Vacation on Lake Garda – the best beaches, children’s entertainment, Monte Baldo mountain, ancient fortresses, and small towns.
In northern Italy, there are many lakes where you can have a great time. One of the largest and most interesting in terms of variety of leisure activities is Lake Garda.
The lake is surrounded by the slopes of the Alps, filled with alpine glaciers. The water is clear and very clean, and despite its glacial origin, in the hot summer weather, the water temperature can reach up to 24 degrees Celsius. The feeling of swimming in Lake Garda is unique – the water is slightly viscous like diluted glycerin. But it gives you a pleasant freshness, cleanliness, and vitality after swimming.
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At Lake Garda, you can combine beach, gastronomic, cultural-historical, active, and family vacations with children. We were there in the summer and were able to see not only the beach but also to climb the mountains. I’ll tell you about the most interesting things we managed to see.
Interesting facts about Lake Garda and its surroundings
- About 25 species of freshwater fish inhabit the lake.
- A typical ingredient for local gastronomy is truffle, which grows on the slopes of Monte Baldo, on moraine hills, and on the eastern shore of Lake Garda.
- On the western shore of Lake Garda, lemons, oranges, limes, mandarins, and bergamots are grown.
- Citrus fruits are the main ingredient in various regional dishes, as well as liqueurs and delicious desserts.
Weather and swimming
The average summer air temperature is around 24–30°C. And the water? It can be up to +27°C. Usually, it gets cooler after rain, but on sunny days, it won’t be especially cold.
However, it should be said that the lake is not the sea, and there are mountains around it. Therefore, the water is generally colder than at sea resorts. During the off-season, only the most dedicated would swim here, but in the summer, swimming in Lago di Garda is very pleasant.
Useful to know: there are piers or stairs for better access to the water on the shores. Don’t forget to take water shoes, as most beaches are gravelly with large stones, and the bottom of the lake is also strewn with stones.
As for the weather, the climate on Lago di Garda is mild throughout the year, with sunny days prevailing in summer. But keep in mind that the weather changes quickly in the mountains, and it is also windy here. However, in summer it is mostly pleasant, and the wind creates excellent conditions for windsurfing.
Approximate air and water temperatures on Garda lake:
| Month | water | air |
| December – February | 6-10°C | 5-15°C |
| March – May | 9-18°C | 15-24°C |
| June – August | 17-27°C | 24-32°C |
| September | 17-22°C | 20-28°C |
| October – November | 10-15°C | 10-20°C |
Beaches on Lake Garda
There are many places for organized and semi-wild swimming around the lake. The beaches towards the north are mostly pebbly, while those in the south are sandy.
For lovers of secluded and elite rest, the beach Lonato del Garda – Coco Beach is suitable: there are sunbeds, a shower, kiosks with drinks and food, and the entrance to the lake is partially sandy. The beaches Porto di Rivoltella and Spiaggia d’Oro are located away from the center of the town of Desenzano del Garda – here you will find sunbeds and umbrellas, food and drink for sale, toilets and showers, and a large parking lot nearby.
On the sandy beach Spiaggia d’Oro, there is a gentle entrance – good for families with children. The beach in Peschiera del Garda is suitable for those who like to relax on the shore with beautiful views. It has free showers and toilets, parking for cars, and the beach is accessible for people with disabilities – there is a special ramp for entering the water. For children, there is a playground with slides, swings, and trampolines.
Sirmione’s beaches are among the most popular on Lake Garda. The beach recreation area is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, cafes, toilets, and showers. The pine beach in Riva del Garda is pebbly but surrounded by a pine grove where vacationers can seek shade if necessary. The beach has a pool, playgrounds, showers, parking, and a cafe. The prices for a sunbed and umbrella are from €3.5 per day on weekdays and €7.5 on weekends.
Malcesine’s beaches feature fine white pebbles and a gentle entrance to the water. Most of them are equipped with necessary amenities for a comfortable vacation. There are parking lots, kiosks, and cafes.
Here are a few places where you can swim without the services of sunbeds and cafes:
- Beaches of Limone in Sul Garda – with stone steps, clear water, and piers. Great place for snorkeling and diving.
