popular spot for food lovers and evening strolls along the lake. Lazise has good road links to Verona and regular ferry services. |
Lazise, Lake Garda
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Salo
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Salò is a refined lakeside town with a long promenade, elegant architecture, and a relaxed pace. Its historic centre has arcaded streets and stylish boutiques.
The town was the seat of Mussolini’s Republic of Salò during WWII, with some historical buildings linked to that era. Today, it’s known for cultural events and lake views. Salò is on the western shore, close to Gardone Riviera and Toscolano. |
Salò, Lake Garda
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Desenzano del Garda
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Desenzano is the largest town on Lake Garda and a lively transport and commercial centre. It has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and nightlife along with a lakeside promenade.
The town also features a Roman villa, museums, and a ferry port with connections to the eastern shore. It’s a good base for exploring both the lake and nearby cities. There are direct trains to Milan, Verona, and Venice. |
Desenzano del Garda
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Bardolino
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Bardolino is a wine town on the eastern shore, famous for its namesake red wines and the wine museum. The lakeside promenade is lined with olive groves, shops, and restaurants.
It’s popular with walkers and cyclists, with routes heading north to Garda and south to Lazise. The historic centre has small churches and colourful houses. Wine festivals take place here in spring and autumn. |
Bardolino, Lake Garda
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Gargnano
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Gargnano is a quiet and elegant town on the less-developed western shore. It has historic villas, citrus gardens, and a peaceful lakeside path.
The town retains an authentic feel and is popular with visitors looking to avoid the crowds. It’s close to nature reserves, walking trails, and scenic drives. Gargnano is part of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park. |
Gargnano, Lake Garda
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