- Gargnano beach – for those who want to feel as if they were in the Maldives: a quiet place without the services of sunbeds and umbrellas, and the sea color is turquoise and very transparent.
- Gardone Riviera – here you will find pebbly beaches, beautiful parks with palm trees, and the opportunity to swim in clean water.
Don’t forget to visit the spa complexes near the lake: Terme di Sirmione, Aquaria, Parco Termale del Garda, Villa dei Cedri, and Terme di Colà. They are all equipped with pools, saunas, baths, and wellness centers.
What to Do and Where to Visit at Lake Garda
Monte Baldo
Take the cable car up to Monte Baldo. The Funivia Malcesine-Monte Baldo cable car transports thousands of people daily to the summit. It is considered one of the modern wonders of the world. The cable car cabin, designed for 40-60 passengers, rotates around its axis 360 degrees. So, no matter where you stand, you can enjoy a full panorama of the surrounding mountains and the lake.
Round-trip tickets for adults cost 25 Euros, for youth (14-18 years) – 15 Euros, and children up to 120 cm tall – free.
The lift consists of two parts: the first stop is San Michele – a steep asphalt road leads here, so you can drive up. The second stop is Monte Baldo – the final destination – with an elevation of about 1800 meters above sea level. The highest point of this range is the 2218-meter high Valdritta mountain.
The daring can go paragliding from Monte Baldo. Here, you can truly feel like a bird over the Alpine expanses and the sunlit Lake Garda. A flight with an instructor lasts 20 minutes, with prices ranging from 150-200 Euros, depending on the season.
Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is the northernmost area on the western shore of the lake and is part of the Brescia province. The name of the area comes from the Latin “limes” and means boundary. In the past, this place was completely isolated and accessible only via the lake or a steep mountain road.
From the church San Rocco, located right above the village, there is a fantastic view of Lake Garda. Among other attractions are the Church of San Benedetto with its four marble altars and the picturesque Limone port. The symbol of this area is the famous lemon orchards on the slopes of the Cima della Mughera.
If you wish to take a cruise on the lake, the best place to do this is from the town of Limone. During the day, you can sail to the other side to the town of Malcesine with the Scaliger Castle and back, and the views of the mountains are simply “breathtaking”.
Malcesine
Malcesine is one of the most elegant places on Lake Garda. Located on the eastern shore, it extends around the Scaliger Castle and the historic Palazzo dei Capitani. You can climb the tower of the Scaliger Castle in Malcesine. Not only does it offer a wonderful view of the town and the lake, but it is also a splendid medieval landmark.
Bardolino
On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, also known as the “Riviera degli Ulivi” or “Olive Riviera,” lies the charming village of Bardolino. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into one of the main tourist centers. It is a lively place full of shops, pubs, bars, and entertainment that you can enjoy until the early morning.
The picturesque promenade stretching from Punta Mirabello to Punta Cornicello also offers a touch of culture with ancient churches such as San Severo and San Zeno, as well as museums like Museo del Vino (Wine Museum) and Museo dell’Olio (Oil Museum).
In the historical center, you can get lost in the narrow streets and taste wonderful traditional dishes accompanied by the famous Bardolino wine. By boat, you can reach nearby spots on the lake where you can find other interesting places. Buses connect the village with romantic Verona and amusement parks.
By the way, Bardolino produces renowned wines known worldwide. What makes the wine from the Bardolino region special? The moraine soil has glacial origins, making it very diverse. Add to that the mild climate, and you get something unique. Various grape varieties are used in wine production, but the most important vine is Corvina Veronese, a local variety of the Bardolino region that has an extraordinary ability to adapt to different soils of the Veronese lake shore and its interior.
Other versions of Bardolino include rosé, known as Bardolino Chiaretto. These wines are characterized by a fruity aroma with notes of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and currant, while wines from the three sub-regions, aged for at least one year, also have hints of spices such as clove, cinnamon, and pepper.
Amusement Parks on Lake Garda
Lago di Garda is a great place for a family vacation. Besides relaxing by the water or cycling, there are several amusement parks where you can have fun from morning till evening.
Gardaland
With kids, you can spend the whole day on the water slides of one of the water parks – Riovalli and Le Ninfee. Or enjoy the rides, even water rides, at the largest amusement park in Italy – Gardaland. A one-day ticket costs 46 Euros, and a two-day park + aquarium ticket costs 51 Euros. Online tickets are cheaper than at the box office – on the Gardaland website.
Gardaland is the number 1 amusement park not only on Lake Garda but in all of Italy. It is also one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. It is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Garda in the municipality of Castelnuovo del Garda.
In this park, you will find themed worlds related to history, geography, space, and fantasy. There is even a world dedicated to the beloved Peppa Pig. A wide range of attractions and shows will satisfy both little fairy tale lovers and big adventurers.
Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium
The first fully themed aquarium in Italy. Visiting it is like discovering the most beautiful creatures that inhabit freshwater and marine waters around the globe. Admire up to 5000 specimens in 37 aquariums. A series of mysterious and fascinating worlds, inhabited by many animal species, from the most familiar to the most unusual and exotic, will captivate you. The visit is suitable for both adults and children.
Caneva Water Park
This Caribbean-themed water park spans over 100,000 square meters and is located on the Veronese side of Lake Garda. The park, with its diverse offerings, is ideal for all ages and features 15 attractions, 5 pools, and 10 restaurants. It is open from May to September.
The park’s theme is inspired by the famous “Disney Typhoon Lagoon Water Park” (Florida, USA), creating a unique environment with white sand, lush greenery, a volcano, and numerous water slides.
Movieland Hollywood Park
Experience the thrills of amazing films. At Movieland, you can become the main character, step onto the stage with actors, try stunts, ride on Route 66, or stroll through jungle paths to learn about dinosaurs. The park is located right next to the Caneva Water Park.
Where to Stay on Lake Garda
On Lake Garda, there is a huge selection of accommodation types: BnB – private guesthouses with breakfasts and pools. Or, a bit further away in the mountains, cozy agriturismos with vineyards and farms. You can also rent apartments with kitchens to prepare your own breakfasts and dinners for the whole family.
Sirmione – a town on the southern end of Lake Garda with good sandy beaches.
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Desenzano del Garda – along the lake, there’s a lovely promenade, a large cathedral, several supermarkets, cafes, bars, and pizzerias. Desenzano is also famous throughout Italy for its amazing weekly farmers’ market.
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Limone sul Garda – a charming promenade with palm trees and cobblestone streets with facades of gray limestone buildings. Also, lemon trees grow along the streets and stunning views of the mountains from any point.
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Salo – the name of the town, which is familiar to many Ukrainians, caught our attention. Salo left the impression of being more of a shopping destination. Along the pedestrian streets near the promenade, there are many shops with branded clothing. So, if you’re into shopping, this is the place for you!
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Malcesine – we chose this town because we wanted to relax on the beach, spend a whole day on Mount Baldo, and in the evening stroll through the narrow streets, sit in a restaurant, and enjoy the fresh air and views of Lake Garda.
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How to Get There and Travel Around Lake Garda
We traveled in Italy by rented car. In my opinion, it’s the most convenient option when you want to see more without relying on public transport. Look for car rentals at the airports – there’s a wide choice of rental offices. We did just that, renting a car through an aggregator, choosing the rental location at Milan airport, where we arrived by Wizzair. We also returned the car there before flying home.
From Milan to Lake Garda, we traveled on the toll road A4 (the toll for sections is about 10 Euros). After that, we traveled on free highways SP510 and SS45bis, which circle the lake perimeter.
If you don’t drive, you can take a train from Milan (or Bergamo) to Lake Garda. You need to travel to the Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera stations. Travel time is 1.5 hours, and the ticket costs about 10 Euros. From Desenzano, buses run to all towns on the western shore of Garda, and from Peschiera – to the eastern shore. There are also boats on the lake, for example, between Limone and Malcesine.
Useful Articles and Links:
- Rome – What to See in Three Days in the Italian Capital
- Summer vacation on European lakes
- Beaches of Tropea – cheap vacation in Italy
- Verona – what to do in the most romantic city in Italy
Travel medical insurance with discounts can be purchased from HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
